Friday, 26 February 2021

Commercial HVAC Preventative Maintenance Checklist

Unsure of how to take care of your commercial HVAC system from season to season? Our commercial heating and air conditioning repair team has you covered, with the details on essential seasonal maintenance tasks. This spring, ensure your commercial AC is in tip-top shape before summer weather extremes push the limits of your system.

Spring Commercial HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Our commercial HVAC mechanical services recommend regularly performing these tasks:

  • Change AC filters 
    Regularly changing air filters is one of the most important maintenance tasks. Dirt buildup in filters forces your system to work harder, negatively impacting your system’s performance and lifespan. Dirty filters also distribute dirt through essential AC components and your business, affecting indoor air quality.
  • Clean coils and fan
    Fifty percent of summer AC failures are the result of improper cleaning. Evaporator coils, condenser coils, and fan blades clogged with layers of dust, dirt, mold, and plant debris drag down the performance of your system, making it difficult for your commercial HVAC system to maintain temperature.
  • Maintain drain lines
    Drain lines must be regularly cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent clogs from dirt, minerals, mold, and mildew that can lead to leaks and water damage inside your building.
  • Inspect electrical components
    It’s best to regularly inspect the wiring in your commercial HVAC system for loose connection, shorts, and visible damage from animals that may have sought shelter in your system over the winter.
  • Check refrigerant levels
    A system with low refrigerant levels will have difficulty maintaining temperature. If levels are low, this indicates a leak.
  • Verify thermostat function
    Your thermostat serves as the brain of your system. If it is not reading the temperature accurately or engaging the system as it should, it could lead to an uncomfortable indoor climate and wasted energy. A minor investment in upgrading to a new smart thermostat offers superior comfort and savings.
  • Check for adequate airflow
    Check for furnishings blocking vents and registers and ensure airflow is evenly distributed through all vents and registers.

Well Maintained Commercial HVAC Systems Save Energy

Regularly performing these basic maintenance tasks will keep your system running at peak performance – however, our commercial HVAC contractors want you to know this list is not all-inclusive. Rooftop units, heat pumps, VRF systems, chiller/cooling towers, water-cooled systems, dehumidifiers, and more all have unique care requirements. The type, age, location, and usage of your system may also affect maintenance frequency. A customized commercial HVAC maintenance plan is best to ensure peak performance, keep energy costs in check, and prolong the life of your system.

Make sure your commercial HVAC system gets the timely, expert care it needs. Contact H & H Commercial Services to schedule a full system inspection or to learn more about our commercial maintenance plans today.

 

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/commercial-hvac-preventative-maintenance-checklist/

Friday, 12 February 2021

How to Avoid Unfortunate Commercial HVAC Accidents

Experiencing a fire is traumatic. Most unfortunate is that, most home and business owners think they are unlikely to suffer such an incident, believing they are less at risk than those they see in the news. This false sense of security, called optimism bias, leads many to neglect procedures that could safeguard them against a similar experience. Commercial HVAC contractors know dangerous HVAC fires are among these preventable issues, and they are avoidable with simple maintenance measures.

Basic Steps You Can Take to Prevent HVAC Fires

Making yourself aware of common HVAC related fire hazards is essential to protect your business. Keep a watchful eye out for these common causes:

  • HVAC electrical problems
    Electrical issues are the leading cause of HVAC fires. Commercial heating and air conditioning repair technicians see a lot of them, particularly in aging, poorly maintained systems. Making yourself aware of the condition of your system through regular HVAC maintenance can help you prevent a dangerous situation. If it’s been a while since your system has been serviced, don’t wait. A professional checkup could thwart a potential disaster – or at the very least, major repair expenses.
  • Overuse in weather extremes
    Heating and air conditioning systems draw a lot of current. In heat waves and cold snaps, when HVAC constantly runs for many hours or days at a time, it is possible for the motor to overheat, resulting in a fire.
  • Crowded heating and air equipment
    Heating and cooling equipment located in cramped quarters,  crowded by cleaning chemicals and boxes – or worse – used as shelving to store these items, poses a serious fire risk. Keeping your unit clear and unobstructed ensures efficient operation and reduces fire risk.
  • Improper installation
    Installation mistakes such as poorly fitted connections can go undetected for years until other forces like weather or an earthquake worsen the issue. Regular inspections by our commercial HVAC mechanical services contractors ensure all fittings, gas, and electrical lines to your unit are properly secure and in good working order.
  • Combustion-related concerns
    Combustion equipment such as gas furnaces poses a host of fire hazards, particularly when maintenance is neglected. In addition to all of the above concerns, faulty gas connections, improper fuel pressure (both high and low), and leaking fuel lines could result in a fire. Poorly maintained combustion appliances may also pose carbon monoxide dangers, making routine maintenance a must on these systems.

Don’t play with fire. Catch dangerous heating and air issues before they result in damage and inventory loss. Make sure your system is installed correctly and maintained annually. Contact H & H Commercial Services to schedule preventative HVAC maintenance today.


This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/how-to-avoid-unfortunate-commercial-hvac-accidents/