Summer 2025 has brought record-breaking heat, putting immense strain on commercial HVAC systems and challenging building managers to keep facilities cool without incurring excessive costs.
According to The National Center for Environmental Information, June 2025 was the seventh warmest in the agency’s 131-year record. While some areas were just moderately warmed, others, including parts of the Florida Peninsula and Northeast region, were affected by “much-above-average warmth.”
To keep buildings cool during peak season, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units have to work overtime, increasing energy consumption, cost, and risk of breakdown.
HVAC already accounts for 35 percent of energy consumption, the largest share of a building’s total energy use, and these elevated temperatures are pushing consumption even higher.
The good news is that your facility isn’t powerless against summer heat.
A proactive approach to HVAC management can significantly reduce energy use, lower costs, and ensure your systems remain reliable when you need them most.
Based on our four decades of experience, here are five practical tips your business can implement to maximize efficiency and avoid breakdowns during peak season.
#1 Invest in Proactive, Preventive Maintenance
Think of HVAC maintenance like regular service for your car. Routine inspections and tune-ups keep systems running smoothly, help prevent catastrophic failures, and extend the life of your equipment.
Tip: Schedule preseason checks in spring and fall. Identifying issues before cooling or heating season ramps up gives you time to fix problems without emergency costs.
A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, uses less energy, and is far less likely to break down during a heatwave.
As Yunho Hwang of the University of Maryland explains:
“If the filter is not clean, then air flow rate will be decreased, and that means the inefficient operation of the cooling system and so on.”
A preventive maintenance program ensures scheduled inspections, filter management, HVAC optimization techniques, and performance tracking—all while turning unpredictable costs into a fixed, budgetable line item.
#2 Implement Smart Technology and Building Automation
Smart technologies like Building Automation Systems (BAS) offer precise control over your facility’s climate.
These systems introduce several benefits for commercial buildings, including:
- Increased Energy Savings: Automate temperature settings for optimal efficiency.
- Improved Comfort Control: Maintain precise temperature and humidity levels.
- Smart Automation: Schedule HVAC operations based on occupancy and usage patterns.
- Remote Monitoring: Manage your system from anywhere with connected controls.
- Extended Equipment Lifespan: Reduce strain on HVAC equipment and extend its lifespan.
- Improved Comfort & Air Quality: Maintain ideal temperature and humidity levels.
Tip: Use data analytics from your BAS to identify trends in usage, detect inefficiencies, and inform future capital planning. Data = dollars saved.
However, an off-the-shelf offering won’t fully optimize your building’s unique requirements.
At Thermal Concepts, we offer customized automation solutions that integrate with your HVAC system, ensuring precise control, energy savings, and improved building operations.
#3 Ensure Consistent Filter Changes
It may seem simple, but a clean air filter is critical to an efficient HVAC system.
Dirty, clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing the system to work harder to circulate cool air.
Tip: Use labeled reminders on your calendar or BAS system to prompt filter checks every 30-60 days depending on usage and environmental conditions.
This unnecessary strain leads to higher energy bills, reduced cooling performance, and can even cause the system to overheat and shut down. Establishing a regular schedule for checking and changing filters is a low-cost, high-impact step toward better efficiency.
#4 Conduct Airflow Testing and Balancing
In many large commercial and industrial facilities, it’s common for multiple HVAC units to operate simultaneously.
However, poor or imbalanced airflow can cause these systems to run unevenly, so one unit is overloaded while the other is underutilized.
This undermines climate control outcomes and introduces excessive wear on the harder-working equipment.
Tip: Reassess airflow distribution annually, especially after office renovations or tenant turnover, which can affect ductwork efficiency and zone balance.
Airflow testing and equipment balancing corrects this issue by ensuring that the workload is distributed evenly, maximizing efficiency, and preventing premature equipment failure.
#5 Consider Upgrading to High-Efficiency Equipment
If your HVAC system is older, it might struggle to keep up during peak season, no matter how well you maintain it.
That’s why upgrading, replacing, or retrofitting your existing HVAC system can be a game-changer. These improvements can drastically reduce your energy consumption, boost overall efficiency, and lead to significant cost savings.
While it’s true there’s an initial investment, the returns are substantial. You’ll see:
- Energy savings through lower utility bills
- Improved performance and consistent comfort
- Enhanced reliability, especially during extreme weather
- A lower carbon footprint for your facility
- Increased equipment lifespan, delaying future replacements
Tip: Look into utility rebates and incentive programs available in your area. Many utilities offer cash rebates for energy-efficient upgrades that can offset initial investment.
Consulting with an HVAC professional can help you determine if a retrofit is the right financial and operational decision for your facility.
Partner with Thermal Concepts for a Cooler Summer
Effectively managing your commercial HVAC system is a strategic investment in your business’s uptime, performance, and financial health.
These proactive steps will help you ensure your facility remains cool and comfortable without incurring the high costs and operational risks of peak summer demand.
Don’t let the summer heat compromise your building’s performance or your budget.
Contact Thermal Concepts today for a personalized consultation and discover how our tailored HVAC solutions can ensure your commercial property remains cool, efficient, and reliable year long.
