Timing is everything when it comes to maintaining an efficient heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Making smart decisions about your HVAC system can affect utility bills and comfort significantly. As a business owner or owner of a rental building, comfort plays a huge role in keeping your occupants content. To maintain an efficient HVAC system, or when you should pay extra attention to your HVAC system, consider the following:
When rooms feel too hot or too cold, inadequate air sealing or insufficient insulation could be the cause. No matter how efficient your heating and cooling system is, if your building is not properly sealed or insulated, the HVAC system will have to work harder, and it will be more difficult to maintain an acceptable comfort level.
If your HVAC system is more than ten years old, needs frequent repairs, and your energy bills continue to go up, it is likely due to its and condition. Consider replacing it with newer, more efficient equipment to save costs now and in the long run.
Dust and dirt that infiltrates your HVAC system can cause tremendous inefficiency and may lead to system failure. It’s important to change your air filter regularly. A clean filter will prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system, which can lead to expensive maintenance and early system failure. Have your filter checked every month, especially during winter and summer months, when use tends to be heavier.
When the thermostat temperature reading seems off, have the seals checked of the heating and cooling ducts for leaks. Because ducts are often concealed within walls and ceilings, it may help to hire a reputable inspector to check your system. You can also self-perform a check of the connections at vents and registers to ensure they are well-sealed where they meet the floors, walls, and ceilings. These are common locations to find leaks and disconnected ductwork.
Overall, keeping your HVAC system efficiency can be accomplished by monitoring for common issues such as leaky, torn, and disconnected ducts, poorly sealed registers and grills, dirt-filled air filters, and by performing regular system checks. Performing these routine maintenance procedures, you will save yourself time and money in the long run.
Because commercial HVAC systems are commonly located on the rooftop, it’s important to involve a commercial roofing contractor when these systems are installed or worked on. Rooftop HVAC systems penetrate the roof surface, creating potential locations for leaks and related issues. HVAC technicians have been known to drop (and/or forget) tools and materials on the roof surface, so make sure the roof is inspected after their work is done. The roofing contractor should also be able to provide walkpads that will protect the surface in highly trafficked areas.
Versatile Commercial Flat Roofing carries industry-leading flat roofing systems to provide the latest in efficient technology and green solutions. To learn more about our commercial roofing services or request a no cost roof inspection, please contact us at 989-239-4667.
