When a cold snap hits the Peoria area, it does not pick a convenient time to occur. A building owner that has a faulty furnace knows exactly what I am talking about when I say that it does not stop to ask permission before causing problems. Money literally flows out the door when a commercial building’s heating system fails. Employees cannot work comfortably, customers cannot wait patiently, and products can become ruined when an area experiences freezing temperatures. I have witnessed these situations occur numerous times, and most could have been prevented with a little forethought before the cold weather set in.
That’s why reliable Commercial Heating Peoria IL service matters — a quick inspection before winter hits can save you from an expensive breakdown later.
The Cost of Neglect in Your Commercial Building’s Heating System
There are those who don’t want to hear it, but problems associated with commercial heating systems are notorious for making a small issue bigger than it needs to be. Do yourself a favor and get that rattling on the roof repaired before it becomes an expensive problem – especially since smaller commercial buildings have limited square footage that can be wasted on errors. The repair costs for a cracked heat exchanger would be significantly smaller than paying for a new heating system when it’s a simple matter of the heat exchanger becoming damaged. Peoria is known for having brutal winters and its older buildings tend to suffer as a result of the area’s distinct climate.
The Components of Commercial Heating Systems and Their Maintenance
It is easy to assume that a commercial heating system is similar to one used in a home, but that would be a huge mistake. Commercial buildings tend to use either rooftop package units, boilers or a combination of both depending on the building’s age and needs. Warehouses can use unit heaters, while office buildings opt for RTUs or VAV systems that tie into the commercial building’s overall heating and air conditioning system. Restaurant and retail building owners will find that aspects such as makeup air units and exhaust requirements are much more involved than anything they may have encountered in their residential experience. This is why seeking out an individual handyman to perform repairs is not the best option for commercial building owners.
The Benefits of Preventive Maintenance on Your Commercial HVAC System
Preventive maintenance is not something that business owners tend to look forward to as it is yet another expense to add to a growing list. In October, a maintenance technician can discover a faulty igniter and prevent a scenario where an employee has to call for emergency repairs at 2am in January when it’s -10 degrees outside. Another benefit of regularly scheduled maintenance is energy efficiency which means utility bill savings over the course of a year for building owners. Building owners should keep in mind that there is more to a commercial heating system than just the temperature – aspects such as filters, belts, and motors all play roles in a system’s life and should be thoughtfully maintained. Systems that do not undergo this type of maintenance can also suffer from greatly reduced lifespans costing owners significantly more money if a piece of equipment is replaced sooner than expected due to it not lasting the 15-20 years that it should have.
The Warning Signs of Potential Heating Problems in Your Commercial Building
Uneven temperatures are usually the first sign that something is amiss with a commercial heating system. Strange odors should also raise red flags with building owners and operators as they can be an indicator of larger issues. Increasing energy costs are telling since they may suggest that a system has to work harder to produce the same amount of heat that it did when it was new. Short cycling can also reduce the lifespan of a system and signals that a service call is necessary to get things back to working order. Customer complaints should not be taken lightly by a commercial building owner since they often point to problems with the overall comfort of a space.
How to Choose the Right HVAC Contractor to Service Your Commercial Building
Not all HVAC companies specialize in commercial buildings. Some companies are strictly residential and may encounter difficulties when they have to work with larger rooftop units or industrial boilers. It is crucial that business owners work with contractors that have experience with commercial systems in the Peoria area in order to avoid headaches down the road. In addition to asking for references, it is also advisable to inquire about response times since some companies have a reputation for being slow when it comes to emergency situations. Getting references from other local businesses will prove to be much more beneficial than browsing an HVAC company’s website.
Energy Efficiency and Upgrades to Consider for Your Commercial Building’s Heating System
Commercial heating systems that were put in before 2010 tend to be less efficient than what modern systems have to offer. Upgrading an entire system is not always necessary, but a conversation with your contractor is a good idea since it may be possible to increase efficiency in other ways such as adding thermostats or making sure that ductwork is properly sealed and insulated. Building owners that work with HVAC companies will quickly notice that efficiency upgrades tend to be mentioned in the same breath as commercial heating repair Peoria IL since the two areas tend to go hand in hand.
How to Prepare for the Upcoming Heating Season in Your Commercial Building
September and October are the ideal times to have a heating system inspected to ensure that it will be ready for the colder months. Waiting until the first frost will lead to more competition for the limited number of HVAC technicians in the area. Establishing relationships with companies in advance rather than putting it off until the last minute will pay off in the long run since owners and operators will not waste time searching for someone to come out and inspect the equipment when the cold snap approaches.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, commercial heating systems are a necessary part of keeping a business comfortable and operational, even though most people don’t spend much time thinking about them until something goes wrong. Peoria’s unpredictable winter weather can leave building owners with little time to respond when heating equipment fails. Whether you have an older commercial boiler that needs attention or you’re preparing for the next cold snap in the Peoria area, getting a professional opinion from a qualified technician is always a smart step.
Working with an experienced commercial HVAC company in Central Illinois can help businesses stay ahead of heating and cooling issues through routine inspections, preventive maintenance, repairs, and system upgrades. Maintaining commercial HVAC equipment can improve reliability, extend equipment life, and help reduce the unexpected costs that often come with emergency repairs.
FAQs
How often should commercial heating systems be serviced in Peoria IL?
Commercial systems typically require at least two service calls per year with the second one usually occurring prior to the summer months.
What is the average lifespan of a commercial rooftop heating unit?
With the appropriate maintenance measures in place, commercial rooftop units tend to last 15-20 years.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace an old commercial heater?
This depends on the age of the equipment as well as the extent of the damage, but most technicians will recommend a replacement if the cost of repairs would be greater than 50% of what it would cost to purchase a new system.
Do commercial buildings in Peoria need special permits for heating repairs?
This can be a possibility especially if gas lines must be worked on or if a complete system replacement has to occur.
