Get Your HVAC System Ready for Winter

As winter approaches, it’s time to prepare commercial and industrial HVAC systems for those cold temperatures ahead. Not only will this help assure your system can maintain comfort levels, but it can also optimize energy efficiency and help prevent costly repairs. Here are some practical tips on how to prepare your HVAC system for the winter season.

Inspect and prepare heating coils

Your hot water coils or steam coils have been sitting unused for months, so it’s time to give them some overdue attention – especially if they might not have been well maintained last winter. Dirty or corroded fin and tube surfaces can reduce airflow and diminish system performance, forcing it to work harder to maintain temperatures, which uses more energy and increases operating costs. So, inspect and clean your heating coils to get them ready, and also check for any evidence of leaks.

Winterize cooling coils

Once you will no longer need your fluid cooling coils for the season, be sure to drain them completely or fill them with glycol or a water/glycol mix. Any remaining fluid in the coils has the potential to freeze over the winter, which can expand the tubes and cause them to burst – greeting you with an unwelcome surprise next spring.

Clear outdoor units and vents

For HVAC systems with outdoor components, it’s essential to keep them clear of leaves and other debris. Blockages can obstruct airflow, cause strain on the system, and potentially lead to overheating. Now is the time to inspect outdoor units for the buildup of fall leaves or anything else that could obstruct vents, louvers or dampers, or otherwise block airflow. Regular inspections throughout the winter season are also critical to avoid buildup of snow or ice (and to check for animals that can be drawn to the warmth of running equipment).

Check condensate drain lines

Clogged condensate lines can lead to water accumulation, which can not only cause water damage all year long, but adds the additional risk of freeze damage in cold temperatures. To prevent this, clean your condensate drain lines and check for any obstructions before winter sets in. Proper insulation around the lines can also help prevent freezing.

Replace air filters

Dirty or clogged air filters restrict airflow, forcing the HVAC system to work harder, which can lead to reduced efficiency and increased wear. Replacing or cleaning air filters before winter helps maintain optimal airflow, which reduces energy consumption and also improves indoor air quality. For commercial and industrial systems, it’s typically recommended to change filters every 1 to 3 months, depending on system usage and air quality demands.

Clean air ducts

Just like dirty filters, dirty or obstructed ducts can contribute to poor air quality and inefficient system performance. The buildup of dust, dirt and debris can restrict the flow of warm air, causing uneven heating throughout the building. Cleaning the ducts before winter will lead to better airflow, improved efficiency and the reduction of allergens and dust.

Order replacement coils early

If you find that your heating coils aren’t ready to meet the challenges of the coming winter, you can rely on Marlo Heat Transfer Solutions for the replacements you need. We offer a wide range of commercial and industrial heating coils to meet your needs, all custom designed and built for your specific application.

Our heating coils include hot water coils and steam coils – for both low- and high-pressure steam applications. Marlo steam coils can feature either a continuous straight-through steam path, or a distributing steam path with both inner and outer steam tubes. Distributing steam coils virtually eliminate the possibility of coil freezing.

Because we custom build every coil on demand, we can construct each component – fins, tubes, headers and more – from a wide range of high-quality materials, including copper, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, copper nickel and others. Just tell us about your heating needs and challenges, and we’ll deliver a custom solution that gets the job done.

Consider adding a Marlo Stratomizer®

No discussion about heating solutions would be complete without mentioning our Stratomizer Dampered Face and Bypass Coil. Also referred to as an Integral Face and Bypass Coil (IFB Coil), the Stratomizer offers a reliable method of preheating and tempering fresh outside air while maintaining full steam pressure or hot water flow to the coil at all times, in order to avoid freezing.

Benefits of the Stratomizer include freeze protection, accurate temperature control, constant air volume and an efficient way to bring more fresh outside air into your building – even in extremely cold temperatures. And, like all of our products, the Stratomizer is backed by our industry-leading 3-year warranty.

Prepare now before temperatures drop

Don’t wait any longer to check on your HVAC system to make sure it’s ready to handle the coming cold. If you find any problems, consider replacing aging, leaking or damaged heating coils (or cooling coils) today to prevent disruptions to your building this winter. We’re here to supply you with quality, custom products to fit the unique needs of your building and your HVAC system. Contact us with any questions or reach out to your local Marlo representative.