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Blog > Spring into action: Commercial HVAC spring maintenance checklist for warmer weather
The winter chill is clearing and the flowers are starting to bloom – spring is on its way!
While you might be prepared for the change of season, your commercial heating, air conditioning, and ventilation (HVAC) system may not be. Its seasonal settings and the wear from a tough winter might mean it’s not ready to perform optimally in the warmer weather.
Thankfully, you can set up your HVAC system for peak spring performance with a few simple tweaks. Just follow our easy commercial HVAC spring maintenance checklist to boost indoor air quality, reduce energy consumption, and ensure the long-term health of your system.
When your air filters get clogged with dirt and debris, it limits airflow through your cooling system. That means your commercial HVAC unit needs to work harder, which reduces energy efficiency and increases wear.
Signs your HVAC air filters need cleaning include:
An easy way to test whether your filters need changing is to hold them up to a light. If little or no light passes through, they’re dirty and should be cleaned or replaced immediately.
It’s generally recommended that you inspect HVAC air filters monthly, and replace them every one to three months depending on their condition. This helps you improve indoor air quality and ensure peak performance with minimal wear and tear.
A lot of debris, dust, and leaves build up around your outdoor HVAC unit during winter. Just like dirt in your filters, these block airflow and reduce efficiency.
Shut down your system, then head outside to remove the debris from around your outdoor unit. You can do this by hosing off your unit with a regular garden hose, not a power washer. You should also check for pests that might have nested in your air conditioning system over winter and clear them away.
Over time, vents accumulate dust, dirt, and debris. This not only clogs the system and makes it work harder, but also reduces air quality and spreads contaminants throughout your building. Cleaning your vents and ducts removes these contaminants and protects general well-being.
Another big problem is that dampness and condensation can build up in your air ducts and vents during winter, which can lead to mold growth. Thorough cleaning lets you remove that moisture and mold, so you can enjoy a safe and healthy indoor environment.
Your commercial HVAC system helps you maintain an ideal indoor temperature for your building while providing a constant supply of fresh, clean air.
But if the seals on your windows and doors are compromised, air transfer between inside and outside increases. This makes it harder to maintain optimal indoor conditions and puts unnecessary strain on your HVAC system.
As part of your workplace spring cleaning, perform a visual inspection of your windows and doors, and see if you can feel any cold breezes coming in. If you have access to an infrared thermometer, you can also use it to identify cold spots that could indicate a leak.
The Kansas Corporate Commission recommends setting your thermostat to 68oF during winter to save money. For spring and summer, it’s generally recommended that you set it to 78oF.
Setting your thermostat properly allows you to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature for your building without overworking your system. This helps cut down your energy bills and extend the life of your HVAC system.
Check the batteries in your thermostat and reprogram it to accommodate warm month temperatures.
If you notice unusually warm indoor temperatures as we move to spring and summer, it could be a sign that your cooling system isn’t working properly.
Check your air conditioner refrigerant lines for signs of damage, such as cracks in the pipes. These can cause refrigerant leaks, which decrease the efficiency of your cooling system.
Unfortunately, split cooling lines aren’t something you can fix with a few strips of duct tape. If you notice any damage, contact DMC Service right away for emergency HVAC repair. We’re available 24/7/365, so you can rely on us for quick support for all your commercial HVAC troubles.
While we’re there, we’ll also adjust your refrigerant levels to meet your system’s needs. Too much or too little will reduce efficiency and increase your energy costs. So even though it’s a simple task, it’s still best left to a professional.
Dust and contaminants tend to collect on the blades of your ceiling fans.
If you haven’t used these during winter, suddenly turning them on will spread this debris throughout your building. So before you turn on your ceiling fans, be sure to dust and wash the blades.
The direction in which fans spin also has an influence on room temperature.
During winter, ceiling fans should spin clockwise at a low speed. This creates an updraft that moves warm air trapped near the ceiling back out and around the room.
But in spring and summer, your ceiling fan should spin counterclockwise. This causes a downdraft that gives you a pleasant cooling breeze.
One of the best things you can do to extend HVAC lifespan and improve efficiency is schedule regular tune-ups from a trusted local provider like DMC Service.
When we visit your building for commercial HVAC spring maintenance, our qualified technicians will:
We handle all aspects of commercial HVAC spring maintenance for you, saving time and hassle, and ensuring all work is carried out to a professional standard. That means you can enjoy lower energy bills, improved indoor air quality, and greater comfort – as well as maintain your warranty compliance!
It’s best to have your system serviced at least every six months. But for larger buildings, a quarterly visit is recommended.
Commercial HVAC spring maintenance is vital for the long-term health of your system. It also helps you save money and creates a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere for employees, customers, and other visitors.
Businesses throughout the Kansas City metro area rely on DMC Service for industry-leading commercial HVAC servicing, repair, and replacement. And with 24/7/365 support from our qualified and experienced HVAC technicians, you can have confidence that we’re always got your back.
Contact us now to book your commercial HVAC spring maintenance and get set for another great year in business!