It is important to regularly maintain the HVAC system in a commercial property in order to maintain the energy efficiency and prolong the length of the system’s life. In fact, maintenance can keep an HVAC system running efficiently for years.
A well-maintained system can save you money on energy costs. It can even save money on a new system because your current one will last longer. But what are the simplest ways to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently for years? Doing these things can help you generate more power without spending more money. In addition, it can prevent higher maintenance costs in the future.
How Do You Know if a System is Efficient?
Of course you want the most efficient system so that you can save monthly on your electricity bills. This can pay for the system itself in no time, especially if you keep it well-maintained. Not only will an efficient system lower your energy consumption and, consequently, your energy bill. It will also lower your carbon footprint and make your employees, customers, tenants, or anybody else occupying the building more comfortable. But how can you tell if a system is efficient?
You can easily look for the Energy Star rating that is awarded by the EPA. You can also check for the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER, rating to see how efficient the cooling components are and the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, or HSPF, that rates the heating efficiency. These ratings are determined by the energy produced and the BTUs. The higher the rating, the more efficient the HVAC system is.
What About the ROI?
You want your HVAC system to be cost effective and achieve a return on investment earlier than later. You should compare the estimated energy savings to the cost of the system in order to determine the most cost effective system for the size of your commercial property. Make sure that you consider the cost of regular maintenance into the equation. You may also want to consider investing in a programmable thermostat.
Why is it Important that an HVAC System is Reliable?
You will want a reliable system so that it lasts for years while remaining efficient. A failing system can launch up your energy spending and could even damage the inventory inside the commercial building. Also, maintenance for commercial HVAC units is more expensive than it is for residential systems so it is important that you get a reliable system that doesn’t require frequent, and expensive, repairs. You should, however, have the system serviced regularly.
What are the Different Types of HVAC Systems?
The type of system you buy is crucial. There are a few different types of systems that you should be aware of when shopping for a new HVAC unit. You have the option of rooftop units, heaters, either radiant or furnaces, heat pumps, and chillers.
Split systems can work better for temperature and humidity, but they can be large. Typically, a single split system will be more affordable than other options, especially if you have a commercial building on the smaller side. They work by heating and cooling the rooms individually. You can combine single split systems for larger buildings. However, you also have the option of a multi-split system which will connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit.
Finally, you have Variable Refrigerant Flow, or VRF systems. These are also called Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) systems. These are used for larger buildings and will either use heat pumps or heat recovery to provide the heating and cooling. The heat pump VRF system cannot provide both heating and cooling at the same time. However, a heat recovery system can simultaneously heat and cool separate areas.
Is Air Quality Important?
The purpose of an HVAC system is to keep the environment comfortable, but you should also take the air quality into account. Poor air quality can affect the health of anyone in the building including employees and customers. It can even worsen asthma and other illnesses. Having good air can improve the productivity of your employees. It can also make customers more willing to return. In addition you can improve the indoor air quality by ensuring that the property is well ventilated. Regular maintenance and cleaning can also sustain good air quality.
However, you could also consider an air cleaner or air purifier. Air cleaners will contain larger allergens including dust and pollen. On the other hand, air purifiers remove smaller particles including viruses, spores, bacteria, and even chemicals.
How Do You Know it Will Work for Your Space?
It is very important that you get an HVAC system that will efficiently heat and cool the space you have at your commercial property. It is also important to take the space for the actual unit into consideration. A roof unit can free up a lot of space, but it can also harm efficiency because it is in the heat and humidity. You also should choose the correct type of system for your specific needs.
Conclusion
Purchasing a new HVAC system is a big decision since they can last 10 years or even longer if they are regularly serviced. They can also be expensive, but you should look at the new unit as an investment that will end up saving you money when used long-term. Take all of the costs into consideration and be sure to get the type of unit that will serve your commercial property’s space accordingly.
