Fall in the Roanoke Valley is known for its unpredictable swings, like chilly mornings, warm afternoons, and the constant switch between heating and cooling. These fluctuations can take a toll on your building’s HVAC system. As temperatures start to drop, now is the time to make sure your heating systems are ready for winter’s demands. A few proactive checks and maintenance steps in the fall can prevent costly breakdowns and energy waste later on.
At Moore’s, our HVAC professionals work with local Roanoke Valley and Virginia’s Blue Ridge area businesses every day to help them avoid winter emergencies. Here are a few practical steps you can take to assess their system and prepare for the colder months ahead.
1) Check and Replace Air Filters
This simple step is one of the most important. Dirty filters restrict airflow, forcing your system to work harder and reducing efficiency. For commercial and industrial facilities, we recommend inspecting your air filters monthly.
During a site visit or as part of a preventative maintenance agreement, our HVAC experts can change filters during the fall and replace them as needed, especially if your building has high occupancy or dust-generating operations. Clean filters mean cleaner air, lower utility bills, and less wear on your equipment.
2) Inspect for Visible Wear and Damage
Take a few minutes to walk through your mechanical rooms and rooftop units. Look for frayed belts, rust, debris, water leaks, or insulation that’s come loose. These small signs of wear can signal a developing issue. Catching them early can save you from a midwinter outage when repair costs and downtime are at their peak.
3) Test Thermostats and Controls
Before the first major cold snap, switch your system to heating mode and verify that thermostats are responding correctly. Confirm that temperature readings are accurate and that your building automation system (if you have one) is functioning properly. A quick test run can uncover calibration issues or faulty sensors that might otherwise go unnoticed until it’s too late.
4) Listen and Smell for Unusual Changes
Strange noises or burning smells when the system starts up are early warning signs. Grinding, banging, or squealing sounds can indicate mechanical stress, while persistent odors could point to dust buildup or electrical problems. If you notice anything unusual, contact a professional HVAC company in Roanoke, VA—like Moore’s—for a closer inspection.
5) Schedule a Professional Heating Inspection
Even the most attentive facility team can only do so much without specialized tools and training. A fall inspection by a certified HVAC technician ensures that heat exchangers, burners, electrical connections, and safety controls are all in peak condition. Regular preventive maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your system but also helps maintain warranty compliance and safety standards.
Professional Q&A with Moore’s HVAC Experts
Q: How often should my commercial heating system be inspected?
A: At least once a year, ideally in the fall before heating season begins. For high-demand environments like schools, hospitals, or manufacturing facilities, a biannual inspection (spring and fall) is even better.
Q: What are the top signs of winter heating problems?
A: Uneven temperatures, unusual noises, rising energy bills, and frequent cycling on and off are all red flags. If employees or tenants start complaining about inconsistent comfort levels, it’s time to have your system evaluated.
Q: Can small maintenance steps really prevent a system breakdown?
A: Absolutely. Simple actions like replacing filters, clearing vents, and scheduling inspections can dramatically reduce wear and tear. Many costly failures we see in January or February start with minor issues that went unchecked in the fall.
Stay Ahead of the Cold with Moore’s
Don’t wait for winter emergencies to strike. Schedule your fall heating inspection with Moore’s in Roanoke today and keep your building warm, efficient, and reliable all season long.
Contact Moore’s: your trusted HVAC company in Roanoke, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Bedford, Rocky Mount, Fincastle, Buchanan, Floyd, Salem, Vinton, and surrounding areas in Virginia.