If you own a commercial or multifamily property, you know the headaches that can come with capital investments in your HVAC systems. Whether you have an aging air chiller that keeps needing maintenance or an emergency call-out for your building’s furnace, the question often comes up: Is it time to replace this system? In this blog, we'll look at when it is best to replace your commercial heating and cooling system and when a repair is the right way to keep your building comfortable year-round.
What to consider when looking at replacing commercial HVAC equipment
When you are thinking about replacing a commercial HVAC unit, there are a few things you'll want to consider first. Our team has worked with hundreds of commercial clients over the years, and the decision to make the capital investment really comes down to a combination of factors. Here are just a few of them:
- What the expected service life of the current equipment is and the age of the equipment on-site
- Whether code requirements will require upgrades to supporting systems and safety considerations around replacing the equipment.
- The frequency of repairs, the parts being repaired, and the cost associated with repairs.
- Any occupant comfort concerns, especially if we are dealing with a whole-building unit.
- What your company’s or building’s energy-efficiency goals are for your heating and cooling system.
- Check for other pertinent issues with the system, such as noise, airflow, or cycling concerns.
Why would equipment age matter?
This is one of the most popular questions that we are asked as a commercial HVAC company, and the truth of the matter is that it is one of the most important aspects to consider. Commercial heating and cooling systems aren't a one-and-done installation. Like residential systems, they have a finite lifespan. Depending on the application, runtime, maintenance history, and the climate your HVAC systems operate in, a typical lifespan is 15 to 20 years for a furnace, AC unit, or other commercial HVAC system. As the system ages, repairs add up, and you reach a tipping point where efficiency and the cost of keeping the system running are outweighed by the upfront cost of a new furnace or air conditioning unit.
The Benefits of Repair
Depending on your specific situation, it might be best to keep repairing your unit. This is especially true if you have a mid-aged unit with widely available parts and core components that are still in good shape. Also, if you are considering a broader update a few quarters down the line, it may be worth repairing the system to keep it running through one more season. Finally, if you are still considering options and the repair is less than 50% of the cost of a new system, you may want to repair it rather than replace it.
The Benefits of a Replacement
On the other hand, a replacement makes sense in some situations. This is especially true if repair costs are 50% or more of a full replacement, as that is the industry-standard tipping point for automatic replacement. Other times a replacement makes sense is when you are in the midst of a renovation and will need to rerun ductwork, add electrical upgrades, or make other auxiliary updates that must be in place for a replacement.
What a New Roofing Unit Can Provide Your Building
An HVAC replacement can be a process, but it can also help your building be greener and more efficient moving forward. Here are just a few of the benefits that a new rooftop unit, furnace or AC unit can provide your multifamily or commercial building:
- Improved energy efficiency, dropping your overall costs to heat and cool your building.
- A happier client base with occupants comfortable year-round
- Reduced service interruptions and repair intervals for your unit
- Better diagnostics available to technicians to help spot issues before they become a problem during annual maintenance visits.
- Faster troubleshooting with advanced digital displays and modern probes
So, if you are on the fence about whether you need to replace or repair your commercial HVAC unit in Toledo, OH, the team at Fry is here to help. Our expert commercial heating and cooling technicians have years of field experience and can guide you through your decision-making to ensure you find a solution that works for your building. Whether that means making a repair or working with you to order a new replacement unit from York, Carrier or Rheem, our team is your go-to local commercial HVAC company in the region!
