Summer has passed, and fall is quickly rushing in. For HVAC contractors and building managers, the change in season brings with it a new set of challenges. In a comprehensive learning resource for Brookaire, we share some simple steps you can take to save time, reduce costs and prevent disruptions to your operations. Read the full article below and get fall-ready!

Your HVAC strategy for the fall season should include a number of essential steps, underpinned by preventative maintenance and efficient product selection. Fortunately, all the advice we’ve shared below doesn’t involve a large investment of time or resources - just a little bit of proactive care and preventative action. Let’s take a closer look:

1. Inspect and Change Your Air Filters

Throughout the summer season, your HVAC filters will have been working at full capacity, capturing germs, pollutants and other particulate matter that comes with the season. If you haven’t gotten round to it yet, inspecting and replacing your air filters will be something that’s long overdue.

Air filters play a critical role in not only maintaining your overall indoor air quality, but also in ensuring that your HVAC system operates efficiently. By keeping those old air filters in place, you will be relying on a system that’s clogged with dust and pollen, reducing air flow and increasing strain on your system.

What we recommend: Replacing your air filter can be helpful, but upgrading your filter to a higher MERV rating can make sure your system runs more efficiently. While we offer a wide range of filters designed for commercial HVAC systems, ranging from pleated filters to carbon and HEPA filters, we recommend our MERV 10 Pleated Air Filters. This solution offers the balance of capturing airborne particles throughout the fall season, helping you maintain indoor air quality while reducing energy consumption.

2. Create a Scheduled Maintenance Program

Replacing your air filter should only form the first step of your approach to HVAC for the fall season. While we advise that air filters should be changed at least every three months, you should take a more attentive approach and regularly check your filter’s appearance. If your filters look visibly dirty, they should be changed immediately. Your decision to change the filter should also be based on when its resistance has reached the recommended pressure drop recommended by the manufacturer.

In terms of your HVAC system as a whole, you should schedule thorough inspections of your system. This maintenance should include checking refrigerant levels, inspecting coils, cleaning ducts, and testing the functionality of major components such as compressors and motors. After all, HVAC systems that are well-maintained are less likely to experience unexpected breakdowns during the colder months when they will be needed most.

• What we recommend: Consider trying out our selection of V-Belts as part of your next scheduled maintenance check. Engineered for durability and efficiency, these solutions help your system operate smoothly throughout the fall season without disruption.

3. Review Ductwork and Vents for Leaks & Blockages

Something that is often overlooked throughout the year is checking ducts for leaks or blockages. Fortunately, fall season is the perfect time to carry out this task and ensure proper airflow throughout your building.

As cooler weather approaches this season, leaks can result in significant heat loss, uneven temperatures and increased energy bills. If you or your maintenance teams do spot any leaks, we recommend addressing this immediately, as postponing this until the colder winter season will amplify these issues.

• What we recommend: If your vents have had leakage issues previously, we recommend adding air filter media rolls or pads, which help trap larger particles that may otherwise block ducts. We offer a wide selection of customizable filter media rolls that can be easily cut to fit your system’s specifications, keeping your ducts clean and your system running efficiently.

4. Check the Sealing of Windows and Doors

If your air filter is new, your ducts are free from leaks and blockages and you’re still dealing with heat loss and uneven temperatures, one common culprit may be to blame: unsealed windows and doors.

In commercial buildings, the sealing of windows and doors tends to deteriorate over time, with air escaping through cracks, leaks and gaps. Making sure these problem areas are properly sealed and insulated will prevent drafts and increase the overall energy efficiency of your building.

• What we recommend: From our experience, spotting issues with sealing and insulation can be challenging. We advise consulting with a qualified HVAC expert or contractor who can use their professional expertise to properly assess your doors and windows and make an informed decision on how to address issues if they arise.

5. Upgrade to Energy Efficient HVAC Solutions

Energy costs are rising across the USA, and commercial building owners can feel the pinch during the colder climates of the fall season. However, by upgrading your system with energy efficient HVAC components, you can maintain the air quality you need without struggling with those higher operational costs.

The fact is that energy efficient air filters work by reducing your system’s workload, leading to lower energy consumption. If you haven’t gone energy efficient by now, take action this season.

• What we recommend: Brookaire offers a variety of energy-efficient filters, such as the MERV 13 Pleated Air Filters. These filters are designed to capture fine particles, such as dust and allergens, while maintaining excellent airflow. They are a great option for facilities looking to improve air quality and reduce energy consumption simultaneously.

By following these six tips and leveraging Brookaire’s advanced HVAC products, you’ll ensure that your building is prepared for the challenges of the fall season. For more information on our products and services, speak to one of our HVAC experts today.

Brookaire: Your Trusted HVAC Partner

Here at Brookaire, we’re more than an air filter supplier. We partner with HVAC contractors, property managers, commercial building owners and more to provide the experience and expertise they need to keep their costs low and air quality of the highest quality. To get started, browse our full selection of air filters. Alternatively, reach out to one of our experts for personalized advice around your building’s unique requirements.