As fall temperatures begin to drop across the Midwest, commercial buildings in cities like Chicago face a unique operational challenge: maintaining HVAC performance during unpredictable weather swings. Building engineers and property managers must prepare systems to handle both cooling and heating demands—sometimes within the same day.
Why Is Fall HVAC Maintenance Important?
Fall is a transitional season where HVAC systems often run in mixed-mode operation. Without proper maintenance, this can lead to energy inefficiency, increased wear on equipment, and tenant discomfort. Proactive servicing ensures systems operate within design parameters and helps avoid emergency repairs during peak heating season.
What Should Be Included in a Fall HVAC Maintenance Checklist?
Coil Cleaning and Inspection
Dirty coils reduce heat transfer efficiency and increase compressor load. Inspect for debris, biofilm, and corrosion. Clean using non-corrosive agents approved for commercial systems.
Dirty coils reduce heat transfer efficiency and increase compressor load. Inspect for debris, biofilm, and corrosion. Clean using non-corrosive agents approved for commercial systems.
Filter Replacement
Replace filters to maintain airflow and indoor air quality. High-efficiency filters may be required in healthcare or sterile environments.
Replace filters to maintain airflow and indoor air quality. High-efficiency filters may be required in healthcare or sterile environments.
Control System Calibration
Verify that thermostats, sensors, and building automation systems are accurately reading and responding to temperature changes. Check for setpoint drift and deadband overlap.
Verify that thermostats, sensors, and building automation systems are accurately reading and responding to temperature changes. Check for setpoint drift and deadband overlap.
Drainage System Checks
Inspect condensate pans and drain lines for clogs or microbial growth. Ensure proper slope and drainage to prevent overflow and water damage.
Inspect condensate pans and drain lines for clogs or microbial growth. Ensure proper slope and drainage to prevent overflow and water damage.
Heat Pump and Hybrid System Testing
For buildings using heat pumps or hybrid heating systems, test defrost cycles and backup heat sources. Confirm refrigerant levels and inspect for leaks.
For buildings using heat pumps or hybrid heating systems, test defrost cycles and backup heat sources. Confirm refrigerant levels and inspect for leaks.
Benchmarking and Retrocommissioning
Compare current performance metrics (kWh/ton, runtime hours, cycle frequency) against historical data. Consider retro-commissioning if systems show signs of inefficiency or drift.
Compare current performance metrics (kWh/ton, runtime hours, cycle frequency) against historical data. Consider retro-commissioning if systems show signs of inefficiency or drift.
How Often Should These Tasks Be Performed?
Most fall maintenance tasks should be completed annually, ideally before the first sustained cold snap. However, buildings with high occupancy or sensitive environments may require more frequent inspections.
Summary
Fall HVAC maintenance is essential for operational efficiency, tenant comfort, and long-term system health. By following a structured checklist and benchmarking performance, building teams can reduce energy costs and avoid seasonal disruptions.
