We’ve said it from the inception of this blog in 2013, and throughout our 44 years in business: Preventive maintenance (PM) plays an essential role in keeping your HVAC unit or units running smoothly and efficiently for years on end. Anticipating potential problems and issues upstream – before they occur – can save you big money and keep your tenants happy and productive.
Still, even the healthiest rooftop units can break down or even fail due to any number of factors. Geography and environmental conditions are prime examples; excessive seasonal temperatures or air quality issues could stress system parts and cause problems. Age is another; a 20-year-old unit in the best possible condition is still a 20-year-old unit nearing the end of its useful life.
As we work our way through the unusually cold and snowy winter of 2013/2014 here in the Midwest, we’ve seen the thermometer plunge below zero several times for extended periods. If your unit malfunctions or fails during the cold winter months – and these brutal cold snaps in particular – you can’t afford to be without heat while parts are ordered, entire units are shipped, or technicians work through other appointments before getting to yours. You need heat now.
Thankfully, temporary heating solutions are available in cases like these. When HVAC units fail in the hot summer, temporary cooling is available through customized options. Likewise, CLS provides clients in retail, office and industrial buildings temporary heating solutions when units go offline during the winter. These solutions are usually 1-ton heat pumps that can be placed in service areas of a building that requires temporary heat, and plugged directly into a grounded wall outlet. Units larger than 1 ton, up to 5 tons, require 240 volts of electricity to operate (similar to a residential clothes dryer) and therefore require different power outlets.
When it comes to implementing a temporary heating solution, logistics are always the key consideration and challenge – particularly ventilation. To install temporary heating in an interior space, that space must have access to proper ventilation. In cases where a drop ceiling exists, we at CLS run smokestack-style hosing from the unit to an exterior venting spot. In buildings without drop ceilings, ventilation options still exist; but due to health and safety concerns, it’s critically important to consult with a professional who can devise and implement the proper solution, including the proper size unit for the given space.
In the end, we hope you’ll take PM to heart and implement it through a sound program. But if unit breakdowns do occur, and heat is needed until that time when your unit gets fixed or replaced, know that temporary heating solutions are available to you. In these cases, we believe your wisest choice is to call an established company with professional experts like CLS to implement the solution quickly, safely, cost effectively, and with minimal disruption to tenants.
For more information about heating start-up and maintenance, including tips and a thorough checklist, read our blog post that explains it all in detail.
To inquire about CLS’s temporary heating services, our HVAC services in general, or all other CLS services, please call us at 800-548-3542.