When to Replace Your Commercial HVAC System
No matter if you are a homeowner or commercial owner, air conditioning is important. It is a staple in the lives of people in the warmer months. Considering that many in the south run the air conditioning most of the time, the winter is the coolest time of the year and perfect to have an inspection or tune-up. However, what are the signs for when to replace your commercial HVAC system? The unit is more than 10 years old, increase in energy bill, malfunctioning, outdated system, or a decrease in productivity amongst your employees, it may be time to replace the system.
Let's take a look at what to evaluate in your commercial HVAC system.
Age
A commercial HVAC unit can last for 15-20 years if it has been maintained and taken care of on a regular basis. It also depends on how often it is used. if it is used often, it will wear out faster than one used more seldom. Also, most professionals recommend a new commercial HVAC system once the unit reaches 10 years old.
Additionally, carbon monoxide can be released in an older system, more than 10 years old. This happens when the gas doesn't properly escape the unit and the gas is trapped inside. Also, if there is a hole in the heat exchanger, carbon monoxide can be released into the air and be fatal.
Increase in Energy Bills
An increase in utility bills often is a sign that it may be time to replace your commercial HVAC system. If your energy bills have increased recently compared to previous months, it could be due to the HVAC unit and you may need a new system. Older HVAC'S won't have the type of energy efficiency that you need and will cost you more money each month.
Malfunctions
A good commercial HVAC system is quiet and keeps the building comfortable. However, if you hear bangs, clangs, or squeals, this is an indicator of a system beginning to fail. Also, if you smell some odd smells, then it is near the end of the life of the HVAC system. You will need to have your system inspected to see if you need to have a new commercial HVAC installed.
Outdated System
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decided that HVAC systems that were installed before 2010 have an older type of refrigerant called R-22. Unfortunately, this refrigerant has been shown to promote global warming and break down the ozone layer. If your commercial HVAC is old like this, it is a good idea to change out the system. A newer system will be more energy efficient.
Productivity of Workers
It is a known fact that if the temperature in an office or space is comfortable, workers will be more productive. If it is too cold or warm, there will be less productivity.
How Much Does It Cost
A commercial HVAC system is much more expensive than a residential HVAC system. This is due to commercial buildings are usually bigger than a home, plus it depends on how complex the installation may be. A commercial system will range from $15,000 to $40,000 or more.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Now that you know about commercial HVAC units, here are a few other things to keep in mind.
One area to look at is if your HVAC unit freezes. You can unfreeze it by turning it off and turning on the fan. If it doesn't seem to work, you may need to reach out to a professional.
Another area is thawing AC coils. It takes 24 hours to thaw the coils and you can speed this up with a blow dryer. Sometimes this happens because the refrigerant or airflow is not where they need to be.
Lastly, if you allow your HVAC system to break down or malfunction regularly, you could end up with some potentially dangerous situations. The health and safety of your employees or renters in your commercial building space is very important. Allowing the HVAC system to fail could cause mold to grow in your building space. Just like in a home, it does not take long for mold to start growing in your walls or on your ceiling.
When to Call a Professional
When it comes to your HVAC system, it is vital that you have a reputable service company available to you. Always remember that conducting regular maintenance on your HVAC system allows you to save money and stay cool in the warmer months and warm in the cooler months. If you aren't sure who to call, reach out to your local home inspection team. They can recommend a reputable HVAC service company to maintain your system. Also, your local home inspection team can inspect your HVAC system to ensure that it is working properly.
Conclusion
Gaining an understanding of when to replace your commercial HVAC system is very important for saving money. If you wait too long to replace your commercial HVAC system, you could incur increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. Always ensure that yearly maintenance is being conducted on your commercial HVAC system.
Also, replace your air filters as instructed by the manufacturer of your system. If you are not sure how the commercial HVAC system works, reach out to your local commercial property inspection team. Call on Gray Home Inspections for an HVAC inspection and complete home inspection in Jacksonville, FL, and surrounding areas.