What and When to Prepare for Texas Winters

As the temperatures start to drop in September and October, now is the perfect time to prep your commercial HVAC system for winter. A well-maintained system ensures a warm, comfortable environment for your employees, tenants, and customers—while also preventing costly breakdowns when you need heat the most.

Not sure where to start? Reliable Plant Maintenance has you covered! As commercial HVAC experts, we know exactly what your system needs to transition smoothly into the colder months.

Here’s a simple checklist to make sure your HVAC is winter-ready.

1. Schedule a Professional Inspection

Before winter kicks in, have an HVAC technician from Reliable Plant Maintenance perform a full system check-up. Our team can catch minor issues before they turn into major (and expensive) problems, ensuring your heating system runs at peak efficiency.

2. Change Air Filters

Dirty air filters reduce airflow and strain your system. Swap them out for fresh ones to keep things running smoothly. High-traffic commercial spaces may require more frequent filter changes, so it’s a good idea to check with Reliable Plant Maintenance for recommendations on the best schedule.

3. Inspect & Clean Ductwork

Leaky or dirty ducts can lead to heat loss and higher energy bills. Make sure your ductwork is properly sealed and free of dust, mold, or debris to maintain air quality and efficiency. Need help? The pros at Reliable Plant Maintenance offer duct inspections and can recommend a cleaning service provider.

4. Test the Control System

Verify that your control system is operating properly in both cooling and heating mode and test its response in each. If your system is outdated or hasn’t been upgraded in several years then you should perform a system analysis to verify you have all the correct settings and alarm parameters. It may help with system efficiency to upgrade your system to the latest smart controls to optimize energy use. Reliable Plant Maintenance can assist in analyzing and updating a system that works best for your building’s needs.

5. Check for Unusual Noises or Odors

Turn your heating system on and listen for any strange sounds—rattling, banging, or whistling could indicate a problem. Also, be aware of odd smells. A slight burning smell when first turning on the heat is normal (dust burning off), but anything persistent should be checked out by an expert.

6. Inspect Outdoor Units

If you have rooftop or outdoor units, make sure they’re clear of debris like leaves, dirt, or nests. Also, ensure they’re properly secured to withstand winter storms. If you’re unsure how to winterize your outdoor units, Reliable Plant Maintenance can handle it for you.

7. Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors

For buildings using gas-powered heating, carbon monoxide leaks can be dangerous. Test detectors and replace batteries to ensure safety throughout the winter.

8. Review Your HVAC Emergency Plan

Winter storms and unexpected breakdowns happen. Have an emergency HVAC plan in place, including a reliable contact for urgent repairs. Reliable Plant Maintenance offers emergency services 24/7 to keep your building warm when you need it most.

Final Thoughts

A little HVAC maintenance now can save you from big headaches later. Partnering with experts like Reliable Plant Maintenance ensures your commercial heating system is ready to handle the cold efficiently and reliably.

👉 Need a professional HVAC check-up? Contact Reliable Plant Maintenance today and stay ahead of winter’s chill!  info@rpmaint.net or 469-631-0571