Your car needs regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. HVAC systems are no different. Commercial buildings’ heating and cooling systems require regular checks and cleaning, to make sure they run efficiently—and to keep them operating well in the long run. While you’re spring cleaning inside, keep the following checklist in mind to prepare your HVAC for spring and summer.

1. Hire a professional to clean your air ducts.

Over time, air ducts can become clogged with dirt and allergens. That can mean a difficult season for employees or workers who suffer from allergies. Cleaning the ducts can help alleviate allergic reactions and keep employees comfortable and focused. Additionally, clogged filters can reduce the efficiency of your air conditioning units. That means greater energy bill costs. As mold and bacteria build, they can also degrade the ducts. That adds up to a greater potential for costly repairs or replacements in the future. Aztec Mechanical makes sure that while we clean your ducts, we also handle cleaning out air handlers, grilles, registers, fans, motors, coils, and housings.

2. Schedule preventative maintenance if you haven’t already. 

Over the winter, your heater has been working hard while your cooling system has had the season off. However, over these months, dirt and allergens have built up. Snow and harsh conditions could have damaged your system. Having a certified professional conduct regular maintenance addresses these issues and sets you up for a hassle- and stress-free season. 

Here’s a task list of what’s included in spring cleaning: 

  • Change or clean air filters. Clogged filters can make your system work harder and burn out quicker.
  • Clean outdoor condensers. Blocked coils or vents can cause the condenser to operate less efficiently and could potentially cause a safety hazard.
  • Clean indoor HVAC system components. Indoor components should be clean and well lubricated. That allows for the system to work efficiently.
  • Check refrigerant levels. Low refrigerant levels mean the system can’t operate optimally—or if it gets too low, at all. Troubleshooting will also reveal any leaks that need to be repaired before the system is working at capacity.
  • Clear drain lines. Algae and other pollutants can block drain lines, which could threaten the system’s ability to function properly. These lines must be cleaned; occasionally, an algaecide is applied.
  • Check electrical connections. Ordinary system vibrations can cause loose connections. In some cases, this can cause electrical fires, which is a serious safety hazard. Halt this potential risk with a quick check that all electrical connections are secure.
  • Calibrate your thermostat. Overtime, thermostats can begin to measure inaccurately. This system check and recalibration ensures your thermostat is reporting and regulating temperature accurately.

3. Perform an energy audit.

Although not required, this is a good time of year to look back at your energy costs. Are you spending more than you expected — or more than you’d like to? Before your cooling system hits the high season, you can identify rising costs and potential fixes. 

Here are a couple solutions that we recommend to help you control energy costs:

  • Install a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats can help you establish heating/cooling zones, automatically regulate temperature (particularly when rooms or spaces are unoccupied), and provide maintenance reminders. All of these features help keep your energy bill in check.
  • Evaluate whether your system needs to be replaced. If your air conditioning system is on its last leg, it’s better to replace it during the spring — before it fails on a hot summer day and you’re left sweating it out until a replacement can be installed.

How Aztec Mechanical Can Help

We’re experts on commercial HVAC systems. We can provide comprehensive maintenance for every season, as well as advising you on how you can repair or upgrade your system to avoid costly repairs. If you’re ready to schedule spring maintenance for your commercial building, contact us today to get started.