Winter is almost here. If you own a commercial building, you have a lot to do to prepare for the onslaught of cold weather. While you're busy insulating the pipes to avoid freezing and adding insulation to the crawl spaces in your commercial building, be sure to take steps to protect your HVAC system, as well. Winter can be particularly brutal on your heater and air conditioner. Here are three steps you need to take to get your HVAC system ready for winter. 

Start Up the Heater

If you haven't started up your heater yet, now's the time to do that. You may think that you can simply turn the heater on and enjoy the warm air. Unfortunately, that's not actually the case. Your heater has been sitting dormant for quite a few months. The system will need to be serviced before you can safely begin using it for warmth. If your heater wasn't shut down professionally once winter was over, you need to schedule a full inspection. Your heat exchanger, pilot light, and flue will need to be inspected prior to use this year. 

Shut Down the Air Conditioner

Now that you're no longer using your air conditioner this year, you need to have it shut down professionally. Simply turning off the air conditioner and leaving it alone until next summer could put you at risk for costly repairs next year. While you're having your heater inspected for winter, take the time to have your air conditioner serviced prior to shut-down. This step is particularly important for business owners. You need to know that your air conditioner will be ready to provide cool air for your staff and customers as soon as summer arrives. If there are exposed pipes on your exterior air conditioner unit, be sure to insulate them before the first freeze. If those pipes still contain water or condensation from summer use, they could rupture once the first freeze arrives this winter. 

Calibrate the Thermostat

If it's been a while since you had your thermostat serviced - or you've never had that done - now's the time to schedule an appointment. Over time, your thermostat can lose its precision. Unfortunately, when that happens, your heater and air conditioner won't be able to operate effectively. To avoid problems with temperature variances, be sure to have your thermostat calibrated this winter. If your current thermostat is outdated, have your HVAC technician install a new digital model. 

For more information, contact a company like Dominion Services Heating & Air Refrigeration.