Key takeaways:
- Commercial HVAC systems last 15 to 20 years on average. You’ll face higher costs and reduced energy efficiency as they age.
- After examining your AC unit more closely, an HVAC pro can help you determine whether an upgrade (or a simple repair) could save you money.
- If you need reliable commercial HVAC services in Nashville, Airstream is here to help.
Is your business spending more on electric bills? It could be your HVAC system.
As they age, commercial AC units often work harder to keep your place of business cool, and the costs can quickly add up, especially during a heat wave.
Instead of spending more on heating and cooling, you should consider investing in an HVAC upgrade. Read on to learn more about getting a new commercial HVAC system and what to consider.
How Long Do Commercial HVAC Systems Last?
Commercial HVAC systems last 15 to 20 years on average, but many things can shorten this lifespan.
For starters, the South Nashville area has hot and humid summers, so your HVAC unit works overtime to keep your customers and employees cool and comfortable.
Next, skipping a few maintenance calls or delaying small repairs can take its toll. That’s enough for a worn-down part or a clogged duct to reduce your HVAC efficiency, resulting in the entire system working harder and failing before the 15-year mark.
You must also consider whether the HVAC you bought years ago still meets your needs. If you’ve expanded your building or have more foot traffic than you did back then, your AC is probably under much strain.
Is It Time for a New Commercial HVAC Installation?
If your HVAC is getting close to the end of its lifespan, it’s reason enough to look into an upgrade. You should also watch out for these common signs your air conditioning is having a hard time keeping up:
- Your energy bills are higher than last summer.
- Your place of business feels hot due to poor airflow.
- Humidity is also high.
- The temperature is inconsistent.
- Your HVAC takes a long time to cool off your space.
- It cycles frequently (more than 6 to 8 times per hour).
Even if your AC is still running strong, it’s important to consider your changing needs:
- As your business grows, you’ll hire more employees and see more customers come in. This increases the heat load of your building and means your HVAC has to work harder.
- Getting more foot traffic means people open your door multiple times a day and let heat and humidity in.
- If you’ve made a few changes to your business, such as turning an old storage room into an extra office, it might be time to install new commercial HVAC equipment.
Your Options: HVAC Repair, Maintenance and Full System Replacement
These signs don’t necessarily mean you’re due for a full system replacement. Let’s take a closer look at your options:
- In many cases, replacing old HVAC parts with new ones, fixing leaking ducts and taking care of other common commercial HVAC repairs can address performance issues (without the price tag of a full replacement).
- If you’re noticing a small dip in performance, commercial HVAC maintenance tasks such as cleaning and lubricating moving parts might be enough.
- A full system replacement is your best option if your system is close to failing for good or if replacing old parts would cost too much given how old your AC is.
While it’s true that replacing your commercial heating and cooling system comes with a cost, it’s an opportunity to invest in an energy-efficient option. Compared to the AC unit you bought 15 to 20 years ago, today’s commercial building HVAC systems are a lot more energy efficient and can handle your growing needs with ease.
Plus, you can look into swapping out your old AC for a different type of HVAC system:
- Air-source heat pumps are a popular option in the Nashville area. These modern HVAC systems trap are particularly effective at trapping the heat from your indoor air and releasing it outside.
- Ductless mini-split systems are an energy-efficient solution with zone temperature control. They’re great if you want to extend heating and cooling to new areas that don’t have duct work.
Picking a new commercial HVAC system (and deciding if you need a replacement in the first place) is an important decision. A local HVAC expert can do an assessment and help you determine what your best option is.
The Case for Proactive HVAC Upgrades
There’s no need to wait for an HVAC system failure to look into upgrades. An AC failure is expensive, and if it happens in the summer, you’ll likely have to close for a few days. It’s a major disruption, and you’re losing business on top of paying for an emergency replacement.
Next, as your HVAC system gets close to the end of its lifespan, being proactive about upgrading it gives you plenty of time to research your options. You can compare different systems, get a few quotes and even schedule the replacement when your business isn’t busy.
Plus, you’ll avoid those final years when an aging HVAC system becomes a costly problem with constant repairs and heavier preventive maintenance needs. Instead, you’ll have a modern, energy-efficient system that keeps everyone comfortable while slashing your energy bills and improving your indoor air quality.
Trusted Commercial HVAC Services With Airstream
Is your commercial HVAC slowing down? Is it getting close to the 15 to 20-year mark? Let’s take a look at it!
At Airstream, our priority is to deliver high-quality HVAC services to our commercial customers in the Nashville area. After inspecting your system, our friendly team will determine if a repair or replacement makes the most sense for you and guide you through the option you choose.
Get started today by booking your commercial HVAC service online.
FAQ
What’s the ideal size for a commercial HVAC system?
Your air conditioning should deliver at least one ton of cooling capacity per 500 square feet, but many businesses go a little higher to keep their facilities cool during the hot and humid Nashville summers.
How often should you do regular maintenance on your commercial HVAC equipment?
Have an HVAC tech inspect your system at least twice a year to catch issues early and perform routine maintenance tasks.
What’s the best way to prevent breakdowns for your AC system?
Keep up with preventive maintenance and call your local AC expert right away if you notice anything unusual.
