Commercial HVAC & Plumbing Services FAQ

Harvey W Hottel, Inc. Answers Your Frequently Asked Questions

Owning or operating a commercial building is a lot of work, but Harvey W Hottel, Inc. is here to take care of all your HVAC and plumbing needs.  You count on your building’s infrastructure to keep your employees, clients, and customers comfortable and productive.  If anything goes wrong, you need a reliable and experienced company you can depend on for quality repair or replacement services. We know you have questions, which is why we have prepared answers to the questions we frequently receive. Take a few minutes to browse through them, and feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions.

Which Thermostat is Right for My Commercial Building?

Having the right thermostat in your commercial building is essential for temperature control, energy consumption, and humidity levels. The type of thermostat you should have depends on the size of your commercial building. Smaller buildings can utilize a standalone, programmable thermostat, especially if they don’t require areas to be zoned. Programmable thermostats allow you to adjust cooling and heating based on the patterns of building use. If your commercial operation has several buildings or one large building requiring separate zoning, you might want to use a direct digital control system for individual thermostats. This will keep your buildings or areas at different temperatures without needing to adjust each area manually. The experts at Harvey W Hottel, Inc. can help you determine the right thermostat for your commercial building.

How Do I Know When It’s Time for an HVAC Replacement?

It can be difficult for business owners to know when their mechanical infrastructure should be repaired or whether it needs to be replaced. Harvey W Hottel, Inc. provides replacement options. We are here to help you determine which option is best for your building. The decision is typically based on a life cycle analysis. If you have been repairing your HVAC system too frequently, and it is nearing the end of its life cycle, you may be better off replacing it with a new, more energy-efficient one. HVAC systems made ten years ago are only about half as efficient as newer models.  Harvey W. Hottel utilizes data-driven analysis to evaluate your utility spend, identify your facilities Energy Star score, and develop financial solutions that make sense.

How Long Should My Commercial HVAC System Last?

Commercial HVAC systems are significant investments requiring capital expenses, so you want the equipment to last as long as possible. Several factors affect the longevity of your commercial HVAC system. Preventative maintenance has a direct effect on the system’s life span. Having your system taken care of by the professionals at Harvey W Hottel, Inc. could extend the life of your air conditioner, allowing it to work efficiently for 20 years or more.

How Often Should the Air Filters Be Changed?

Commercial HVAC systems work hard, and air filters help clean the indoor air. They trap and hold particulates such as dust, fibers, pollen, and other materials. Air filters also help sustain the airflow your system needs to work properly. Dirty, clogged air filters block airflow, preventing your HVAC equipment from doing its job correctly. Dirty air filters can even damage your HVAC system. Air filters should be checked once a month and changed when they become dirty. If your industry produces more particulates or airborne contaminants than others, you will likely need to check and change your air filters more frequently. For some buildings, replacing them weekly may be necessary. Our team can help with all things HVAC-related, so don’t hesitate to contact us.

Contact Us to Request Your Service

The experienced team at Harvey W Hottel, Inc. is here to help you with all your commercial HVAC and Plumbing needs. It’s crucial to have an energy-efficient AC system for your building. Not only will you keep your employees, clients, and customers comfortable and productive, but you’ll also save money on monthly heating and cooling costs. As one of the largest HVAC and plumbing service companies in the Mid-Atlantic, we’ve been serving the Greater Washington area since 1945. Our team of professionals is highly trained and experienced, whether you need HVAC repair, installation, or maintenance. We also offer geothermal and heating services in the Washington D.C. metro area. We encourage you to contact us if you have any additional questions or are ready to request your service.  We put all our energy into saving yours.