Stop Paying to Heat the Great Outdoors!
November 11, 2026
Keep the Cold Outside and Your Heating Costs Under Control
When winter arrives in the Chicago area, keeping your retail store or commercial property warm can become an expensive challenge. Between freezing temperatures, strong winds, and unpredictable weather, your HVAC system already has plenty of work to do. The last thing you want is to pay to heat the outdoors because warm air is escaping through poorly sealed doors, windows, and other openings.
Air leaks and inadequate weatherstripping can allow heated indoor air to escape while letting cold outdoor air enter. The result? Your heating system has to work harder and run longer to maintain comfortable temperatures, potentially increasing energy costs and putting additional strain on your equipment.
A few simple building inspections and maintenance steps can make a meaningful difference.
Where Should You Look for Air Leaks?
Commercial buildings have several areas where outside air can find its way inside. Pay particular attention to:
- Exterior Doors and Entrances: Frequent customer, employee, and delivery traffic can make entrances a major source of heat loss. Check door closers, weatherstripping, thresholds, and seals to ensure doors close properly.
- Loading Docks and Delivery Areas: Large overhead doors can allow significant amounts of cold air inside, especially when damaged seals or gaps are present. Keep doors closed when not in use and inspect perimeter seals regularly.
- Windows and Frames: Look for cracked caulking, deteriorated seals, and noticeable drafts around window frames. Repairing these areas can help prevent unwanted heat loss.
- Service Entrances and Utility Openings: Employee entrances, maintenance access doors, and openings around pipes, wiring, and other building penetrations can create opportunities for cold air infiltration.
- Vestibules and Entrance Areas: For retail stores, restaurants, and other customer-facing businesses, entrance areas deserve special attention. Make sure interior and exterior doors are functioning properly and that vestibule areas are not allowing excessive cold air into occupied spaces.
Five Ways to Keep the Heat Inside
Here are a few practical steps business owners and facility managers can take to reduce unnecessary heat loss:
- Inspect Weatherstripping Regularly. Replace worn, cracked, or missing weatherstripping around doors and windows. Even small gaps can allow cold air to enter.
- Check Door Closers. Make sure exterior doors close completely after customers, employees, and delivery personnel pass through. A door left slightly open can quickly become an expensive invitation for winter weather.
- Maintain Loading Dock Seals. Inspect dock doors, perimeter seals, and dock levelers for damage or gaps. These areas are particularly vulnerable during windy winter conditions.
- Address Drafts Promptly. If employees or customers regularly complain about cold spots near entrances or windows, investigate the source rather than simply turning up the thermostat.
- Maintain Your HVAC System. Properly maintained heating equipment, clean filters, functioning controls, and balanced airflow help your system operate more efficiently and maintain consistent indoor temperatures.
Don't Overlook Your HVAC System!
While sealing air leaks is important, your heating system also needs regular attention to perform efficiently throughout the winter. A properly maintained HVAC system helps maintain comfortable temperatures, improves operating efficiency, and reduces the risk of unexpected equipment problems during the coldest days of the year.
Carey's Heating and Air Conditioning provides commercial HVAC maintenance, repair, and replacement services to businesses and commercial properties throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Since 1992, our team has helped commercial customers maintain dependable heating and cooling systems.
Our technicians are members of Chicago Pipefitters Local 597, Sheet Metal Workers SMART 265, or IBEW Local 134. Their training, experience, and commitment to quality workmanship help ensure your commercial HVAC equipment receives the professional attention it deserves.
Whether you manage a retail store, restaurant, office building, industrial facility, or multi-location commercial property, Carey’s can help keep your building comfortable and your HVAC equipment operating reliably.
Keep Your Customers Comfortable. Keep Your Energy Dollars Inside.
Chicago winters are expensive enough without heating the parking lot, sidewalk, or loading dock!
Take a few minutes to inspect your building for drafts, repair worn seals, and make sure your heating equipment is ready for the season.
Carey’s Heating and Air Conditioning — Your customers are welcome. The winter wind is not!
Call Carey’s at 708-532-2449 to discuss your commercial HVAC maintenance needs.



