9 Ways Houston Businesses Can Keep Their Commercial HVAC in Good Repair

If you run a business in the Houston area, from the Energy Corridor on the west side through the Galleria, Memorial, Midtown areas, and through Houston’s Bay Area, you know how essential it is to keep your commercial HVAC system working efficiently.  Rooftop commercial AC systems are a major investment, and regular maintenance can reduce the risk of costly commercial air conditioning repairs.

Commercial rooftop HVAC units, which are common in the Houston area, are under pressure all year because of Houston’s infamous heat and humidity. Add to it the high volumes of air needed to keep your commercial space comfortable, and you can see how taking care of a commercial HVAC system might be a little different from what you’re used to caring for your residential AC system at home.

We’ve compiled 9 tips to help you prolong the life of your commercial HVAC system and possibly avoid big repairs, so you can get the most value from every dollar you spend.

  1. Schedule Quarterly HVAC Preventative Maintenance

Because commercial systems in Houston run nonstop and move large volumes of air, checking them only once a year isn’t enough.

Quarterly inspections and tune-ups can help catch small problems before they become costly and disruptive breakdowns. A commercial HVAC technician will pay close attention to

  • Condensate drains to make sure they remain clear and free of mold
  • Cleanliness of outdoor coils so heat transfer works optimally
  • Electrical connections, parts, and motors to prevent unnecessary breakdowns
  • Your system’s refrigerant charge to ensure there are no leaks.

Companies that skip regular tune-ups often see reduced efficiency or earlier failures.

  1. Consider a Rooftop HVAC System for Your Business

Many commercial HVAC units in Houston, especially at retail locations, are placed on the roof. This out-of-the-way placement means that routine access for installation, maintenance, or repair doesn’t interfere with your customers or staff nearly so much.

Rooftop locations can also be more secure from vandalism or accidental damage from grounds maintenance.

  1. Change Your Air Filters Regularly

Dirty air filters are one of the most common causes of inefficiency and HVAC system strain.

Because your commercial HVAC is circulating large volumes of air on a daily basis, your air filters are going to need to be replaced more often than you might do at home unless you use a larger media filter.

Rooftop AC units require a ladder to access them, and they are typically changed every quarter. This is why your favorite Commercial HVAC company can handle that task on your behalf.

Keeping filters clean means better airflow and lower energy costs.

  1. Control Thermostat Settings and Address Hot Spots

Different people adjusting thermostats, propping open doors to the outside, and closing or blocking air registers can add up to big inefficiencies and more stress on your HVAC system.

Using commercial programmable or remote-access thermostats can standardize comfort settings, making it easier to avoid inefficiencies that lead to damage.

If you have areas in your building that are too hot or cold, a licensed HVAC specialist can help you troubleshoot and fix those problems permanently. This will eliminate employees taking matters into their own hands.

  1. Plug Air Leaks and Fix Insulation Problems

Inspecting air ducts, insulation, and common areas where gaps can form around windows and doors is a good idea. These areas can present opportunities to improve energy efficiency overall. Weatherstripping, caulk, and door sweeps are just a few of the fixes that can help.

If ducts deteriorate or there are too many leaks in your building envelope, it can make your HVAC system work harder than it needs to.  A system that runs too long will wear out sooner than it should.

ProTip: Regular pest control can keep rodents and other pests from invading your system or your ducts.

  1. Assess Indoor Air Quality and Humidity Levels

Houston’s humidity makes indoor air quality an important part of commercial HVAC care, which is why it’s good to keep indoor humidity under control.

A variety of in-duct air purification systems can be added to your commercial HVAC system. Beyond air filters, these systems actively remove mold spores, viruses, pollen, dust, and other pollutants from the air.

  1. Watch For and React to Early Warning Signs

Don’t let strange noises, uneven cooling, strange smells, rising bills, or humidity issues linger. Those are often signals your system is under stress or losing efficiency. Catching them early can result in smaller, less expensive fixes rather than emergency repairs.

If you have a hunch there may be something going on with your HVAC system, the best time to call is right away.

ProTip: If your HVAC system was undersized when installed or if building use has changed, it may be working too hard. Oversized HVAC units cycle on and off too frequently but never remove enough humidity, whereas undersized HVAC units run too long but never get cool enough. Both scenarios can dramatically shorten the lifespan of your HVAC system.

  1. Keep Up Manufacturer Warranty Requirements

Commercial HVAC units come with a manufacturer’s warranty, and most require documented, regular maintenance. Skipping required maintenance can void coverage.

Your licensed professional HVAC company will keep records, but you should also, so you can keep up with filter changes, inspections and tune-ups, and repairs.

This can have the double benefit of helping you make any warranty claims easier and give you a way to measure how the system is performing. It will also clue you in to when the time draws near and it’s time to replace the system so you can do it on your schedule not in an emergency.

  1. Request a Custom Preventative HVAC Maintenance Plan

Every building is different—roof layout, usage patterns, occupancy, hours, weather, exposure to sun/shade, and more. A tailored preventative maintenance plan from a reliable local partner like Castle A/C & Heating gives you a schedule you can trust, priority service, and less stress.

You’ll often lock in better pricing, avoid surprise emergency breakdowns, and ensure your system is always tuned for your specific conditions.

ProTip: Regular maintenance and care for your HVAC system not only prolongs the system’s life, it reduces energy use, lowering your utility bills month after month.

Average Lifespan for a Commercial HVAC System

If you follow these tips and invest in quarterly maintenance for your commercial HVAC system, whether it’s on a Houston rooftop or elsewhere, you can expect a commercial system to last between 15-20 years at the top end. We’ve noticed that a lot of commercial systems we see start having problems at year 7 because of the heat we get in Houston.

If your business is located close to bay, it will not last quite as long due to the corrosive effects of salt water.

High-quality HVAC equipment backed with a manufacturer’s warranty and skilled installation will make a big difference in your system’s longevity.

Commercial HVAC Services Across Houston

Don’t wait for an emergency repair to slow down your business. If you’re in Central Houston, Bellaire, West University, The Heights, the Energy Corridor, Fulshear, Katy, Pearland, or Seabrook and many points between, call Castle A/C & Heating today at (713) 667-7606 to schedule a quarterly commercial HVAC tune-up or create a custom preventative maintenance plan.

For your convenience, you can set up an appointment through our website anytime. Since 1975, we’ve been keeping Houston’s businesses cool with service fit for royalty.