Is Your HVAC System Ready for the Cold?
October Maintenance Checklist for UK Businesses
As the mornings get darker and that first icy wind sneaks under the office door, UK businesses know what’s coming, the heating season. For facilities managers and business owners, October is the golden window to prepare your commercial HVAC system before the real chill sets in.
A well-maintained system doesn’t just keep staff and customers comfortable, it helps avoid costly breakdowns, keeps energy bills under control, and ensures compliance with UK regulations. After all, no one wants an emergency call-out on the coldest day of the year.
So, grab you metaphorical clipboard, here’s your HVAC maintenance checklist for October.
1. Schedule a Professional HVAC Service
It might sound obvious, but October is one of the best times to book a commercial HVAC service. Engineers aren’t yet inundated with emergency heating failures, and you’ll have time to address any issues before they become disruptive (and expensive) mid-winter.
During a planned autumn service, engineers can identify worn components and recalibrate the system before peak heating season. Having proactive checks will avoid downtime and save you from costly breakdowns in December. A professional service should include tasks like checking refrigerant levels and verifying overall system efficiency.
2. Check and Replace Air Filters
It’s easy to overlook air filters, but they’re one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your system running efficiently. Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing the system to work harder and use more energy.
For most commercial systems, filters should be checked every one to three months, depending on the environment and usage. October is the perfect time to start the winter season with clean filters and fresh airflow.
3. Inspect Thermostats and Controls
A faulty thermostat is a surprisingly common reason for heating complaints. Before winter bites, test all thermostats across your building. Are they accurate? Responsive? Do they reflect actual room temperatures?
Upgrading to smart controls can also help businesses manage energy more efficiently. At Mill Street, for instance, modern digital controls were introduced, giving facilities staff much greater oversight and helping reduce unnecessary heating hours.
4. Clean Ductwork and Vents
Over time, dust, debris, and even mould can build up inside ductwork, especially in older systems or spaces with high occupancy. Poor air quality can affect staff wellbeing and even lead to “sick building syndrome” complaints.
In a typical planned maintenance programme, a full ductwork inspection and clean is conducted, and you’ll notice the difference in air quality immediately, as well as the system’s efficiency. Clean vents and ductwork can also reduce strain on your HVAC equipment, helping it last longer.
5. Review Energy Efficiency and Compliance
With energy costs still top of the mind for most UK businesses, it pays to ensure your HVAC system is operating at peak efficiency. Check insulation around ductwork and pipework, verify that settings are optimised for current occupancy levels, and make sure your system meets all relevant F-Gas regulations.
For companies working towards sustainability targets, regular maintenance can also contribute to reducing carbon emissions, and a well-tuned HVAC system can lower energy use, which adds up significantly over a long heating season.
Overview
Preparing your system for winter isn’t just a box-ticking exercise, it’s about protecting your business from costly downtime and ensuring your staff and customers remain comfortable, and a little attention in October can save a lot of disruption later.
With nearly five decades of experience providing commercial HVAC maintenance across the UK, we help businesses stay efficient, compliant, and comfortable all year round. If you’d like support preparing your system for winter, our team is ready when you are.
Written by: Will Judd
Published: 09/10/2025