Rooftop HVAC units are a major investment for any commercial building. In Edmonton’s climate, they work even harder—handling extreme cold, temperature swings, and long operating hours. Without proper HVAC maintenance, small issues can quickly turn into costly emergencies.

The good news? With the right approach, you can significantly extend the life of your rooftop unit, improve energy efficiency, and avoid unexpected downtime. Here are five proven ways to keep your system running reliably year after year.

1.Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance

Routine maintenance is the single most effective way to protect your rooftop HVAC unit. Regular inspections allow issues to be identified and addressed before they become major failures.

A professional commercial HVAC contractor will check critical components like belts, motors, electrical connections, burners, and heat exchangers. For buildings in Alberta, HVAC maintenance in Edmonton should be scheduled at least twice per year—before winter and before peak cooling season.

👉 Learn more about our preventative programs on our Commercial HVAC Services page

2.Keep Coils and Filters Clean

Dirty coils and clogged filters force your HVAC unit to work harder than necessary. Over time, this increases wear on motors, fans, and compressors while driving up energy costs.

Replacing filters regularly and cleaning coils improves airflow, maintains consistent heating performance, and reduces strain on the system—especially during cold weather when heating reliability matters most.

3.Inspect the Unit Before Winter Hits

Edmonton winters put rooftop units under intense pressure. A pre-winter inspection ensures your system is prepared for sustained cold temperatures and sudden weather changes.

Key winter checks include:

• Testing heating components and controls

• Inspecting gas lines and ignition systems

• Verifying sensors and safety shutoffs

• Ensuring panels and seals protect against moisture and snow

Preventative checks help avoid mid-winter breakdowns when emergency repairs are most disruptive and expensive.

4.Address Small Repairs Immediately

Minor issues—such as unusual noises, inconsistent heating, or control errors—are often early warning signs. Ignoring them can lead to system failure during peak demand.

Working with an experienced commercial HVAC contractor ensures problems are fixed correctly and efficiently, protecting both equipment lifespan and occupant comfort.

5.Use Building Controls to Improve Efficiency

Modern building controls and automation systems help optimize HVAC performance by monitoring runtime, temperatures, and system health in real time.

When paired with routine HVAC maintenance, automation can:

• Reduce unnecessary runtime

• Improve heating efficiency

• Identify issues early through alerts

• Lower overall operating costs

If your building uses automation—or is considering an upgrade—it can play a key role in extending rooftop unit life.

Work With a Trusted Commercial HVAC Partner

Extending the life of your rooftop HVAC unit isn’t about one quick fix—it’s about consistent care, smart planning, and the right service partner.

At EDL Building Solutions, we provide reliable HVAC maintenance in Edmonton, helping commercial building owners reduce emergencies, control energy costs, and protect long-term system performance.

📞 Call 780-421-0686 or contact us today to schedule preventative maintenance or speak with a trusted commercial HVAC contractor.