When to Replace Your Commercial HVAC System

Like home HVAC systems, commercial HVAC systems are important to the comfort of those inside the building, however, there are usually many more people to please. That’s why it’s important to know when you should replace your commercial HVAC system – you don’t want your students, employees, volunteers, etc. to have to work in an uncomfortable environment.

Consider these things when evaluating your HVAC unit:

Age

If your commercial HVAC system is 15-20 years old and looks like a large chunk of rusting metal on the top of your building, it’s probably time to replace it. Most commercial HVAC systems are less efficient and due for an upgrade around this time.

Wear & Tear

Depending on the quality of the product and the level of maintenance it has received, your HVAC upgrade could be overdue by the time it gets to 15 years old. If it has experienced a significant amount of wear and tear, it probably doesn’t heat or cool as efficiently as it used to. Consider your energy bills – if they’ve increased recently, your HVAC unit may be the culprit.

Malfunctions

When it comes to HVAC units, some malfunctions are simple to repair (such as a blown fuse, dirty filter, or a motor that needs oiling) while others (like a broken furnace fan or refrigerant issues) should be left to the pros. If the malfunctions your HVAC system is experiencing are serious enough, however, you may need to replace the system entirely. Schedule an appointment with a commercial HVAC repair specialist and have a professional take a look.

Outdated

Several years ago, the Environmental Protection Agency (or EPA) began a “phasedown” process of a type of refrigerant known as R-22. R-22 was a very popular refrigerant in older HVAC systems but has been discovered to deconstruct the ozone layer and promote global warming. If your HVAC system was installed before 2010, it likely still operates on this type of refrigerant, so you may want to consider a newer, more environmentally friendly option.

Productivity

When individuals are at a comfortable temperature, they tend to be more productive. If your HVAC unit is malfunctioning or broken, you may lessen the productivity of the people inside the building (which can be a big problem for business owners). Inspect the unit carefully and decide whether you need a new one or not. If you’re not sure, you can always call our commercial HVAC repair experts – we can evaluate it for you.