Commercial building management faces a major challenge in establishing an effective heating and cooling system that is suitable for all tenants. Installing an commercial AC will allow you to accommodate all your employees, tenants and on-site operations. This investment requires ongoing diligence. Here are five tips that will help you maintain and optimize your new equipment.
1. Schedule professional duct sealing service
Any building can be affected by leaking HVAC air ducts. Leaky ductwork in commercial buildings can reduce AC efficiency up to 20%. This can not only increase your energy consumption, but also impact indoor comfort. Leaky ducts can cause conditioned air to be lost behind drywall, or distributed in areas that are not easily accessible. You don’t want ducts to leak after you have spent a lot of money on an air conditioner.
Leaky ductwork can cause increased stress on the system. Leaky ducts will make your air conditioner work harder to maintain and create the desired indoor temperature. Air conditioned air is not only deposited in the wrong places by leaky air ducts. Unfiltered air is also drawn in by leaky ducts. Condenser coils, and other interior components can become covered with particulate matter.
There are several options when it comes to HVAC air duct sealing. Duct tape that is designed for HVAC applications is the cheapest and most versatile. The tape can be used for visible seams but there are better long-term solutions that will support your cooling system. This tape should be suitable for commercial use. It must also be smoke and fire-rated.
Aeroseal and mastic ductsealant are other options for sealing commercial ducts. The Mastic duct sealing paste is water-based and applied to all seams. The paste dries into a solid, airtight seal. This is a reliable and affordable option to protect your ductwork while reducing inefficiency.
Aeroseal is slightly more expensive, but the U.S. Department of Energy has praised it as one of the most important technological and scientific achievements of our time. Aeroseal is the best option to ensure optimum performance of a commercial air conditioner and minimal HVAC system stress.
2. Select the right programmable thermostat for your building
Installing programmable thermostats could save you significant amounts of money every year, depending on the size and layout your facility as well as the cooling equipment that you use. Upgrade your standard thermostat to a more intelligent design if you haven’t already.
A programmable thermostat is a great way to save money and prevent energy waste. These devices can be used to increase or decrease the temperature in the home on weekends or during evening hours, so your air conditioner and heater won’t work when the building is vacant. It eliminates human error because maintenance staff or employees don’t have to adjust the temperature after hours. You can adjust the temperature remotely by using a Wi-Fi enabled smart thermostat. You can turn your air conditioner off when you leave for the weekend or cool down your workspace before anyone arrives if there are any schedule changes.
Smart thermostats constantly gather information about the user’s preferences and habits. They quickly adapt to the needs of multiple users in commercial environments. These devices are able to collect and analyze data, which can be used by business owners to lower their heating or cooling costs. Smart thermostats and programmable thermostats come in seven-day versions for businesses who run continuously. You can also choose a 5+2-day option for businesses that are open during the week but shut down on weekends.
3. Invest in Preventative Maintenance Plans
Preventative air conditioning maintenance can be overlooked in long lists of tasks that management teams focus on. It is important to purchase and search for a preventative AC service plan.
You’ll find that a plan of preventative maintenance will make it easier for you to comply with the terms and condition of the manufacturer’s warranty on your cooling equipment. Preventative maintenance programs for commercial equipment are usually designed with manufacturer warranties in consideration. You will receive early reminders about the AC maintenance due date. You may even get:
- Priority scheduling
- Standard or emergency repairs are available at a discounted rate
- Replacement parts at discounted prices
- Bonuses for loyalty on future purchases of equipment
A preventative maintenance program can make it easier for AC repair technicians to respond quickly during high-demand seasons. Documentation of previous maintenance will also be provided. It will also be helpful if you need to provide proof of maintenance for warranty or insurance claims.
4. Do Not Try Any DIY AC Repairs
It doesn’t matter how big or small your building is, you may want to consider DIY AC repairs or maintenance. It is not uncommon for commercial property owners to have their own maintenance team.
HVAC technicians are licensed HVAC technicians. Handymen and maintenance teams hired by the company do not have this certification. Allowing your staff to tamper around with moving parts in your cooling system can void the warranty of the manufacturer. It’s always best to hire a professional HVAC technician from Jays Air Conditioning in the long term.
It’s crucial that your HVAC technician walks you through the most basic tasks when installing a high-end AC. This could be as simple as replacing the filter in a small facility with a modestly sized air conditioner. The process may be more complicated in larger buildings that have roof-mounted ACs or variable refrigerant flows (VRF). When your HVAC installer explains these basic tasks, have your in-house team present.
Commercial air conditioners typically require maintenance twice a year and filter replacements quarterly. Preventive service every three-months can be beneficial for units that are particularly expensive or complex.
5. Take Every Step to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality in commercial buildings is just as important as in residential ones. It is worth considering the benefits of air purifiers or media filters when protecting the health and safety of your staff, guests, and stakeholders. These integrated HVAC accessories can extend the life of your cooling equipment, by reducing the amount of allergens and pathogens that enter the equipment.