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7 Surefire Ways to Get Your HVAC Summer-Ready

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Summer is creeping around the corner, so it’s time to start treating your commercial air conditioning system with some tender love and care.

Together, heating, cooling, and ventilation account for the largest energy expense for most Americans, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. This is especially true during the summer, when we crank up the air conditioning to cope with the weather outside. Pretty soon, the mild spring climate will vanish, paving the way for more expensive utility bills. Your AC system doesn’t have to be a cash vacuum, though. When your system is running efficiently, you’ll be able to cut your energy spending dramatically.

The Ultimate Guide to HVAC Preventative Maintenance

An HVAC system is built with lots of moving parts, and many of these parts have a short lifespan. A little bit of regular maintenance can go a long way. When tuning up your AC unit for the summer, follow these seven cooling tips:

Replace or Clean All Air Filters

The first step is to inspect each unit’s air filters. Most HVAC systems use disposable filters, so make sure you’re switching them out periodically throughout the year. For best results, it’s recommended that you replace your filters at least once a month. Many times, these filters can be reused, so be sure to clean off any pet dander, dirt, and debris that accumulates.

Keep the Outdoor Environment Clean

When it comes to HVAC maintenance, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Go outside and examine the HVAC system. If you start to notice a collection of leaves, branches, and other items piled up around the unit, you’ll need to do a thorough cleanup. Don’t wait until spring; this form of maintenance should be conducted throughout the year. You also may want to cover your cooling system with a tarp when it isn’t in use.

Install Programmable Thermostats

You can set a programmable thermostat to cool or heat your space only when it’s needed. These temperature gauge systems allow you to adjust the indoor climate to align with your schedule. So if you’re not home, you can schedule your unit to turn off until you return. This prevents your air conditioning system from exerting more energy, which helps reduce utility costs.

Use Fan Systems

Air fans are major assets to any HVAC system. By installing ceiling fans, you’ll be able to maximize the airflow in your building. These fans rotate clockwise to prevent excess heat from rising during the summer. Additionally, you should also consider using floor fans in certain rooms to keep the air flow circulating at a healthy level.

Take Advantage of Window Treatments

Windows can generate a lot of heat in a building. As the sun penetrates the glass, your windows can cause the temperature to rise indoors, which will cause the air conditioner to expend more energy. You can combat this heat buildup simply by hanging drapes, blinds, or other window coverings.

Clean Every Vent

When your air conditioner sits idle during the winter, your air vents become storage space for dust, debris, and other substances. Examine all vents and make note of any visible blockages. By unclogging your air vents, you’re opening up enough room for smoother and healthier air circulation. If there are issues that basic maintenance can’t resolve, contact a professional HVAC technician.

Practice Heat Reduction

Other appliances can have a massive effect on your air conditioner. Dryers, stoves, and ovens can generate more heat, which causes your HVAC system to work harder. Fortunately, several alternative practices can help amplify your energy savings. When cooking, try preparing your meals on outside grills. And instead of doing all your laundry at once, run smaller loads and hang your clothes to dry on a sunny day.

Finetune Your Air Conditioner With Service Unlimited

At Service Unlimited, we work tirelessly to help our customers get the most out of their mechanical equipment. Whether it’s residential or commercial HVAC, we have the tools and expertise to help lower energy bills and improve comfort.

Now’s the perfect time to start tuning up your air conditioner, so make sure to schedule your annual maintenance checkup with our team!

How to Tell When Emergency HVAC Repairs Are Needed

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It’s easy to take your heating and cooling system for granted until it stops working.

Heating and air conditioning equipment are among the most important assets for any business. Whether you’re running a small startup or a large enterprise, you’ll need to keep the air temperature comfortable at all times. Insufficiently run HVAC systems can create an abundance of work hazards, many of which are severe enough to keep the business out of commission. These are emergency matters that require urgent HVAC repairs by trained HVAC specialists.

When a Commercial HVAC Repair Is Necessary

You might need to schedule an emergency repair for a variety of reasons, but a particular set of warning signs requires special attention. Here are some of the primary things that will sound off the alarms:

You Notice Leaks or Smell Heating Fuel

If you start to get a whiff of a gas or oil, there’s a good chance your HVAC system is malfunctioning. Other times, you may even hear dripping from an AC unit. Leaks can mean a number of different things, but they’re all serious issues. If you notice any gassy odors or spot any coolant leaks, shut off your system, inform your employees, and seek immediate help from a trusted HVAC provider.

The Right Air Temperature Isn’t Being Transmitted

Imagine a factory where the air conditioning doesn’t work on a hot summer day. Now, think about a furnace shutting down during the winter. When you’re running a business, safety is always the No. 1 priority, so if your HVAC system isn’t distributing the appropriate air temperature, you should halt production until working conditions are more suitable for the rest of your staff.

Your Energy Bills Are Outrageous

Have you looked at your utility bills and thought there must be a mistake? That’s probably because there’s a disruption in your HVAC system. Whether it’s an electrical issue or you’re just overdue for some maintenance, it’s best to get an expert onsite to perform an emergency inspection. They’ll be able to identify the source of the problem and patch things up to prevent any future issues.

The Air Conditioner Shuts Off Abruptly

No AC system should shut down by itself. If this happens, it’s an obvious sign that something is wrong. Usually, these issues stem from low coolant levels, which force the system to an abrupt shutdown. These issues are typically resolved through self-evaluation—all you need to do is raise the thermostat by 5 degrees. If the AC system doesn’t start running in a matter of minutes, it’s probably blocked and needs to be unclogged. In this case, it’s best to consult a repair technician to determine that nothing else is wrong.

Schedule an Emergency HVAC Service With Service Unlimited

The Service Unlimited team specializes in high-quality air conditioning repairs. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help with any issues that arise. If your HVAC system shuts down, don’t panic. Just give us a call and we’ll be there to provide an immediate remedy.

How to Prepare Your Commercial Air Conditioner for Summer

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The key to smooth air conditioning in the summer is to establish an HVAC preventative maintenance plan with the experts at Service Unlimited.

The sun is shining, the kids are out of school, and you’re already planning trips to the waterpark. That’s right, summer is just around the corner. Before you know it, you’ll need to blast the air conditioner on high, but before making that adjustment, you’ll need to perform some annual maintenance. This blog will uncover the secrets needed for you to get your HVAC system in peak form.

Summer Preparation for Your Commercial HVAC System

Most air conditioning systems sit idle during the winter, but when the weather starts getting warmer, the central AC unit becomes more than just a dust collector. This doesn’t mean you can immediately turn the system on full blast, though. That will only cause the equipment to work harder, resulting in higher energy bills, more frustration, and emergency visits from an HVAC technician.

To get your air conditioning equipment running optimally, you’ll need to design a preventative maintenance checklist with these critical steps:

Turn Off the Power

Safety always comes first, so make sure to shut off the cooling system’s power before performing any maintenance. Locate the service panel and flip the circuit breaker to shut off the condenser. Let the system sit for at least 30 minutes before taking the next steps.

Supply Clean Air Filters

Most HVAC systems are equipped with replaceable filters. Many times these filters can even be reused. Check each air-handler at least twice a year and remove any accumulated dust or debris. This helps create a healthier, more efficient airflow throughout the building.

Clean the Condensing Coils

It’s important to clean thoroughly behind the grills and fan blades of your AC system. This area covers the consing system, particularly its coils. These radiator-style fan blades rack up a tremendous amount of dirt and debris during the winter. If the coils remain clogged, it can cause your central AC system to circulate unhealthy air. Your HVAC provider will need to use a special refrigerator coil brush on a vacuum to gently clean out the condensing system.

Declutter the Rest of the Condenser

Once the coils are cleaned, you’ll need to get any excess debris or leaves out of the base of the condenser. It’s likely you’ll find weeds and vines in the system, so make sure to dispose of them. Later on, you’ll need to wipe down the blower’s fan blades and tighten any loose bolts or screws. 

Inspect the Coolant Lines

After cleaning the condenser, make sure the refrigerant pipes get checked out. These tubes are typically covered with foam coolant insulation, which helps prevent energy loss. Take note of any punctured or missing layers of coolant. New insulation sleeves will be needed before turning the power back on.

Run the AC Units

The final step in the process is a test run. After cleaning out the system, rinse all parts with a hose and allow the unit to dry. Once the equipment is dry, you’ll need to flip the thermostat off and then turn the system’s power back on. Turn on the circuit breaker and immediately set the thermostat to a “cool” setting. If you find the AC system still isn’t running properly, you may need to schedule a repair with one of our experts.

HVAC Maintenance Done Right

When it comes to heating and cooling, the experts at Service Unlimited are the best team to work with. Whether it’s preventive maintenance, an installation, or an emergency repair, we have the tools and expertise to bring comfort into your building and cost savings to your energy bills. When you’re ready to tune up your air conditioning equipment for the summer, give us a call to schedule your annual maintenance checkup.