If you own a brick-and-mortar business, keeping it at a comfortable temperature is critical for the company's success. Your employees will be more productive when they’re neither too hot nor too cold, and your customers will be happier to stick around if they're not sweating nor shivering. Your utility bills will also be lower if the heating and cooling system is always operating at peak capacity. As such, here are a do’s and don’ts that HVAC contractors encourage all small business owners to follow. 

Do:

Change the filters as needed.

In a commercial HVAC system, the filters typically need to be changed every four to eight weeks. The precise frequency will depend on a variety of factors, including the particular industry you’re in and the amount of foot traffic your business has. If you own a dog grooming business, for example, you may have to change the filters monthly. If, on the other hand, you run an accounting firm, the filters may not fill with dust, dirt, and other debris until six or eight weeks have passed. 

Install a programmable thermostat.

If you haven’t upgraded to a programmable thermostat yet, consider doing so as soon as possible. These devices can essentially pay for themselves in a matter of months by reducing utility costs. With a programmable thermostat, you can implement an efficient, predetermined heating and cooling schedule. In other words, once you set it, you can forget it. For example, in the summertime, the AC can kick in just before opening and then slow down at closing, so you’re not paying to cool the entire building when no one’s there. 

Don’t:

Toss the manual.

Although you’re unlikely to read the system's manual from cover to cover, it’s wise to store it in a safe place. This document contains everything you need to know about maintaining the system. It may also have troubleshooting tips and recommended repairs for all of the most common issues. 

Ignore leaks.

Over time, virtually every HVAC system will start leaking. If you stay on top of the unit’s maintenance and inspect for leaks often, you’ll be able to address them as soon as they develop. Signs of a leak include pooling water, excessive condensation, oil spots, and higher utility bills. If you suspect a leak, your HVAC contractor might use a special refrigerant leak detector to locate it. This precise tool allows technicians to identify where problems exist and how extensive they actually are. 

If your business’s HVAC system needs repairs or maintenance, turn to Pointon Heating & Air Conditioning. Located in Baraboo and Portage, WI, this HVAC contractor is backed by more than 200 years of experience in the field. Serving both residential and commercial clients, they offer everything from furnace repairs to boiler installations. Additionally, their team is available 24/7 to take your call, and they’ll be happy to provide a free estimate for any equipment installations you need. To get in touch with this HVAC contractor, visit them online. Call (608) 356-4177 in Baraboo or (608) 745-4616 in Portage to schedule an appointment.