7 Steps to Get Your Company’s HVAC System Ready for Winter

Did you know that the winter cold kills 20 times more people than the heat? Maintaining your HVAC system is good for efficiency, but it also can guard against the dangers of a failed system in the dead of winter.

HVAC maintenance should be part of the regular work of facilities management professionals. But it can be difficult to know where to start and which steps are the most important.  

The good news is that there are some basic procedures for assessing the status of your system and what to do before turning on the heat. Follow these seven steps to ensure it is functioning and ready to take on the winter cold.

1. Test Your Thermostat

One of the first things you can do is test your thermostat. You want to ensure your building’s furnace fires up as it should and that there are no issues with the thermostat controls.

Old thermostats can wear out and send the wrong signals to your unit. If you have to replace it, consider a smart thermostat that will give you better control of your entire HVAC system.

2. Visual Inspection

Next, inspect the physical condenser unit. Look around the outside for weeds or items stacked against it--especially near the intake vents or anything flammable nearby. Keep an eye out for water or any rust around the base of the unit.

3. Clean Vents

Another easy task you can do is to make sure vents throughout the building are clear of debris. Clogged ones make your system work harder and less efficiently.

Likewise, make sure no intakes within the building are blocked. These too are important to the proper flow of air throughout the building.

4. Replace the Filter

One of the easiest yet most important things you can do is have your furnace filter replaced on a regular basis. Doing so will ensure clean air is circulating throughout your building. It also will help your HVAC system run cleaner and more efficiently.

5. Clean Burners

Furnace burners also can collect dust, which impedes gas flow. You should have them cleaned at least once a year. If it has been a while since you have done so, you can perform a simple test to gauge the severity of buildup.

Turn the heat on in your unit, remove the burner cover, and observe the blue flames. They should all be approximately the same size. If not, remove the ones emitting smaller flames and deep clean them.

6. Inspect the Blower

As its name suggests, the job of your blower is to push air throughout your building. It has a fan and motor, and each can wear out over time.

Make sure your furnace is on and listen for any strange sounds from the fan. These may be an indication that parts are wearing out and need replacing.

7. Hire a Maintenance Service

One easy way to ensure that your HVAC system is in tip-top shape is to hire a professional facilities management HVAC service. Trained technicians can recognize potential problems and suggest repairs or upgrades before disaster strikes.

Find Furnace Repair and Facilities Management Services Near You

Now that you have an idea of some basic steps to take for winter HVAC preparation, you can get yours functioning at optimum capacity. Remember that, if you’re in doubt about any prospective problems or repairs, it’s best to contact a professional.

OpenWorks is a nationally-renowned facilities management service, including HVAC maintenance and repair. We provide unparalleled quality and customer care through our network of elite service providers. Reach out to us today for a free estimate.

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