With the month of September in full swing, the winter HVAC season is fast-approaching and now is the time to begin making HVAC preparations for unexpected weather conditions that may occur during the tail end of the fall months, such as unseasonal temperatures and excessive levels of precipitation. 

Contents

• The Dangers of Unexpected Weather Changes for Commercial HVAC
• Donnelly Mechanical: Your Partner for Unexpected Weather Conditions for HVAC

The Dangers of Failure to Execute HVAC Preparations for Unexpected Weather Conditions

In the aftermath of Hurricane Henri’s sweep across the country last month, commercial building and facilities managers have been reminded of the dramatic influences that unexpected weather conditions can have on commercial HVAC systems, especially as they pertain to mission-critical heating and cooling equipment.

With unexpected power outages comes unexpected downtime, which can have a significant impact on the overall productivity and profitability of affected buildings during storms and other forms of severe weather. That’s why it’s essential to arrange for appropriate HVAC preparations for unexpected weather conditions that are suitable to the needs of your commercial space. 

How to Make HVAC Preparations for Unexpected Weather Conditions

This year, September and October are likely to be significantly cooler with higher levels of precipitation as we approach the winter months, and because your HVAC system is responsible for regulating the conditions of your building year-round, it’s essential to ensure all necessary system replacements and/or updates have been made prior to seasonal shifts.

Inspecting Back-Up Generators and Other Forms of Alternative Power

By anticipating unseasonal weather conditions—in whatever form they might arrive—and adapting your commercial HVAC solutions appropriately, you and your building will be better positioned to utilize alternative forms of energy when you need it most. For mission-critical companies especially, ensuring the proper operation of power backup systems will reduce your risk of unexpected outages during crucial periods. 

Protect Outdoor HVAC Components 

Usually, your commercial HVAC equipment should be durable enough to withstand outdoor exposure to the elements—indeed, rooftops are often the home of many units responsible for heating and cooling large commercial buildings.

However, unseasonal weather conditions, like tropical storms or excessive heat in historically cooler months, can have a dramatic impact on the life and performance of your equipment. Discuss possible methods of protecting outdoor HVAC components from high-wind areas with your commercial HVAC contractor, if possible. 

Arranging for Necessary System Replacements and Upgrades

Your commercial HVAC partner will inform you of any existing problems with your commercial HVAC equipment during your next preventive maintenance visit, which building and facilities managers should strive to arrange regularly throughout the year. 

Donnelly Mechanical: Your Partner for Unexpected Weather Conditions for HVAC

Weather can be unexpected, but that doesn’t mean the productivity of your commercial business should suffer. For more information on adapting your commercial building for unexpected weather conditions this fall and winter, reach out to the Donnelly team today—NYC’s leading experts in commercial HVAC systems.