Should You Take A Proactive Approach To HVAC Upgrades?
Posted on: 28 December 2020
HVAC costs typically make up more than any other factor when it comes to monthly operating expenses for commercial facilities. If you've been managing commercial buildings for a long time, then you know that high costs can mean one thing: opportunity. Since HVAC costs are proportionally so high, they are potentially a huge source of savings.
Bringing your HVAC costs under control means that you'll need to take more than a simple reactive approach, however. These three steps will help you see how an investment in your building's HVAC needs today can allow you to reap the rewards for years to come.
1. Identify Your Costs
When you're managing an entire building, it's easy to focus too much on the big picture and miss the small details. If you're viewing your HVAC situation as nothing more than fixed electrical or fuel costs, then you're missing the elements that contribute to those costs. In many large buildings, these are the primary drivers of high HVAC costs:
- Old, poorly maintained, or outdated equipment
- Drafty windows or poor insulation
- Leaky or failing air vents
- Improper or inefficient system usage
The best way to identify your building's specific problems is to bring in an experienced commercial HVAC contractor to perform a thorough evaluation. Even if you do not intend to address every issue immediately, this critical step will help you develop a plan of action for the future.
2. Address Maintenance Issues First
If you've discovered several underlying causes for high HVAC costs, then it's always a good idea to start with maintenance issues. Replacing outdated or poorly maintained equipment can have a significant impact on your monthly expenses. This impact may be especially dramatic if you're replacing old air conditioners or furnaces with newer, high-efficiency units.
While they tend to be more expensive to repair, don't ignore building issues that may be causing your HVAC system to function inefficiently. Leaking ductwork can bleed money year-round and can reduce the realized cost-savings from higher efficiency equipment.
3. Consider Automation Upgrades
Once you've addressed more fundamental problems, adding some automation to your building's HVAC system can be an excellent way to solve issues with inefficient usage. Building automation systems can help you avoid cooling or heating unoccupied spaces and ensure that occupants don't crank your thermostats to excessive temperatures. You may even be able to save nearly 30% on energy costs.
Replacing your HVAC equipment as it fails will keep your building's occupants comfortable, but it won't do much to reduce your costs. By taking a more proactive approach, you can ensure that you're using the most efficient technology possible to control your costs. Contact a commercial HVAC company for more information.
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