What Is Your Commercial HVAC Security Plan?

We incorporate security into all kinds of things that take place in our daily lives.

We set up a home security system to keep our families safe.  

We use security and backups on our computer to make our most sensitive data more protected.  

We even buy insurance policies to ensure everything in our daily lives is safe from harm, from our homes, to our cars, and even to our very lives.

But what about the HVAC system in the property you manage?

HVAC systems are designed to spread air throughout the building. Yet just as easily it can spread other, more dangerous contaminants as well. Whether accidental or intentional, your HVAC system could be putting your building at risk; unless you take adequate precautionary measures.

HVAC security risks can include a variety of things: fires, natural disasters, chemical spills, bacteria, viruses, mold, VOC fumes, smoke, asbestos and carbon dioxide. And they can spread through your building in a variety of ways: production activities within an office, sick office workers, chemical spills inside or outside of the building, water damage from a flood, even normal day to day activities can add in to the problem.

While its impossible to eliminate the chance of a problem from ever occurring within your building, it is important in having detection measures in place so you can eliminate the problem as quickly as possible.

Every HVAC security plan should start by having a design document that outlines how the system works, where every piece of equipment is placed, and what safety or alarm features exist. It should outline how the system functions, what equipment is in use, and where key entry points lie.

With a thorough planning document in place, the next step is to evaluate the system and find the greatest areas of vulnerability. Risk assessments should include determining where a potential contamination can easily take place, and what actions would be required to remedy the situation.

In many commercial environments, HVAC equipment is located on the outside of the building. Who has access to the equipment? Is it on ground level, easily accessible to anyone who may walk by? Or is it on the roof, protected and available to only those who have access to the building? Access doors should be secured. You can also build in additional security measures, such as monitors and alarms that will alert key personnel if and when the security is breached.

You should also build in security measures for accidents that may occur relevant to what is housed within the building itself. If the building is leased by a painting company, for instance, it will be at more risk for chemical spills and VOC hazards. Proper security should be added for both protection and detection.

Never forget that even minor, routine maintenance items can sometimes be your biggest defense. If your security plan calls for regular scheduled maintenance from a professional HVAC contractor, you will know that air filters are cleaned and replaced regularly, all filters are properly installed, equipment is running in its proper manner, gas detectors are properly calibrated, and screens and grates are cleaned and kept free of debris. Just these few routine tasks can alert you to problems that can quickly escalate and grow in a short period of time.

So what’s your plan? If this is the first time you’ve contemplated what your plan should be, there’s no better time than now to fix it. Let’s talk. With one of our professional HVAC contractors, we can help you design the perfect HVAC security plan for your building, giving you both security and peace of mind in the years to come.

5 Big Mistakes Businesses Make When Hiring A HVAC Contractor

When it comes to running a business, there are little mistakes … and then there are BIG mistakes that hit you right where it hurts the most: your bottom line. Its easy to do little maintenance items to try and keep things running as efficiently and as low cost as possible. But sometimes maintenance isn’t enough. If you don’t replace it, it will impact you, and not in a good way. Can you really operate with employees and customers … and no heat?

When you’re in the market for a new HVAC system, its important to know that not all heating and air conditioning equipment are created equally. (Just like all heating and air conditioning companies will not all provide the same level of service.) When you’re in the market for a new HVAC system, its important not to rush into a decision. This is an item that will last you for years; its important to make the right decision the first time. Look at different systems, compare what your budget can afford, and talk with more than one HVAC company to ensure you feel comfortable with the final outcome.

There are several mistakes that are common when making an HVAC purchase; make sure you don’t fall for these.

1. Buying the wrong size heating or air conditioning equipment

What happens when you buy an HVAC system too small for your location? It can result in higher energy bills, a build up of mold in the ductwork, damaged equipment and even uncomfortable working conditions. Heating and air conditioning equipment is sized for a reason. You can’t purchase a unit for a smaller location and assume it will work in your building – it may save you in the beginning, but the costs can be substantial down the road.  

2. Installing partial equipment or systems

This is an easy one to fall into, especially if you assume it will save you money. If only a portion of the system is faulty, why replace it all? Yet if your system is old – 10, 15, even 20 years or more – there’s a good chance pieces of the system are not only inefficient, they simply may not work well retrofitted to work with your new equipment. In some cases, for instance, ductwork may have to be updated to fit a new heating system. Always ask for a complete evaluation to understand your best strategy for having a system that will work effectively now and well into the future.

3. Falling for a too-good-to-be-true offer

When you don’t purchase equipment every day, its hard to understand all of the nuances that go into the actual installation. Many companies will give you one price for the equipment, then add in additional charges as they start the installation process. Always ask for a step by step explanation of how the entire installation will be done, and where extra charges may come into play. Make sure you fully understand before you sign on the dotted line.

4. Using untrustworthy contractors

Your HVAC equipment is something you use every day. Heat in the winter, air conditioning in the summer, and proper air flow throughout the year. That’s a lot of work and a lot of variables for your HVAC equipment to handle every day. And while new equipment will provide you with lasting results, it won’t always be maintenance-free. New air filters, the occasional repair, even checks and balances should be done on a regular basis to ensure your equipment is in good working condition. Can you trust the person you are considering to install your new HVAC equipment? Do they have maintenance programs? Will they be around when you need them? Do your research t

o make sure you are hiring a legitimate, trustworthy company right from the beginning.

5. Getting equipment without a warranty

Make sure the HVAC contractor you hire will stand behind their products and services from the beginning. The guarantee should be in writing and include the equipment, the performance, and satisfaction for a job done right. Warranties say a lot about a company; they can tell you how well a company will work with you throughout the installation process, and how well they will work with you in the future.