Commercial HVAC Emergencies: How to Prepare Your Business
Read Time:2 Minute, 45 Second
In light of the damage caused by recent hurricanes and “snowpocalypse” storms, homeowners and business owners alike are more aware than ever of the importance of emergency preparedness. True preparation requires more than a stockpile of bottled water, non-perishable food, and blankets. Although often overlooked, your HVAC system can make or break your business during a natural disaster. With that in mind, here is a guide to protecting and preparing your business for HVAC emergencies.
Evaluate Your HVAC Equipment
It’s important to know what kind of HVAC equipment you have and how old it is. This will give you some idea of when it will need to be replaced. You should also know the needs of your facility. How much does it take to heat or cool the entire building? Are some spaces more important than others? If so, how will you prioritize them in an emergency?
Don’t let chance decide where, when, and how your employees work during an HVAC emergency. Have a replacement picked out before your current system breaks down. If your system is inefficient or unlikely to meet your needs during an emergency, consider installing a new one while you still have a choice. Even if your system seems to be running smoothly, investing in a preventive maintenance plan will pay for itself through averted emergencies.
Invest in Temporary Equipment
When something does happen to your HVAC equipment, you want to make sure repairs aren’t rushed. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what might happen if you don’t have a back-up in place. Without a pre-planned, temporary HVAC solution of some kind, you may have to suspend activity indefinitely until technicians can fix everything. You’ll want it done quickly, and that pressure can result in cut corners and costly repairs.
Temporary HVAC equipment is available to rent or purchase, but you can’t wait until the last minute to make arrangements. You’ll need to figure out what you need and where you’ll put it ahead of time. If you anticipate frequent use, you may want to buy equipment ahead of time and store it on site. Otherwise, consider renting, and be sure to work out a rental agreement ahead of time.
Have an HVAC Company on Call
Image via Flickr by bpende
Don’t wait until disaster strikes to start looking for a reliable HVAC company. You’ll be able to make a better decision by doing your research beforehand, without the constraints of an emergency situation. You’ll also be able to call someone who is already familiar with your equipment, needs, and facilities. It’s especially important to find an HVAC company that is as prepared as you are.
Make a checklist for what you need in an HVAC company, then list the companies in your area. Use the checklist to compare your options and eliminate any that won’t work. Look for a contractor that is licensed, bonded, and insured for high-quality work and financial protection if something goes wrong.
Even if you aren’t a business owner, many of these same principles apply for homeowners. To ensure that your home or business is never left without heating or cooling longer than necessary, invest in a preventive maintenance plan and know ahead of time how you’ll handle an emergency.
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I like what this article recommends about having an HVAC company on call. I think that this would be a great way to ensure the problem is fixed as fast as possible. I wouldn’t want to have my building improperly heated for much longer than it can stand. I will definitely have to keep this in mind.
My business hasn’t got HVAC…then again, my business is in a car 😉
Actually I had to Google HVAC to fathom out what it meant! Daft Brit!!