Reasons to Upgrade Commercial HVAC Systems 

Commercial HVAC systems are responsible for your business’s energy efficiency, office comfort, and a significant proportion of your utility bills. In addition, they ensure optimum performance of your commercial building’s heating & cooling system, helping you save a lot of money in the long run. 

However, if your commercial HVAC system is old, it can cause several challenges for your business. Some of these problems include; total downtime, uncomfortable employees, and increased overhead. To prevent these problems, it’s important to upgrade the commercial HVAC system and plan for them accordingly after a specific period. 

At Innodez Design & Engineering, we want our clients to be informed as possible before making crucial decisions like upgrading commercial HVAC systems. That’s why in this article, we’ve put together a list of benefits you’ll get from commercial HVAC upgrades! 

Why you need to upgrade your commercial HVAC Systems 

Every business requires a functional commercial HVAC system to operate effectively since it’s one of the bases of creating a clean, productive & comfortable workspace. But, how do you know if it’s the right time to upgrade commercial HVAC systems? Well, here are some factors you can consider to help determine if you need to replace the HVAC system; 

1. Increased energy bills 

If your commercial building’s energy bills are constantly increasing, it’s a clear indication that the HVAC equipment needs to be replaced. More notably, this shows that the HVAC system is working harder than it should, thus consuming more energy. The same case also applies when the HVAC equipment keeps breaking down or having issues regularly. 

So, one of the main reasons that may make you consider upgrading the HVAC system in your commercial building is to reduce your utility bills. Also, commercial HVAC upgrades allow for proper air duct insulation and sealing, significantly reducing your building’s cooling & heating needs.

Even better, this will ensure that the HVAC equipment operates at maximum efficiency, wrestling in increased energy savings and reduced heating & cooling bills. Remember, HVAC expenses take up a significant portion of your commercial building’s operations budget. So, the sooner you upgrade the HVAC equipment, the sooner you will realize increased energy savings. 

2. Frequent maintenance calls 

If you’re constantly calling an HVAC repair company to repair or maintain your HVAC system, you should consider installing a new unit. This is because regular break-fix maintenance strategies can be so costly. In that regard, keeping HVAC repair records will help to easily identify the parts that get the most frequent repairs. 

Most importantly, repeated HVAC system maintenance calls can point out impending system failure. So, instead of investing in servicing a system that keeps breaking, it may be wiser to use the funds to upgrade to a new commercial HVAC system design. 

3. If you’re still using an R-22 Refrigerant System 

In January 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the production and importation of R-22 refrigerant after a 10-year phase-out period. This has increased the running costs of Air conditioning systems that still use R-22 since they depend on costly supply stockpiles or reclaimed refrigerants. 

Although this ban will not affect your HVAC system design if it’s functional, you’ll face steep costs and supply difficulties when you want to recharge your equipment. Alternatively, you can convert to substitutes such as R-407C and R-438A. However, the best option is to upgrade to a new HVAC system for the best results in the long run. 

Benefits of Upgrading your Commercial HVAC system, 

• Save Money 

According to statistics from the National Institute of Building Sciences, high-efficiency commercial HVAC systems have a payback period of about 3 to 5 years. For instance, the equipment will reduce the annual HVAC-related energy costs by up to 30% in the first 3 to 5-year period. And with thermostat settings of between 70 deg F in winter and 76 deg F in summer, the system will reduce energy costs by over 40% within 7 years. 

• Health benefits & increased comfort 

If customers or tenants are complaining of uneven heating and cooling in your commercial building, you should consider upgrading the HVAC system. This is because a malfunctioning HVAC system in a commercial business can lower employee productivity and reduce sales. 

Moreover, several studies conducted by independent research panels and the EPA shows that poor indoor air quality can cause potential health issues for occupants. Unfortunately, pollen, mold, viruses, and other contaminants tend to thrive in older commercial HVAC systems. 

Interestingly, modern high-efficiency HVAC systems are equipped with leading-edge filtration and antimicrobial technology. This helps to eliminate or reduce the spread and growth of airborne contaminants in commercial buildings. Better still, this improves the overall comfort of the building, maintains a more consistent temperature, and provides greater control over humidity levels. 

• Energy efficiency 

HVAC and refrigeration use more than 44% of the energy generated for commercial facilities. Therefore, it’s important to consider upgrading to an energy-efficient HVAC system as it will allow you to reduce overhead costs. Besides, reducing the energy consumption will reduce your energy bill and offset the cost of the new HVAC equipment. 

• Increase property value 

A high-efficiency and energy-efficient HVAC upgrade attract quality clients and lease rates to your building. Even better, you’ll get federal, state, and local incentives as well as tax credits to help you offset some initial investment costs of the HVAC upgrade. 

Choose Innodez Design and Engineering for your Commercial HVAC upgrade in California 

Upgrading your commercial HVAC systems is a tedious task that requires the proper knowledge and skills of the HVAC system. To help you out, HVAC engineers and experts at Innodez Design & Engineering will guide you through the process to ensure you make the best decision for your business.