As your HVAC unit gets older the more expensive it becomes. You may not notice it right away, but over time your energy bills will start climbing and you may be forced to schedule repairs more frequently. While the upfront cost of replacing your old unit may be intimidating, the benefits you’ll gain from a new energy-efficient HVAC will save you money in the long run.
Why You Should Replace Your HVAC Sooner Than Later
How long have you had your current heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system? Is it getting up there in age? If you’ve had it for more than 20 years, it may be time to consider getting a new machine. Typically, the service life of a commercial HVAC ranges from 15 to 20 years, but certain factors can influence that expectancy. For example, performing regular preventative maintenance can help prolong its service life, while neglecting it can have the opposite effect.
However, as your system ages, the less efficient it becomes. Eventually, it will become more expensive to maintain than it would be to install a new system. Purchasing a new heating and cooling solution is a big decision and an expense you probably would like to avoid. You’re not alone in that sentiment—the sticker price can be a bit shocking to some. However, if your HVAC system is on the older side and you really want to save money, it may be in your best interest to replace your old unit sooner than later. Here are a few reasons why you should consider investing in an energy-efficient HVAC system for your commercial building.
Lower Energy Costs
HVAC systems are known to be responsible for up to 30% of a commercial building’s total energy consumption according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That’s a pretty big slice of the monthly energy bill pie. As units get older, they become less efficient, consuming more energy than they did previously. The less energy efficient your machine becomes, the bigger that slice grows.
There are fixes that can improve HVAC efficiency, but if those fixes are only dropping the system’s energy usage from 60% to 50%, what’s the point? A new HVAC unit with an Energy Star label and a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) of 14 and higher can significantly reduce your overall monthly energy consumption. This can result in massive savings annually.
- What is a SEER rating? A SEER rating is a measurement that takes the cooling output of an air conditioner over the cooling season and divides it by the energy it uses (Watt-Hours). This calculation determines the maximum efficiency of that unit. The higher the rating is, the more energy efficient the system is. The U.S. Department of Energy is in charge of enforcing a SEER rating minimum for all new HVAC systems. This minimum depends on the geographical region, but in most states, the minimum required rating is about 13 or 14.
Reduced Repairs
Like an old car with high mileage, older HVAC units tend to be more prone to breakdowns. While a malfunctioning HVAC won’t leave you stranded on the side of the road, it will leave your employees uncomfortable for an extended period of time. Also similar to high mileage cars, there’s a point where it doesn’t make sense to keep funneling money into the repair of the system.
Frequently having to repair your HVAC is not only annoying, but the smaller repair bills can quickly add up to one large expense. Not to mention, finding replacement parts for components that are non-functional can be difficult and costly as well. Replacing the heating and cooling units separately isn’t a cost-effective option either. A new high-quality unit will not only be more reliable, but it will also drastically reduce the frequency of repairs.
As your HVAC gets older, however, the more expensive it becomes.
Get Your HVAC Replaced With A&G Services
At A&G Services, we offer a robust selection of commercial and industrial solutions, including HVAC services. Whether you need maintenance, repairs, a retrofit, or even a whole system replacement, our technicians have the training and knowledge to handle all of your HVAC needs.
If you would like to learn more about our services and how we can assist with your business operations, please contact us today!
