Written on: January 9, 2023
If you own a business, you know that keeping operating costs under control is essential for your bottom line.
AFC is here to help with our commercial HVAC services. We sell, install, and service commercial HVAC systems. Our team of service technicians, electricians, and plumbers are all licensed, skilled, and experienced.
If you are wondering about the state of your commercial HVAC equipment, here are some things to consider.
The Department of Energy recommends replacing your commercial HVAC system every 10 years to maintain maximum efficiency. While today’s systems are usually pretty durable, their parts can begin experiencing wear and tear after that amount of time has passed.
An older HVAC system is vulnerable to breaking down more often, especially if it has not received regular, professional maintenance. That can drastically impact its ability to regulate the temperature in your commercial space. Not only will this diminish comfort for those using the space but can have a marked effect on productivity and workplace safety as well.
Ultimately, replacing your machine might end up being less expensive than continuously paying for repairs. A good guideline to follow is that if repairs are costing more than half the cost of replacing your HVAC system, replacement is the more cost-effective solution.
Utility bills can vary drastically depending on the season. But if you notice an ongoing increase in your energy costs each year, then that may be a cue to upgrade your commercial HVAC system. As any machine starts wearing down with age and usage, so does HVAC units. That’s especially true if they have not been getting annual tune-ups!
Investing in a new unit now could save some hefty expenses later as inefficient systems guzzle up more electricity than necessary. Let’s say your current commercial HVAC system is 12 years old. By upgrading to a new, Energy Star-certified system, you could cut your heating and cooling energy costs by 20% or more!
The quality of air in your office environment is largely dependent on the performance and upkeep of your commercial HVAC system. This is especially true during sultry summer months when humidity becomes more threatening to interior air quality. When properly maintained, a well-functioning A/C unit can provide crisp, clean air consistently. When your business’s air conditioning system is older and/or not properly taken care of, it can reduce the quality of air by raising humidity levels and permitting dust buildup to accumulate, as well as mold and mildew growth.
Another way age can impact your commercial HVAC system is that if your air conditioning system is more than 10 years old, it likely uses the refrigerant R-22. The production or import of R-22 is now prohibited in the U.S. The supply of R-22 is limited, and with that dwindling supply comes skyrocketing costs for it. Replacing your commercial A/C could save you thousands of dollars simply by no longer needing to use R-22.
Do you have questions about upgrading your commercial HVAC system? Contact AFC today to set up a consultation.