Last year was been particularly challenging for business owners. With social distancing protocols in effect, most brick and mortar companies were forced to close up shop for extended periods. This was especially difficult for those owners of commercial buildings. However, as the trying times of last year’s pandemic finally seem to be winding down, many consumers are slowly returning to a sense of normalcy. In order to meet the demand for new safety and health protocols, commercial building owners are taking extra precautions. With that in mind, communal utilities, such as industrial HVAC systems, are more important than ever.
While gearing up for a hot summer and a return of high volume occupancy, now is the best time to rethink your commercial HVAC system’s lifespan. Here, we will look at some important tips on getting the most out of your commercial HVAC system, while keeping health and safety at the forefront.
The Basics of Commercial HVAC Units
Keep in mind that the basic fundamentals of commercial HVAC systems aren’t all that different than those of residential air conditioners. The general rule of thumb for building owners is that most guidelines for proper maintenance and care remain the same, only on a larger scale. If you’re a commercial building owner and are looking to extend the life of your commercial HVAC system, there are a few simple, yet crucial, tasks for responsible commercial HVAC ownership. Again, safety and your unit’s longevity go hand-in-hand.
First on that list is to always remember the necessity of preventive maintenance. While regular maintenance for residential air conditioners and furnaces is highly recommended for homeowners, when it comes to a commercial property, this is even more important. The safety, health, and comfort of your commercial building’s visitors are all directly linked to the HVAC system. With that in mind, preventive maintenance of the system by an expert HVAC technician is the best investment you can make for guaranteeing consistent system operation. For example, your units’ numerous air filters require changing every two months, or more depending upon the amount of use your HVAC receives. Dirty filters catch debris, mold, and other allergens within their mesh. Clean ductwork, ventilation, and air filters purify your commercial property’s indoor air quality and extend the life of your system.
A professional technician will know the best time to conduct these maintenance tasks, as well as perform system tune-ups and safety inspections. They can also carry out emergency repairs as needed. If you truly want to get the most out of your commercial HVAC system, consider investing in an ongoing HVAC maintenance plan. At the end of the year, you’ll quickly see the value of your investment in overall energy savings.
Energy Efficiency on a Large Scale
One of the most important aspects of owning a commercial HVAC system to remember is that energy efficiency has many benefits. For example, when an HVAC unit receives the proper maintenance and cares it requires, its airflow and energy use become stabilized. Changing air filters, having vents cleaning, scheduling tune-ups, and safety inspections all affect your commercial building’s overall energy use. Not only is the health and safety of your building’s visitors affected, but your energy bills and carbon footprint are impacted as well.
For those reasons, as well as extending your unit’s lifespan, it’s a good idea to consider preventative maintenance service as part of your necessities. Additionally, consider having your building manager take safety walk-through inspections with your retailed HVAC company, as it never hurts to emphasize the importance of maintenance and air quality to your operations staff.
Although every commercial building owner’s budget is different, now could be the best time to consider renovating your commercial property towards a more energy efficient structure. HVAC unit maintenance, programmable thermostats, and Energy Star-approved operating systems can all save you money while ensuring that your building’s visitors feel safe being back in the world amid the “new normal.”
