Nashville’s weather changes from hot, humid summers to chilly, damp winters—putting your HVAC system to the test all throughout the year.
As a business owner, keeping your commercial HVAC system in top shape isn’t just about comfort—it’s essential for creating a welcoming environment for your customers and employees.
Want to know the secret to great heating and cooling year-round? Refresh your commercial HVAC Nashville, TN maintenance plan.
How Does the Nashville Weather Affect Your Commercial HVAC System?
Humidity is the only constant in Nashville. In summer, the heat and moisture create muggy days that feel unbearable without a strong, cool breeze from your AC.
When temperatures rise, humidity can make it hard for sweat to evaporate. To stay comfortable, you’ll probably have your commercial HVAC running more often and for longer periods of time. Your AC doesn’t just cool the air—it also removes humidity, making your business feel more comfortable and inviting.
With wintertime temperatures as low as 30°F, humidity can turn a chilly day into a freezing ordeal. Your HVAC unit’s furnace will likely stay on throughout most of the winter.
With the weather changing rapidly, your HVAC doesn’t get much of a cooldown period between these two extremes. Nashville’s climate means increased usage for your commercial HVAC—and more wear and tear.
Commercial HVAC Nashville TN Maintenance Tips
The best way to prevent commercial AC breakdowns in Nashville is to follow these simple HVAC maintenance tips and call a pro for regular inspections.
Summer HVAC Maintenance
There are a few things you can do yourself to keep your commercial HVAC in good working order:
- Change your filter every two months (or more often).
- Keep debris and vegetation away from your outdoor unit, and clean the condenser coils if they look dirty.
- If you suspect a clog in the drain line, you might be able to flush it yourself with some vinegar.
Note: If you have a rooftop unit, it’s best to have an HVAC pro handle these maintenance tasks to be on the safe side.
Get a commercial HVAC tech to inspect your system for more advanced maintenance:
- An HVAC expert can clean evaporator coils (located inside the system, usually next to the furnace).
- They’ll also check refrigerant levels and add more.
- When humidity goes up, water can build up in the drain pan. Your HVAC tech will clean it before it overflows.
- They can check moving parts like fan motors, fan blades, and the compressor that circulates refrigerant. If needed, they’ll clean and lubricate these parts.
- Is there enough airflow through your HVAC system? If not, an HVAC tech can clean your ducts with specialized equipment.
- Your HVAC maintenance partner will also check electrical connections.
- Lastly, they’ll adjust or recalibrate your thermostat to optimize your AC usage.
Commercial HVAC Maintenance in the Winter
Your business needs year-round HVAC maintenance. Here are a few things you can do yourself in the winter:
- Keep changing the filter regularly. It prevents dust buildup in the ducts and improves the quality of your indoor air.
- This isn’t directly related to your HVAC system, but you should check your carbon monoxide detectors regularly. They’ll alert you of any dangerous malfunctions in your furnace.
You’ll need to schedule a commercial HVAC service call for most wintertime maintenance tasks. During a seasonal inspection, your contractor can look for:
- Burner assembly and gas pressure, if you have a gas furnace.
- Malfunctioning moving parts, including belts, motor bearings, and pulleys.
- Issues with the flue system. Is it securely attached? They’ll check this and make sure there are no leaks.
- Loose or faulty electrical connections. Your HVAC expert will inspect and tighten them.
- They’ll look at your thermostat and calibrate it if necessary.
The Need for Personalized Commercial HVAC Maintenance
These commercial HVAC maintenance checklists can vary based on the type of system you have, so it’s important to work with an HVAC tech with experience with the kind of AC and furnace you use.
The maintenance steps listed above are typical of split systems. However, if you have a heat pump, your HVAC tech won’t have a combustion process to check. If you use a VRF system, more attention will go into checking refrigerant levels, as well as the components circulating the refrigerant throughout the system.
And if you have a ductless system or use a chiller, your HVAC partner won’t have to check for proper airflow or clean ducts.
How Often Do You Need Commercial HVAC Maintenance in Nashville?
Twice a year is a good rule of thumb. Schedule an inspection in March or April before temperatures go up – and call your HVAC tech again in September or October for a furnace tune-up.
Keep in mind that your maintenance needs can vary based on:
- The type of HVAC system you have. For instance, a heat pump might require less frequent maintenance.
- Your system’s age. It’s best to schedule frequent checks if your HVAC system is getting old.
- Occupancy. Does your HVAC run 24/7? Business hours and occupancy can lead to more wear and tear.
Commercial HVAC Maintenance in Nashville with Airstream
When left unchecked, HVAC issues can cause your system to work harder and your energy bills to go up.
Some HVAC issues (like a bad motor bearing) will worsen over time. It’s easier to catch and fix them early. If you don’t, damage can spread to other moving parts, and by the time you catch the problem, you’ll look at a more expensive HVAC repair.
Keeping up with commercial HVAC maintenance also prevents heating and cooling interruptions. Because temperatures can be extreme in Nashville, a working HVAC system is crucial for keeping your business open and offering a comfortable environment.
Don’t let HVAC issues cause downtime! Tell us more about your commercial HVAC Nashville, TN maintenance needs, and we’ll get back to you very soon.
FAQ
How often do you need to service a commercial HVAC in Nashville?
It’s a good idea to have an HVAC pro check your system twice a year, once before the summer and once before the winter.
What is the average lifespan of a commercial HVAC unit?
On average, a commercial HVAC system will last 15 to 20 years. This can vary based on the type of HVAC unit you have and how much you use it.
What are the most common commercial HVAC issues?
Reduced efficiency due to clogged ducts or malfunctioning moving parts is one of the most common commercial HVAC issues.
How much does a commercial HVAC repair cost on average?
A small repair can cost a few hundred dollars, while a major one will cost thousands. It depends on the severity of the issue.
How much does commercial HVAC maintenance cost?
Your HVAC system can be serviced for $500 to $2,000 a year. It’s a lot cheaper than waiting for a breakdown!
