How to Prepare Your HVAC System for Summer Heatwaves

Written by Ed Rice

As temperatures rise across the Northeast, summer heatwaves are becoming more intense—and more frequent. For commercial and industrial facilities, a well-prepared HVAC system can be the difference between smooth operations and costly downtime. Whether you're running a data center, office building, manufacturing facility, or cold storage warehouse, ensuring your HVAC system is ready for extreme heat is critical to maintaining comfort, productivity, and system reliability.

In this week’s Northstar University blog, we’ll walk through how to get your HVAC system ready to take on the summer—and how preventative steps now can help you avoid emergency repairs later.

Why Preparation Matters

During a heatwave, your HVAC system works overtime. Increased run times, higher cooling demands, and limited relief at night can stress even the most reliable equipment. Without proper preparation, you may face:

• Decreased energy efficiency

• Higher operating costs

• Poor indoor air quality

• Equipment strain and breakdowns

• Uncomfortable or unsafe indoor environments

The good news? You can avoid these issues with a few proactive steps.

Summer-Ready HVAC Checklist

1. Schedule a Preventative Maintenance Inspection

   Routine maintenance is your first line of defense. Before the peak summer season hits, schedule a comprehensive inspection that includes:

   ·        Checking refrigerant levels and pressure

   ·        Cleaning condenser and evaporator coils

   ·        Verifying proper airflow

   ·        Inspecting ductwork for leaks or damage

   ·        Lubricating all moving parts

   ·        Testing thermostat and controls

   ·        Replacing worn belts, filters, and electrical components

   At Northstar Refrigeration, our HVAC service team specializes in seasonal tune-ups designed to boost efficiency and prevent unexpected failures.

2. Replace Air Filters

   Dirty or clogged air filters restrict airflow, forcing your system to work harder and increasing energy consumption. During the summer months, replace filters at least once a month—more often if you're in a dusty environment or using high-efficiency filtration systems.

3. Test and Calibrate Thermostats

   Smart thermostats and programmable systems are powerful tools for energy management—but only if they're working correctly. Confirm that thermostats are:

   ·        Set to appropriate cooling schedules

   ·        Calibrated for accurate temperature readings

   ·        Integrated with your building automation system, if applicable

4. Inspect Outdoor Units

   Clear debris, vegetation, or obstructions from around your outdoor condensing units. These systems rely on open airflow to dissipate heat, and restricted airflow can reduce cooling capacity and overheat the compressor.

5. Evaluate System Load

   If your facility has expanded or changed usage over the past year, your system may be under- or oversized for current demands. Consider an energy audit or load calculation to confirm your equipment can handle peak summer conditions.

6. Prepare a Contingency Plan

   Even with preparation, emergencies can happen. Make sure you have:

   ·        A list of critical HVAC assets

   ·        Emergency contact information for your HVAC service provider

   ·        Access to backup cooling solutions if required (spot coolers, temporary chiller units, etc.)

7. Northstar Refrigeration offers 24/7 emergency support to keep your business running when it matters most.

Pro Tips for Facility Managers

• Stagger cooling zones during off-peak hours to reduce load on the system.

• Use ceiling fans or destratification fans to improve circulation and reduce cooling strain.

• Monitor humidity levels—high humidity can increase heat index and reduce comfort.

• If you’re using a building automation system (BAS), set alerts for abnormal temperature swings or equipment faults.

How Northstar Can Help

Northstar Refrigeration provides expert service and support to ensure your HVAC system is ready to take on summer. Whether you need a seasonal tune-up, new equipment recommendations, or a custom maintenance plan, we’ve got you covered.

Call us today at (508) 888-3692 to schedule your summer inspection or preventative maintenance visit. Don’t wait until the next heatwave—prepare now and stay cool all summer long.

(508) 888-3692 
www.northstarhvacr.com