Heating and Cooling Checklist for Building Owners and Facility Managers

If you own a commercial building or manage a facility, your heating and air conditioning system should be a maintenance priority. Heating and air issues left unnoticed are often costly and could negatively impact your company’s bottom line. By focusing on a few key areas, you can help ensure that your system runs smoothly and efficiently, and save money on your energy bill and by avoiding frequent repair costs.

Here’s a checklist for properly maintaining your building’s heating and air conditioning system.

Have your System Routinely Serviced

This is one of the most important things you can do in regard to your heating and air conditioning system. When you have routine service work performed on your system, you significantly lower the risk of a breakdown. You should have a licensed professional provide a maintenance check on your system at least once per year. The check should include every part of your system, from the unit itself, to the vents, and everything in between.

Check for Consistent Temperatures

You’ll know that your heating and cooling system is working efficiently and without issue when you periodically test the air temperature at certain points throughout your building. If you notice that an area isn’t heating or cooling as it should, contact a technician as soon as possible, as you could have a problem with your ductwork, thermostat, condenser coils or evaporator coils.

Program your Thermostat(s)

A Wi-Fi or programmable thermostat can lower your energy costs by preventing employees from changing the temperature too often, or setting it too high or low. According to a 2015 survey, 60 percent of employees tamper with the thermostat without asking colleagues first. Programming your thermostat so it’s a consistent, comfortable temperature during working hours, and limiting runtime outside of working hours, can help lower costs. It could also stop the spat between Stanley in sales and Angela in accounting.

Make the Right Purchase

Bigger does not necessarily mean better for your heating and air conditioning system. Choose an energy-efficient and properly sized system for your business. A system that’s too big could cool your building too quickly, but not properly dehumidify it. A system that’s too small will not properly heat or cool your building, run more often and drive up energy costs. Consult with a heating and air professional about choosing a properly sized system before making your purchase.

Don’t Neglect the Small Tasks

You save money and hassle when you routinely perform the small tasks related to your heating and cooling system. Here are a few suggestions to keep your system running efficiently, all without having to call a heating and air conditioning professional:

• Make sure exterior doors close properly
• Check and replace air filters often
• Remove dust from vent grills
• Ensure vents aren’t blocked by furniture or equipment
• Check the area around your unit for obvious leaks
• Check accessible duct work for rips

If you own a commercial building or manage a facility, Barineau Heating and Air Conditioning is ready to work with you. We offer routine maintenance checks through our Total Comfort Service Program and our highly trained, NATE- and EPA-certified staff will keep your heating and cooling system running efficiently. Give us a call us today at (850) 580-4029 in Florida, or (229) 495-6599 in Georgia.