In the springtime, average temperatures in Houston can rise as high as 88ºF. Because of this, it is important to make sure your commercial HVAC system is ready for the heat. After a long winter, your system may need a few tune-ups to perform its best.

Here’s everything you need to know about HVAC spring maintenance for your commercial unit.

Common Commercial HVAC Problems

The first step to ensuring that your commercial unit is running smoothly, is to be aware of the common problems you may face. If you notice any of these signs, then it’s probably time to call emergency HVAC services.

Loud Noises

HVAC units are typically quiet, so any loud noises are a cause for concern. If you hear a rattling noise, then it is likely that a part has come loose and is moving around in the unit. This is usually a quick fix for an experienced technician.

If you hear a low rumble, then you may have something in your ducts or a malfunctioning furnace.

Clogged Filters

Although clogged filters do not cause any problems right away, it poses harm to the health of the occupants in your building. Dirty filters can disrupt the air flow and cause mold to grow, which is a serious health hazard. A good rule of thumb is to replace your filters once every three months.

Refrigerant Leaks

The chemical that allows your air conditioning unit to produce cold air is called refrigerant. If you notice that your air conditioner is on but not working, then you may need more refrigerant in your unit. A professional commercial AC specialist can get your unit working in no time.

Unresponsiveness

If your HVAC unit simply won’t turn on, then this is obviously an issue. Most of the time this is an issue with your thermostat that an HVAC specialist can easily fix. This could be anything from dead batteries, to a tripped breaker, to a thermostat in need of replacing.

Spring Maintenance Tips for Your System

With spring in full swing, it’s time to get your HVAC unit ready for the season. Here are a few spring maintenance tips for you to keep in mind.

Schedule a Routine Tune-Up

The first step is to schedule a routine tune-up with your local HVAC specialist. Routine preventive maintenance is said to reduce the risk of HVAC breakdowns by 95%. A professional HVAC technician will know exactly what to look for when evaluating your unit.

During this inspection, your technician will check the refrigerant levels, electrical connections, and ductwork. If your ductwork is leaking, then you could be at risk for higher energy bills.

Update Your Thermostat

If you don’t have a smart thermostat, then it’s time to get one. Smart thermostats are programmable and allow you or your occupants to control the temperature at any time, anywhere. This small change can help you to save up to 10% on your heating and cooling bills every year.

Give Your Unit a Thorough Cleaning

After a long winter, your HVAC unit is likely to have collected dirt and debris. A simple wipe down can do wonders for your unit. Cleaning everything can both extend the life of your unit and also improve indoor air quality.

Make sure you double-check the outdoor units throughout the spring season, especially after storms where branches, leaves, and dirt can blow into your unit and cause it to become clogged.

Seal Your Ducts

If your ducts are not properly sealed, then you run the risk of decreasing the overall energy efficiency of your HVAC system. If you have holes in your ductwork, then air could be escaping, which can cause your system to work improperly.

You may also want to consider air duct cleaning. Dirty air ducts can cause poor air quality and make your HVAC system work harder than it should. If your HVAC system is being overworked, then it may not last as long as it should.

Do You Need a Replacement?

If your HVAC system is on its last leg, then you may want to consider a replacement. Maintenance isn’t always enough to keep your system working properly, so it’s important to know when a replacement is necessary.

Texas summers can get hot, so it is preferable to have your system replaced now, rather than to have it break down and leave you without air conditioning in a few months.

Why Call a Professional?

If you are thinking about performing maintenance on your own, think again. Hiring a professional HVAC company to service your unit is the best choice. Professionals have all of the correct tools to get the job done properly.

Professional HVAC technicians are also expertly trained and certified to handle any of your problems. They may be able to find issues that the average person would not even notice.

You will also save valuable time and money when hiring a professional. Don’t waste your time trying to figure out what is wrong with your commercial unit. Focus on running your business and allow a licensed technician to do the work.

Although it costs more upfront to hire a professional, you will save money in the end. A professional will ensure that you get the correct repairs when you need them, which will save you from dropping a lot of money in the future. Commercial HVAC contractors will also use the most energy-efficient systems, which will save you money on your overall costs.

Give Us a Call Today

Is your commercial HVAC system up-to-date with its spring maintenance? If not, then we are here to help. We offer a variety of services such as air duct cleaning, preventive maintenance, AC parts replacement, and much more.

Feel free to contact us for more information on our commercial HVAC services, or check out our blog for more useful heating and cooling content.