Now that the weather is starting to warm up, preparing your commercial HVAC system for the upcoming summer months is essential. If you don’t take the proper precautions, your system could break down. Here are some tips for preparing your commercial HVAC system for warmer weather in Enka, NC:
Inspect Your System
The first step is to do an overall inspection of your system. Check for obvious leaks and damage that may occur during the winter months. Avoid damage to pipes by checking areas such as crawl spaces, basements and attics where pipes may be in danger of freezing. An HVAC professional can give you a list of things to easily check.
Make Sure the System is Working Properly
Once you’ve done your inspection, make sure your system is working properly. Most commercial HVAC systems need to be serviced once per year to run at peak efficiency. During maintenance, an HVAC professional will check the “static” pressure of the system.
Static pressure is how much pressure it takes to move air through the system. An HVAC professional can adjust or balance your system if need be so that it only uses the minimum amount of energy to run.
Check Refrigerant Levels
Commercial HVAC systems need to work harder during the summer than at other times of the year. This is why it’s essential to check your refrigerant levels before summer starts.
If you aren’t properly maintaining your system with yearly services and tuneups, it may be running low on refrigerant. Low refrigerant levels can cause your system to fail, and it won’t cool your building adequately.
Monitor System Performance
Monitoring your system’s performance is key to spotting problems early. If you’re seeing an increase in utility bills, or your HVAC system takes much longer than usual to reach the temperature you desire, something may be wrong with it. It’s always better to catch a problem early on rather than wait until it’s too late.
Change the Filters Monthly
It’s important to change the HVAC filters every month. If you fail to change them, the amount of dirt and debris on the filters could drastically reduce the airflow through your commercial HVAC system.
It’ll cause your system to run longer and work harder, using more energy. It may also lead to costly repairs if the fan is sucking in dirt through the exterior coils of your unit.
Check Refrigerant Leaks
It’s essential to find and repair leaks in your commercial HVAC system. During the summer months, any lost refrigerant will be more noticeable as it accumulates on the ground.
Look for puddles of water around your AC unit or on your roof, as these can indicate a leak. Without proper ventilation, this refrigerant can cause harm to the environment and lead to costly repairs for your system.
Check Evaporator Coils
It’s essential to keep your AC filter clean and debris-free. If it isn’t, inspect the evaporator coils behind the filter. If dirt and debris clog this area, they can prevent the coils from absorbing heat, which, in turn, can cause your system to fail or lead to costly repairs.
It’s important to remember that HVAC equipment works a little harder during the summer months. Your commercial cooling system will require more attention than it does during other times of the year.
The best way to keep your commercial HVAC system running at peak efficiency during the summer months is by hiring a qualified and experienced contractor. When you prepare your commercial HVAC system for the change in seasons, it can work properly and keep your building comfortable all summer long.
Taking these steps will help improve the energy efficiency of your system and save you money on your monthly energy bills. If you want to ensure your commercial HVAC system is ready for cooling season, contact our team at Gentry Service Group for fast HVAC service when you need it most.
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