If you're responsible for managing a commercial or industrial building in Massachusetts, you know how fast winter weather can turn into a crisis. All it takes is one cold snap to expose a system that wasn’t properly shut down or tuned up in the fall, leading to emergency service calls, tenant complaints, or even system-wide failures.
At Harold Brothers, we’ve spent decades helping facilities across New England prepare for the heating season. From hospitals and schools to manufacturing plants and office buildings, our team knows how to keep critical HVAC systems running reliably when the temperature drops.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the 7 essential HVAC maintenance tasks every facility should complete before winter—plus why skipping even one could cost you thousands in repairs or lost productivity.
Before winter hits, properly shutting down your building’s cooling system is a key step in any fall HVAC checklist. This protects your investment, prevents unnecessary wear, and ensures your system is ready for spring startup without costly surprises.
A proper seasonal shutdown is like storing your summer equipment the right way. You want it clean, dry, and protected so it is ready in the spring. If the system includes refrigerant or automation controls, overlooking shutdown steps can lead to costly problems down the line.
Swapping out old air filters is one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to improve HVAC efficiency and indoor air quality in commercial spaces. In Massachusetts, where seasonal changes put systems to the test, clean filters keep airflow steady and reduce strain on equipment.
Changing filters is like changing the oil in your car. If you skip it, your system works harder, becomes less efficient, and is more prone to failure. In many buildings, filter maintenance also supports air balancing and compliance standards that require professional oversight.
Dusty or blocked vents can reduce comfort, increase energy costs, and negatively impact indoor air quality. A quick cleaning ensures conditioned air reaches every space in your building without obstruction.
Dirty vents can circulate dust, allergens, and odors. If airflow is uneven or certain rooms are not heating correctly, there may be system-level problems that need further investigation.
Even small thermostat errors can throw off comfort and drive up utility bills in commercial buildings. Fall is the perfect time to recalibrate, update schedules, and ensure your control systems are communicating correctly.
Even a slight inaccuracy in a thermostat can lead to discomfort, energy waste, and building-wide imbalance. In complex systems, these errors can affect entire zones and are best addressed by trained technicians with the right tools.
Strange sounds are often the first sign of mechanical trouble in a commercial HVAC system. Identifying and addressing them now can prevent costly breakdowns during peak heating season.
Odd sounds are early warnings. A small rattle can turn into major motor damage if ignored. Catching these issues early avoids larger system failures.
In New England winters, maintaining the right humidity level is critical for comfort and building preservation. Prepping your humidifier before the heating season prevents issues like static, warped materials, and mold growth.
Humidity impacts comfort, building materials, and even electronics. Low humidity causes discomfort and static shocks, while high humidity can lead to mold and equipment damage. Proper balance protects both people and infrastructure.
The condition of your equipment rooms directly impacts HVAC performance and reliability. Fall inspections help spot hidden risks before they escalate into emergencies during freezing weather.
These spaces often go unnoticed until a problem becomes serious. A blocked vent or leak in fall can become a critical failure during a January cold snap. Preventative checks ensure these support areas remain stable and safe.
Fall HVAC prep is not just a checklist. It is a long-term strategy. With a preventative maintenance contract, you get both basic and advanced services from professionals who know your building and systems.
You now have a full breakdown of the 7 HVAC maintenance tasks that should be on every building manager’s radar each fall, from filter changes and thermostat checks to full mechanical room inspections.
New England winters don’t leave much room for error. Skipping fall HVAC prep might seem minor, but it's one of the top reasons systems fail when you need them most. What’s easy to overlook in October becomes an expensive emergency in January.
This is where a preventative maintenance contract with Harold Brothers pays off. Our skilled technicians handle everything from simple filter swaps to complex diagnostics, ensuring your system is safe, compliant, and winter-ready.
At Harold Brothers, we specialize in HVAC solutions for large-scale, high-demand buildings. If you want peace of mind this winter, we’re ready to take the work off your plate and make sure your building stays warm, safe, and operational all season long.