Winter HVAC Maintenance Tips for Businesses

With the fall season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to think ahead to ensure your HVAC systems are ready this winter. Ed Hutchinson, president, Hutchinson Mechanical Services, offers businesses HVAC tips to help add life to their systems, enhance comfort and improve their bottom line.

1. Use Energy Star Portfolio Manager to see how your building rates with other similar buildings. If you rate low, there are many things you can do to improve the operation of your building.

2. Check HVAC settings to get maximum efficiency. Set your thermostat at 68°during the day and at 60° at night. You can save approximately 3% on heating costs for every degree under 70.

3. Conduct daytime/nighttime audits. Are lights on? Is the building comfortable?

4. Install a programmable thermostat. Web and cloud based control system offers peace of mind by keeping settings maintained during and after office hours.

5. Establish a preventive maintenance program.

· Change or clean all air filters, preferably every month.

· Repair leaks in piping, air ducts, coils, fittings and at the unit(s).

· Replace defective equipment insulation, ducting and piping.

· Install/upgrade HVAC controls to include new energy management systems technologies.

6. Clean Heating Ducts
Heating ducts should be cleaned periodically to allow efficient heating and provide fresh, clean air. Also check to make sure the ducts are properly insulated

7. Take Advantage of Energy Efficiency Incentive Programs

Hutchinson is a designated contractor of Direct Install, a program offered by New Jersey’s Clean Energy that pays up to 70% of energy upgrades, including lighting and HVAC equipment. Instead of pumping money into your outdated, inefficient units, why not upgrade to a new, state-of the-art energy-efficient system? Hutchinson utilizes the latest strategies and technologies to help reduce energy consumption and improve the bottom line. As a participating contractor for Direct Install - offered through the NJ Office of Clean Energy – Hutchinson provides a free energy assessment to identify eligible equipment upgrades, including lighting and HVAC.

The turnkey program is created specifically for small to mid-sized commercial and industrial facilities with a monthly peak demand of 200 kW or less and up to, and including 25-ton rooftop HVAC units. Buildings must be located in New Jersey and be served by one of the state’s publicly regulated electric or natural gas utility companies. Businesses not only save up front but will cut costs for years to come through lower utility bills. Systems and equipment addressed by Direct Install include: lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, motors, natural gas heating and variable frequency drives.

To learn more about Hutchinson and its energy service offerings, contact Dicoordinator@hutchbiz.com or call 888-777-4501 to schedule an energy assessment. Hutchinson’s technicians are factory trained, NATE certified and are on-call 24/7 365 days a year. Visit www.hutchbiz.com for more information.