2020 has been an interesting year, and it’s not even officially summer. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home orders, many businesses were closed for a period of time — some permanently. As we return to our places of employment, this is a good time to review some commercial HVAC tips for summer here in Richmond.
We’ve already seen reports that this is going to be an above average hurricane season, so now is a good time to get things in order. The last thing you need are uncomfortable employees and/or customers or unexpected HVAC repair costs. Here are some steps you can take to protect your business during these uncertain times.
Schedule a Maintenance Appointment
When finances are tight and the economy is fluctuating, many of us do all that we can to curb spending. It’s understandable, therefore, that you might not be jumping at the idea of scheduling a maintenance appointment. The reality, though, is that taking a proactive approach can save you from paying for emergency repairs.
Here are some preventive measures that can keep your commercial HVAC system running optimally:
- Changing air filters
- Cleaning air ducts
- Maintaining outdoor condenser unit
- Inspecting equipment for signs of damage
When your air filters, air ducts, and condenser unit have become clogged with dirt, dust, and other allergens, it can impact indoor air quality and hurt the performance of your HVAC system. Not only can that cause your monthly energy costs to swell, but increased wear and tear on your unit will mean you’ll have to replace it sooner than necessary.
Install Programmable Thermostats
Unless your business operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, there will be times when your heating and cooling system won’t need to be running at full capacity. It’s most efficient to have your unit maintain a consistent temperature during work hours, but many will forget to make those adjustments manually.
With a programmable thermostat, you can control when your HVAC system’s peak times are so that you won’t be spending money to heat or cool an empty building. A professional can provide guidance so that you find the settings that work best for your business.
Air Conditioner Tune-Up
During the hot and humid months here in Richmond, no one wants to be overheating at their desk. If you want to dramatically reduce productivity and decrease workplace satisfaction, allow your A/C unit to stop working in the middle of July!
To keep everyone cool and comfortable (and protect electronic equipment), call in an air conditioner technician to inspect things such as:
- Refrigerant levels.
- Condensate drain line and drain pan.
- Equipment for signs of rust, aging, or other damage.
This might sound obvious, but you definitely want to stay on top of air conditioning maintenance during the summer months. Scheduling a tune-up appointment will keep your unit running smoother for longer, and help you identify smaller issues before they become big problems.
Use Fan Systems
While we all love a well-functioning air conditioner, there’s something to be said for fan systems. They don’t require very much energy to operate, are relatively easy to install, and come with some truly great benefits.
Installing ceiling fans throughout your workplace will keep the air circulating, which can improve indoor air quality. They can also cool things down, allowing you to bump up the thermostat a degree or two, saving on energy costs.
Rethink Window Treatments
You certainly don’t want to create a dungeon atmosphere in your workplace, but if you’ve chosen to forgo any sort of window protection, you may be missing an opportunity to improve the work environment.
The right window coverings can perform several important functions — they can provide privacy, protection from the sun, and help keep the indoor space from getting too hot in the summer. A qualified expert can provide insight into which solutions will work best for your needs.
Commercial HVAC Services in Richmond, Virginia
During these unprecedented times, we’re all trying to avoid unnecessary costs. At the same time, by taking proactive steps, we can prevent some of our biggest challenges. By scheduling regular maintenance and tune-up appointments for your commercial HVAC system, you can save yourself from emergency repair costs.
At W.G. Speeks, our technicians are NATE-certified and experienced at providing the very best commercial HVAC services. After 75 years, we care deeply for our community and offer a no-risk, free consultation. Don’t wait for disaster to strike at the worst time. Give us a call today — we’re here to help!
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