A Startup Operator's Guide to Selecting, Using and Maintaining Your Restaurant's HVAC System

What could be less sexy than your HVAC system? If you don't give it a second thought, you're not alone. Traverse City, Michigan, Fire Chief Jim Tuller told reporters earlier this year that several sprinklers went off after an HVAC system caught fire on the roof of Switches Deli on downtown Cass Street. According to upnorthlive.com, the restaurant was expected to be closed for at least two months due to water damage. "Fire damage was minimal, but the deli shop said they have a lot of cleaning up to do."

Out of Sight, Top of Mind... HVAC systems may be out of sight, but they should never be out of a restaurant operator's mind.

HVAC systems may be out of sight, but they should never be out of a restaurant operator's mind. HVAC systems can be very exciting; but we guess it is not the kind of excitement you're seeking. Even if you are spared a disaster, such as the system failing on the coldest or hottest day of the year (it happens), ignoring your HVAC system can cost you dearly.

HVAC Advances Save Money

As you likely know, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems move air between indoor and outdoor areas, heat and cool buildings, filter and clean indoor air, and maintain humidity levels. Not paying close attention to them can cost a restaurant owner big-time.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, as much as 25% to 40% of the energy used for heating or cooling can end up wasted. Contaminants can cause them to work harder and shorten the productive life of the system.

Although filters are used, the heating and cooling system still gets dirty in normal use. When an HVAC system is clean it does not have to work as hard to maintain the desired temperature; as a result, less energy is used and cost-effectiveness is maximized.