How to Winterize Your Commercial HVAC System: A Pro Checklist for Building Owners
- ETS
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Don’t wait for a breakdown—prepare your commercial HVAC system now for winter with our expert inspection guide and upgrade tips.
With winter just around the corner, now is the time to make sure your commercial HVAC system is ready to handle the colder months.
At Engineered Temperature Solutions, we’ve seen too many buildings suffer from avoidable issues during heating season—from cracked heat exchangers to inadequate airflow.
This blog gives building owners and facility managers a clear, actionable checklist to ensure your gas-fired and rooftop systems are in top shape. If your tech can’t walk you through this list, it may be time to call in the pros.
Preventative Maintenance for Your Commercial HVAC Unit — Basic Winter Prep Steps
Your HVAC system’s performance starts with the basics. Before tackling complex diagnostics, it’s essential to handle the simple things that keep air moving and energy costs in check.
Replacing filters, inspecting belts, sealing ducts, and checking insulation might not sound exciting—but they’re the front line of defense against winter breakdowns and rising utility bills.
Change Air Filters and Inspect Belts
Dirty filters and worn belts restrict airflow, forcing fans to work harder and wasting energy. Replace filters before every heating season and inspect belts for cracks or slack tension.
Calibrate Thermostats and Set Proper Schedules
Ensure thermostats are properly calibrated and programmed for occupied and unoccupied hours. Smart thermostats or BAS (Building Automation Systems) can automatically adjust for night setbacks and holiday schedules to save energy.
Inspect Ductwork and Check for Drafts
Leaks and poorly sealed ducts cause heat loss and uneven comfort. A quick inspection and sealing of joints and penetrations improve efficiency and indoor air balance.
Assess Insulation and Weather Seals
Check insulation around rooftop units, ductwork, and penetrations to prevent heat loss and condensation. Damaged roof curbs or degraded seals around penetrations are common culprits of winter inefficiency.
Gas-Fired Equipment Essentials
Gas-fired rooftop units are workhorses in commercial buildings, but they demand precise care during heating season.
From combustion analysis to heat exchanger inspections, these systems rely on correct airflow and calibration to operate safely and efficiently. A small issue here can escalate into costly repairs or even safety hazards if ignored.
Combustion Analysis
A combustion analysis ensures proper fuel-to-air ratios, safe carbon monoxide levels, and efficient burner operation. It’s one of the best ways to spot hidden issues like cracked heat exchangers early.
Heat Exchanger Inspection
Corrosion, cracks, or rust buildup can lead to dangerous exhaust leaks. A visual inspection — supported by combustion data — ensures heat exchangers are safe and performing efficiently.
Airflow & Ventilation Vital Signs
Proper airflow prevents overheating and extends heat exchanger life. Technicians should measure static pressure, coil cleanliness, and CFM values to verify performance.
Building Automation & Controls
Automation isn’t just about convenience—it’s about control, consistency, and savings.
A well-tuned Building Automation System (BAS) helps your HVAC adjust automatically to occupancy patterns, temperature shifts, and outdoor conditions.
Integrating smart controls ensures your system runs efficiently all winter while giving you real-time visibility into performance.
Smart Scheduling and Remote Monitoring
Integrate BAS to track temperatures, humidity, and system performance in real time. Automatic alerts flag potential issues before they become emergencies.
Zone Control Optimization
Calibrate dampers and sensors for balanced comfort across multiple zones. This reduces hot/cold complaints and improves system longevity.
Winter Maintenance Records & Performance Verification
When it comes to winter prep, your commercial HVAC system deserves more than a quick check — every component should be verified to perform exactly as it should.
Documenting each inspection, airflow reading, combustion check, and repair ensures your HVAC system is prepared to perform when temperatures drop.
Having these records on hand lets building owners verify that every winterization task was handled professionally — and that no detail slipped through the cracks.
Preventive Maintenance Sheet: Your Winterproofing Report Card
A proper PM sheet shows every step taken to protect your HVAC system for the season — from combustion readings to filter changes. It proves your system was serviced for winter efficiency, not just “checked.”
Performance Verification: Data That Confirms Readiness
Once winter maintenance is complete, Engineered Temperature Solutions verifies real-world performance by measuring airflow, testing gas pressures, and confirming thermostat response. Because “ready for winter” shouldn’t be a guess — it should be verified performance.
Protective Measures for Harsh Winter Conditions
Winter weather in Ohio can be unpredictable, and your rooftop equipment takes the brunt of it. Hail, snow, ice, and wind can all damage coils, wiring, and housings.
Adding durable protection—like hail guards, roof screens, and weatherproof enclosures—extends the lifespan of your investment while keeping critical components performing at their best.
Install Hail Guards, Louvers, and Roof Screens
Protect sensitive coils and components from hail, debris, and wind exposure. ETS custom-fabricates protection solutions that don’t restrict airflow or hinder access.
Add Weatherproof Enclosures
Factory-sealed, insulated panels keep moisture and snow out of critical components — reducing corrosion, short circuits, and early system failure.
Protect Conduits and Lines
Line protection prevents freezing, corrosion, and UV damage. It’s a small upgrade that protects long-term reliability and safety.
The Final Commercial HVAC System Winter Checklist
✅ Inspect & Replace Essentials
Change air filters, inspect belts and bearings, and verify insulation and weather sealing to prevent heat loss.
✅ Test Gas-Fired Equipment
Perform combustion analysis, inspect burners and heat exchangers, and check vents for leaks or blockages.
✅ Verify Airflow & Distribution
Balance airflow, lubricate moving parts, and ensure dampers, fans, and actuators operate smoothly.
✅ Calibrate Controls & Schedules
Test thermostats and confirm BAS temperature setbacks, alarms, and occupancy schedules are set for winter conditions.
✅ Protect Rooftop Equipment
Inspect hail guards, coil screens, and weatherproof enclosures; clear debris and ensure roof drains are open.
✅ Document & Plan Ahead
Complete maintenance records, resolve deficiencies, and schedule any needed retrofits or follow-up service.
Download a free fillable Commercial HVAC Winterization Checklist !!
Conclusion
Whether you manage a school, warehouse, office, or retail center, preparing your commercial HVAC system for winter isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Engineered Temperature Solutions helps Ohio businesses keep systems safe, efficient, and reliable all season long.
Table of Contents
Comments