
Frequently Asked Questions About Heating, Cooling & Energy Efficiency
At Owens Companies, we know commercial HVAC systems can be complex, and business owners often have questions about service, maintenance, and energy efficiency. Our Commercial HVAC FAQ page provides expert answers to help you make informed decisions about boilers, chillers, building automation, preventive maintenance, and emergency repairs. Serving Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the entire Twin Cities metro area, Owens Companies has been a trusted HVAC partner since 1957.
FAQs About About Heating & Cooling
Owens Companies specializes in a wide range of commercial HVAC solutions, including:
Preventive maintenance programs for HVAC systems
Boiler and chiller installation, service, and repair
Building automation and energy management systems
Geothermal heating and cooling installations
24/7 emergency commercial HVAC service
Full design/build contracting for new construction and renovations
Our goal is to keep your building comfortable, efficient, and cost-effective year-round.
We recommend professional servicing at least twice per year, typically in the spring and fall. This helps ensure your equipment is running efficiently before heavy-use seasons and prevents unexpected breakdowns. Our preventive maintenance programs are tailored to your system’s specific needs, helping you save on energy and repair costs.
Yes. Our service team is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ready to respond quickly to urgent heating, cooling, or ventilation issues. We understand downtime can be costly, so we prioritize fast, reliable service for our commercial clients. Request Service Now.
Absolutely. Owens Companies specializes in energy-efficient HVAC solutions, including:
Our experts can assess your building’s current system and recommend upgrades or adjustments that will reduce energy use and operational costs.
You can request service quickly in two ways:
Online: Use our Request Service Call form for routine or urgent appointments.
By Phone: Call us directly at 952-800-1998 to speak with a technician or schedule emergency service.
We strive to respond promptly to keep your operations running smoothly.
Yes. We offer HVAC retrofitting services that upgrade components, add building automation controls, or convert to high-efficiency equipment using Geothermal. Retrofitting can significantly lower energy costs and extend the life of existing systems without a full replacement.
Maintenance needs vary based on:
The size and age of your HVAC equipment
Building occupancy and operational hours
System complexity (boilers, chillers, rooftop units, etc.)
Owens Companies customizes preventive maintenance programs for each client to ensure reliable performance, minimal downtime, and cost savings. Compare our Maintenance Plans.
A design/build HVAC project combines planning, engineering, and installation under one provider. Owens Companies handles:
System design and energy modeling
Equipment selection
Installation and commissioning
Long-term maintenance support
This streamlines communication, reduces project delays, and ensures your system is optimized for your building from the start.
In Minnesota, two major utilities offer commercial boiler tune-up rebates.
CenterPoint Energy provides a rebate of 25% off the tune-up cost, up to $300 per boiler.
Xcel Energy offers the same rebate percentage—25% off, but with a higher cap of $350 per boiler. These rebates apply to natural gas commercial boilers that are already in service. Owens Companies can manage the full rebate process for you.
To qualify, your commercial property must:
Be served by either CenterPoint Energy or Xcel Energy in Minnesota.
Have existing natural gas boilers in service—rebates are not available for new installations.
Complete the tune-up through Owens Companies, ensuring all efficiency requirements and documentation are met.
Building automation refers to centralized systems that monitor and control HVAC, lighting, ventilation, and other building functions. Owens Companies installs smart automation platforms that:
Automatically optimize indoor comfort
Reduce energy waste
Provide real-time alerts for system issues
Enable remote access and diagnostics
This improves efficiency, lowers operational costs, and increases system reliability.
With proper preventive maintenance, commercial:
Factors that influence lifespan include system type, usage intensity, maintenance frequency, and water quality. Owens Companies can evaluate your current equipment and recommend upgrades or retrofits if needed.
Reactive maintenance waits until a system fails before repairs are made—often resulting in costly downtime and emergency service.
Preventive maintenance is a proactive approach that involves regular inspections, cleaning, and performance checks to:
Avoid system breakdowns
Catch small problems early
Extend equipment life
Maintain energy efficiency
Owens Companies has been a regional leader in preventive maintenance for decades.
Geothermal HVAC systems use the earth’s stable temperature to heat and cool buildings. Water circulates through underground pipes to absorb or release heat, depending on the season.
Benefits include:
Lower operating costs over time
Fewer moving parts = less maintenance
Qualifies for rebates and green building incentives
Owens Companies designs and installs closed-loop geothermal systems for commercial applications. A site assessment can help determine feasibility.
Our Virtual Services program uses smart controls and phone-based diagnostics to troubleshoot HVAC problems without sending a technician onsite. This allows:
Faster response times
Lower diagnostic costs
Guidance for your on-site team
Reduced downtime
In many cases, we can resolve issues virtually or prepare technicians with the right parts before arrival.
Consider replacing or upgrading your system if:
It’s more than 15–20 years old
You experience frequent repairs
Energy bills are increasing
Indoor comfort is inconsistent
Your building automation is outdated
Owens Companies offers full design/build services, including energy-efficient upgrades and retrofits tailored to your facility’s needs.
Still Have Questions?
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Contact our HVAC experts to learn how Owens Companies can support your facility.
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Need immediate assistance? Call 952-800-1998 for emergency HVAC support.
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Learn more about our Preventive Maintenance Programs and how they protect your building’s investment.