As the scorching heat sets records across the country, keeping indoor environments cool and comfortable becomes a top priority for facilities management teams. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems play a crucial role in ensuring a pleasant atmosphere for occupants. However, having an HVAC system is not enough; effective strategies are essential to optimize its performance and energy efficiency during the hot summer months.
Below are the top five successful HVAC strategies to implement when combating the heat and maintaining ideal indoor conditions for multi-site businesses and brick-and-mortar locations.
1- Prioritize Part Sourcing
Across the industry, HVAC professionals are still seeing delays due to supply chain issues that seem never-ending. The first point to understand is that the supply chain is based on region. For example, a provider on the West Coast cannot quickly or easily source a part on the East Coast, even though it may be the only place they can find it domestically. It is important to focus on relationships across the country to create a network to match supplies with providers and process orders quickly to the areas with the highest need.
Prioritizing sourcing goes beyond parts. It’s also for whole HVAC units when the situation warrants a complete replacement.
2- Asset Data Management
Predicting where issues will arise takes work, analytics, technology, and workforce. However, the results can be a game changer.
Your IFM partner or FM team should log HVAC units, document serial numbers, predict an estimated life expectancy, and track repairs and overall efficiency based on the model and the year. During the summer and throughout the year, analyze the data and utilize analytics to troubleshoot issues before they happen.
3- Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Long before the summer begins, the preferred approach is to have HVAC units undergo thorough checks to identify potential issues and ensure that all components function optimally. Filters and belts are replaced, condenser and evaporator coils are cleaned, and refrigerant levels are checked.
By conducting regular maintenance, we can prevent costly breakdowns and ensure peak performance during the hottest months.
In the long run, the HVAC repairs can cost less if the units are properly maintained.
4- Optimal Temperature and Humidity Control
Accurate temperature and humidity control are essential for indoor comfort during hot summers. Set your HVAC systems to balance cool temperatures and efficient energy consumption. Programmable thermostats and smart controls can be utilized to create personalized cooling schedules and ensure that cooling is active only when needed. Additionally, humidity levels are monitored to prevent excess moisture that could lead to mold growth and discomfort for employees and customers.
A bad customer experience due to a broken HVAC system can result in a lost customer and negative reviews.
5- Energy-Efficient HVAC Upgrades
Forward-thinking businesses regularly assess the performance of their HVAC systems and explore opportunities for energy-efficient upgrades. Investing in modern, energy-efficient HVAC equipment not only improves cooling performance, but also helps reduce operational costs in the long run. High-efficiency HVAC units, advanced controls, and energy recovery ventilation systems are upgrades. Businesses may consider enhancing the system’s efficiency.
The successful operation of HVAC systems during hot summer months relies on a combination of regular maintenance, strategic planning, and energy-conscious practices. A well-maintained and thoughtfully managed HVAC system enhances the well-being of occupants, and contributes to a sustainable future by reducing energy consumption and its environmental impact.
Overall, as the Integrated Facilities Management leader specializing in HVAC and other critical trades for nearly three decades, NEST understands what it takes to plan and implement successful strategies for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. With a focus on relationships, training, education, and analytics, NEST can be the IFM partner to implement supply chain best practices, asset data management, maintenance and inspections, and overall HVAC performance. Through an end-to-end ISP management process, NEST’s ISP Network brings high-quality work to more than 60,000 retail and multi-site locations across North America.
If you have any questions, please contact NEST here.
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