6 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Commercial HVAC System
HVAC systems for commercial office buildings are pressured to perform day in and day out, providing cool and warm air for multiple floors and rooms. Over time, they undergo a lot of wear and tear.
That can mean more and more out-of-pocket costs towards HVAC maintenance or repair — pretty expensive. Then again, buying a new commercial HVAC unit is not cheap either.
So, here’s the real question:
How do you know it’s time to replace your commercial HVAC system?
Omnia360 in Cincinnati, Ohio explains the tell-tale six signs that just scream “you’re due a replacement!”
1. Strange Noises and Sudden Stops
If you’re hearing grinding, rattling, clunking, squealing, or hissing sounds, it’s likely that a component is loose or broken. An aging or broken HVAC system can emit bad smells, sometimes musky odors or burning scents.
Short cycling, or sudden stops and starts, indicate that it’s not getting enough power to operate continuously, or that it’s overheating, forcing the components to work harder to compensate for the impaired performance.
2. Your HVAC Unit is Over 10 Years Old
Sometimes it’s better to replace an old unit outright than to repair its individual parts. It’s more cost effective and proves to be a better investment for the long run.
Naturally, older models often lack the same level of functionality or technological improvements seen with more up-to-date models of commercial HVAC systems. Upgrading could be an excellent investment to your building’s overall energy efficiency.
3. Office Air Quality is Getting Worse
It’s hard to ignore it. Employees and customers alike notice. Stuffy, difficult-to-breath air could be indicative of a leak in your HVAC system. It’s a sure sign that air isn’t being filtered through your heating and cooling system correctly.
While this could be due to damaged ductwork in your building, it can also be due to damages in your HVAC system. For instance, a broken furnace can lead to carbon monoxide (a deadly gas) leaking through the indoor air vents.
4. Rising Electric Bills
Skyrocketing utility bills out of nowhere? It’s a sign that your HVAC unit is just not performing and due to age or malfunctioning parts, it has to draw more and more power to run, hiking up your monthly energy bill.
Completing a full HVAC replacement will ultimately save you on operational costs in the long term. A new air conditioner and furnace will give relief to more than just your checkbook. Your employees and customers will be more comfortable.
5. Non-Eco-Friendly HVAC Parts
If your HVAC system is decades old, it’s probably not acclimated to the new eco-friendly functional designs that newer models have. Many older models use a refrigerant called R-22, which contains chlorine that can pose a threat when leaked into the air.
Most units that use R-22 have been phased out and replaced with up-to-date models. If you have an older model that’s not eco-friendly, you’ll want to replace your business’s HVAC system as soon as your budget allows.
6. Inconsistent Office Temperatures
Freezing in one room, humid and hot in the one right next to it. It’s a sign that your HVAC unit isn’t performing well. The reasons for uneven office temperatures are numerous:
- A damaged thermostat
- Clogged air filters
- Leaking duct system
- Damaged blower motors
- Low refrigerant levels
Ignoring the signs and keeping your current commercial HVAC system will leave you with an uncomfortable place to work and higher energy bills. You might have to think differently about an HVAC replacement. It’s an investment, not an expense.
Hire Comprehensive Building Maintenance Services in Cincinnati
If you’re looking for 24/7 comprehensive HVAC, plumbing, and electrical maintenance for your office building, all from a single source, consider partnering with Omnia360 in Cincinnati, Ohio: (833) 360-6642.