For facilities managers, the systems used to generate and store heat tend to be all-important—at least amidst plunging temperatures and bleak winter elements. As soon as outside conditions turn warm, thermal heating systems are more easily placed out of sight and out of mind.
The sunny days of spring and early summer are no time to forget a building’s heating infrastructure. In fact, it might be the ideal season to invest in system inspections, maintenance, and upgrades. Doing so can be an important way to ensure optimal and efficient temperature control year-round.
Leveraging the Off-Season
One reason to be attentive to thermal heating systems during spring and summer is that, if maintenance is required or the system is due for replacement, finding qualified installers can be comparatively easy—and affordable.
Simply put, most heating installers are exponentially less busy during the warm days of spring and summer, which means scheduling a service appointment can be quite a bit easier to manage.
Additionally, since spring and summer are off the peak season for heating system maintenance, new parts and components may be easier to find for more competitive prices. By contrast, when waiting until winter to repair or replace a heating unit, facilities managers may find that the parts they need are priced according to high demand—and as temperatures plunge, forgoing heating system maintenance isn’t a viable option.
Preparing for Winter
Spring and summer represent a sensible time to invest in thermal heating upkeep for other reasons, as well. For example, acting during the off-season can be an important way to ensure a smoother start to winter.
There is nothing more demoralizing than switching on a building’s heating system on the first cold day of the year, only to discover that it’s not working as well as it should be—or perhaps that it’s not working at all. If there are performance issues that require resolution, better to discover them during summer, allowing more time to repair and optimize before the system is needed.
Once winter weather does roll in, heating systems will be put through a lot of stress each and every day. The sheer demand for consistent heating can significantly increase the risk of equipment failure. Testing and optimizing the system when it’s not in use can prevent the need for emergency repairs, which can be not just costly but uncomfortable for the building’s occupants.
Enhancing Performance
One more consideration: Thermal heating equipment improves all the time. For example, today’s infrared heaters can be ideal for targeted and efficient heating in smaller spaces, including garages or warehouses where central heat isn’t as viable.
What this means is that making an upgrade or addition to the existing heating system can improve performance, allowing the entire building to enjoy a more consistent temperature at a more efficient rate.
In short, making upgrades during spring and summer might mean improved comfort and lower utility bills for the entire winter season—making it an important investment in the life of the facility.
There’s No Better Season for a Thermal Heating Upgrade
To get the most out of any heating system, regular inspection is a must—and in many cases, that inspection might lead to recommended repairs or upgrades. None of this has to be done during primary heating seasons. On the contrary, there is wisdom in handling it when heat might otherwise be a distant concern, helping to ensure consistent climate control and optimal efficiency year-round.
Jamie Tuinstra is a product manager at Modine Manufacturing, a global thermal management solutions provider headquartered in Racine, Wis.