Author: Andy

It has been three months since the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic took North America – and much of the world – by surprise. With Canadian and American businesses across the industrial spectrum making preparations to reopen, their leaders are developing return to work policies to minimize the potential further spread of the virus.

Many of these policies are being framed around physical distancing, as well as improved sanitization practices. However, the air we breathe is also an important factor in protecting staff, customers, and tenants against illness due to viruses.

This means that all return to work policies should also contain a plan to clean, inspect, and service the company’s existing HVAC system.

Now that we’re approaching the end of the winter season, it’s time to start shutting down commercial heating systems to maintain tenant comfort and conserve energy.

As a property owner, you understand that turning off the heat in your building is much more complicated than flipping a switch, and instead involves a series of procedures that need to be carried out by a trained professional.

Inspecting and shutting down the gas boilers and gas heating systems properly will also ensure any needed repairs are fully documented, and that cleaning and maintenance can be performed over the summer months, allowing the system to start up smoothly come the colder fall weather. 

Continue reading “Who Should Shut Down Your Commercial Heating Systems?” →

It has been a full two months since the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic started closing Canadian and American businesses, and anyone still operating has moved to online sales or curb pick-up where possible. Many businesses had to think quickly as to what they were going to do and how to do it properly. What is the next step for the businesses that can reopen and those that might never re-open?

Continue reading “How Much Will Our Business Change Going Forward?” →

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact businesses and clients everywhere, property owners are juggling financial figures and commitments to their own customers and employees, but one decision that should not be tough is whether to continue to maintain a building’s critical infrastructure systems. They may not be fully aware of why now is not the time to pause their maintenance programs.

If you’re like us, you’re watching developments on the coronavirus (COVID-19) as they happen. Businesses are closing, public events have been cancelled, and there is no shortage of uncertainty as to when this will all be over.

Now that the World Health Organization has deemed coronavirus a pandemic, we’re joining businesses around the world that are responding with a strategy that helps to protect our customers, staff, and the community at large.

Back in 2003, when the SARS epidemic hit the Toronto area, Springbank Mechanical Systems created a response procedure in the event of a pandemic, hoping we would never have to use it.

Unfortunately, the time to implement it has come.

Now that we’re fully into winter, and your commercial heating system has been operating for a few months, it’s important to make sure that your system components are working properly to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency.

This isn’t just a concern during the winter. In fact, you should ensure that your system is ready for winter before the temperatures drop so you have plenty of time to arrange for a repair or replacement without it becoming an emergency.

Heat exchangers are among the most critical components of your HVAC system. Without properly functioning heat exchangers, your building and tenants could be left in the cold. Heat exchangers can also signal the health of your overall system, and provide you with an early warning if your entire system needs to be replaced.

Continue reading “When to Repair or Replace Cracked Heat Exchangers” →

As with most things, each commercial HVAC contractor is not created equal.

Although the Internet has made shopping for contractors easier, it can still be a challenge when choosing the right service provider based on web presence alone. After all, it’s still a “people” business, where a trustworthy relationship goes hand-in-hand with technical skills and contractor reputation.

When there’s so much at stake, making an informed decision on an HVAC contractor is key to long-term satisfaction with your system. Try these 7 tips to help make the choice a little easier.

Property managers are always interested in learning about innovative ways to cut commercial HVAC energy consumption, solve inconsistent comfort levels, and improve heating and cooling efficiencies that result in lower utility bills.

Zoning systems can help overcome these issues, as well as allowing your tenants to better control their heating and cooling systems by setting the correct temperature for individual spaces that have different climate needs. Continue reading “The Benefits of Commercial HVAC Zone Control Systems” →

If you own commercial property, you understand the importance of keeping every aspect of your buildings running smoothly and as energy-efficient as possible.

This includes your HVAC system, which requires professional inspections from qualified HVAC technicians quarterly to prevent any unwanted surprises from breakdowns, inefficiencies, and increasing energy bills.

Between HVAC inspections, your maintenance team can also play a part in keeping your HVAC system running smoothly, even during peak use periods.

Continue reading “5 Important HVAC Checks For Your Maintenance Team” →

Commercial property managers understand that keeping up with regular scheduled maintenance of their HVAC system is an investment that will keep their systems running smoothly, as well as extend the life of its components. However, even the most rigorous maintenance programs can’t keep your system running forever, and eventually your HVAC professional will recommend that parts or all of it will need to be replaced.

Continue reading “Should You Replace Your HVAC System?” →