How to Avoid HVAC Disasters

When Gerry Goffin and Carole King penned their '60s musical hit "Up On the Roof," most likely they were not thinking about restaurants.

Particularly, if you are not paying attention to your heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system (HVAC), a restaurant's roof is anything but "troubleproof."

Summer is approaching, and if you live where high temperatures and humidity is typical weather for those months, you need to make sure your gear is in top shape.

That's not to say that making regular trips to the roof isn't a good idea year-round. As this article will explain, regular inspection and do-it-yourself maintenance can go a very long way in keeping your HVAC and other rooftop equipment in good working order.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

With the myriad issues you need to keep top-of-mind running a restaurant, it's no wonder that you forget about the gear perched on the top of your building. As the old saw goes, out of sight, out of mind.

More perversely, still, HVAC equipment often fails at the worst time. It's not bad karma, but harsh weather.

When it is exceedingly hot or cold, the HVAC equipment is working hardest. And even if it seems to be chugging along, it might not be working to maximum efficiency. Utility bills creep up and guest comfort slides.

That can hit your top and bottom line.