Now that we’re slowly moving from hot summer weather to cooler fall temperatures—followed, of course, by the deep cold of winter—it’s time for commercial facility managers to start thinking about preparing the HVAC systems in their properties for the switch from cooling to heating.
There are many steps involved in the process to ensure the transition is smooth, efficient, and without interruption to airflow. September is also a great time to start preparing so you can catch any issues before the thermometer starts dipping below zero.
Here are our most recommended steps for preparing your commercial HVAC system to provide heat in cooler weather.
Conduct A Thorough Inspection Of Your HVAC System
A critical first step is thoroughly inspecting your HVAC system’s heating parts and components. This inspection includes checking the boilers, heat pumps, heat exchangers, and other equipment for leaks, corrosion, blockages, and other signs of wear and tear that can affect your system’s performance. Also, be sure to check the ductwork for obstructions or leaks that can hamper airflow.
Inspections should be carried out by a qualified and licensed team of HVAC professionals who specialize in commercial systems. They’ll be able to identify any current issues and make recommendations that will help maintain system efficiency and prevent breakdowns during the winter.
Read More: Benefits Of A Preventative Commercial HVAC Program
Calibrate System Thermostats
Your building’s thermostats need to be calibrated to ensure optimal indoor temperatures according to the season. Calibrating your thermostat now will help keep your energy costs low and ensure your building occupants are comfortable. It’s a good idea to adjust the temperature gradually as the weather changes, as sudden, drastic adjustments may cause your tenants discomfort.
For even tighter control of your internal temperatures, consider installing Smart thermometers. These tech-driven units are fully programmable and will automatically adjust preset temperatures based on the time of day, building occupancy levels, and outside weather conditions.
Change The HVAC System Air Filters
HVAC air filters can become clogged with dust, debris, and other contaminants, which can affect indoor air quality (IAQ) and put additional strain on your heating components. Clean or replace the air filters to provide your building occupants with the best quality air possible and help extend the life of your equipment.
Many commercial properties still use MERV-8 or less filters. We recommend using MERV-13 filters, which can trap 85 percent of particles from 1.0 to 3.0 microns in size. This makes them the better choice for providing your building occupants with the best IAQ possible. MERV-13 filters also help to capture tiny respiratory droplets that can spread infection through the HVAC system, which is especially critical during the upcoming flu season.
Read More: Maintaining Optimal Fresh Air Requirements In Commercial Buildings
Inspect External Units For Debris
Birds, rodents, and other pests, as well as leaves, branches, and debris, have the potential to drop into the fan and break the internal components of your outdoor or rooftop units. Be sure to clean any debris and inspect the units for external and internal damage.
Testing Your Commercial Heating System
Once you’ve prepared your HVAC system for the transition from cooling to heating, turn on the heating system for a few hours to test its performance. Take note of any strange noises or unpleasant odours from the system, as well as uneven heating and problems with the airflow.
Identifying and addressing any heating issues now will help prevent more significant issues from occurring during the peak heating season when you need your system the most. If you detect any problems, call your commercial HVAC service provider in Ontario as soon as possible.
Consider These Other Energy-Efficient Heating Strategies To Improve Commercial HVAC Performance
Zoning
Zoned heating systems involve dividing your office spaces into different zones, each with its own thermostat and heating controls. This approach allows you to send direct heat to areas that need it, such as reception, lunchrooms, meeting rooms, and occupied workspaces, while reducing heat in less-occupied places, such as filing rooms and empty offices, helping to optimize energy consumption.
Energy Recovery Ventilation Units (ERVs)
ERVs capture the heat from the exhaust air to preheat the incoming fresh air, reducing the energy required to heat the indoor space. Additionally, since the outgoing air captured has more moisture, using an ERV will raise internal humidity levels, perfect for locations like Southern Ontario that have dry winters.
Contact Springbank For Expert Commercial HVAC Service In Toronto And Southern Ontario
Our team of licensed commercial HVAC technicians is ready to help you transition your commercial HVAC system from heating to cooling with smart, effective strategies that will optimize your energy consumption and extend the life of your equipment.
Get in touch with our team today for a free, no-obligation discussion!
Gregg Little, Paul DeThomasis, and Hugo Lopes are co-owners of Springbank Mechanical Systems. You can reach them at 905-569-8990 or via email at gregg@springbank.com, paul@springbank.com, or hugo@springbank.com.