Mastering HVAC: How Automation and the Right Contractor Can Make a Difference

Preventative maintenance solutions for your HVAC system are just one way to keep costs low and efficiency high.

The world of HVAC - heating, ventilation, and air conditioning - can be pretty vast. There is a lot to consider because an HVAC system is responsible for heating, cooling, and ventilating your whole home or building and is also part of the bigger picture with automation, smart systems, and integration. Here are just a few things that you may not know about HVAC:

An experienced HVAC contractor keeps your building's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems running smoothly.

Automating Your HVAC System Will Keep You Comfortable

HVAC control systems have come a long way, and as our technologies have gotten smarter - so have our HVAC controls. With smart building automation, sensors can control the humidity, light, and climate inside a building. This technology also senses motion and sound, keeping occupants comfortable. The system maintains a consistent temperature without ever thinking about it.

HVAC Automation Is Efficient

Automating your building's control systems makes your building smarter in its energy usage. By learning behaviours and controlling heat, air, and light on its own, your automation and control system is regulating your energy efficiency - which means saving you money in the long run. That's better for the planet and your wallet.

Not All HVAC Contractors Are Equal

When picking an HVAC contractor, you may think that the best practice is to go for the lowest cost or quickest turnaround. Cutting corners at the contractor stage is a recipe for more expenses and headaches down the line. Hire an HVAC, automation, and electrical company that has a long-standing reputation with the proper certifications. When you find a certified contractor, you can build a long-lasting relationship.

There's a reason why some of our clients have been with Kimco since the beginning - nearly 40 years ago.

When you're looking for the right HVAC, automation, and electrical company for your business, there are a few different things you should look for to help you in the short and long term.

Many of our highly skilled technicians at Kimco Controls are dual trade certified in automation, HVAC, and electrical specialties and ready to help you.

Variety of Services

A huge benefit to look for is specializing in a wide variety of services, especially if you're working with a company like Kimco. You don't need to reach out to multiple companies for your HVAC Service, building automation, or 24-hour electrician. Customers love being able to call us because we can handle all sorts of things, from service agreements to building automation for your entire property.

There in an Emergency

Having a huge team specializing in many different services also means that we're here to help you when you need it! You're able to pick up the phone and reach someone knowledgeable in your specific needs. Our staff can walk you through a handful of steps to get you up and running again. No stress. That goes for commercial HVAC, building automation, electrical and more.

Relationship Building

Look for a company that sees you as a person, not just a client. That means they will be more likely to go above and beyond to help your business. That kind of long-term relationship-building also means that you'll have great maintenance over the long term. These are just a few of the things you can look for when shopping for the right commercial HVAC contractor or building automation systems company. Most importantly, always remember to look for a company that puts people first.

A company that has employees you can tell are happy to come to work. Those are the companies who will be there to care for your home or commercial building in the short and long term, so you don't have to worry. Like us at Kimco.

Additionally, when it comes to business expenses, HVAC costs can add up and make up a significant portion of your operational costs. You may think it's to be expected, but you don't have to brace yourself every time a bill comes. HVAC systems can be energy-intensive, but there are ways to save money on HVAC costs for your business.

Keep Regular Maintenance

Having regular maintenance performed on your HVAC systems helps to keep them running smoothly and efficiently. The best times of year for HVAC preventative maintenance are in the spring and fall - before the cold sets in and before the summer heat comes through. To keep things simple, opt for preventative maintenance solutions. When you sign up for Kimco's 3-year preventative maintenance program, a certified Kimco heating and ventilation technician not only performs regular check-ups on your building, but you're eligible for discounts of up to 5% on parts for repairs for the duration of our contract.

Upgrade Older HVAC Systems

Upgrading older equipment is a key cost-saver in the long run. The price tag and work involved in upgrading older equipment in a commercial building may seem daunting, but with a tiny bit of research, you can save significantly in retrofit costs thanks to energy efficiency rebates. FortisBC and Kimco work together for an energy efficiency rebate program that lets you save money on things like high-efficiency HVAC systems or EV charging stations in the Okanagan. Find out how you can get an energy efficiency rebate.

Building Automation and Control

Remember your mom telling you to turn off the lights when you leave a room? Well, she was onto something. Especially when you consider a large commercial building or school - there are such simple efficiencies through automation that can save money for your building.

But, you never have to remember to turn off the lights or adjust the thermostat again, thanks to building automation. Lighting automation, which not only turns lights off automatically but can adjust to natural light coming in through windows (called daylight harvesting), is just the beginning. Heating and cooling are streamlined and easily automated to adjust on their own for no guesswork comfort at maximum efficiency, which means maximum savings.

Look for a commercial HVAC control systems contractor, building automation, and commercial electrical company that puts people first. Kimco has been leading the way in building management system HVAC for nearly 40 years. Contact us to get started.