After a long summer, your commercial HVAC system has probably been working overtime, so make sure it is still in good condition.
As we enter the waning days of summer, how can you make sure that your business remains cool and comfortable? After a long summer, your commercial HVAC system has probably been working overtime, so make sure it is still in good condition. Even though brisk temperatures will soon follow as fall sets in, there will still be a constant need for reliable cooling during the last few days of late summer warmth. Air conditioner units or commercial HVAC units should last about fifteen to twenty years. Several factors can cause your commercial HVAC system to wear down sooner, however. What might these factors be?
Commercial HVAC System Age
Before continuing, consider how the age of your current commercial HVAC system. An outdated, aging system won’t be nearly as efficient as a modern one, incorporating the newest parts and technology. If your current system is reaching that fifteen-to-twenty-year lifespan window, perhaps it is time to consider replacing it with a brand new one. The weather can affect the integrity and operating potential of your system. Dirt and debris accumulation can slow it down it too. If previous repairs were never conducted when necessary, it could cause the system to wear out sooner than expected, as well.
How Well the System was Installed
When the system was first established, how was the installation handled? Poor installation can make even a good system work harder unnecessarily. Ultimately, the real question you should ask is how reliable your equipment is.
History of Preventative Maintenance
Timely and thorough preventative maintenance can extend your system’s lifespan. Even if it has already been in use for decades, you can have your commercial HVAC equipment exceed its expected term of service with the right repairs.
System Size and Energy Efficiency
How large is your current system? Look at what your building needs, because your system may no longer be such a good fit. Oversized systems can provide rapid cooling, but they might not eliminate all of the moisture that is present, leaving you and your employees feeling uncomfortable. A lower temperature setting on the thermostat will allow the system to run longer, but the longer it runs, the more quickly it will wear out. A system that is undersized will likewise attempt to work harder than needed to meet the set temperature, causing both individual parts and the system as a whole to wear out faster.
You should also consider the energy efficiency of your commercial HVAC system. Older systems will not be as efficient. The money you save by installing a new system could offset higher initial costs to make the switch.
Crockett Facilities Can Help!
Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. (CFSI) is committed to helping building owners, property managers, engineers, and facility professionals lower their operating expenses through HVAC preventive maintenance. We can develop a cost-effective, customized preventive maintenance plan for your commercial building that will provide you with peace of mind, improved comfort, and energy savings.
To learn more about the importance of HVAC Preventive Maintenance, please contact us at 202.600.2787 or sales@crockett-facilities.com. Our PM contract customers receive priority service with 24/7 emergency service in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC.