We’ve compiled a list of the questions we receive most often from customers concerning commercial HVAC units. They range from important factors when buying a new unit, to warning signs when repairs are needed, along with how often should maintenance be scheduled.
What are the most important things to keep in mind for prolonging the service life of my commercial HVAC unit?
If you are buying a new unit you always want to do research beforehand. Look for something with a history of reliability, check articles, user reviews, and also ask your maintenance and repair provider for recommendations.
Whether you bought new or you have the unit that came with the building you operate in, checking the user manual should always be your first stop for any questions. If you don’t have a copy of the user manual try checking the manufacturers website or doing a quick web search to find it.
You should also have regular service scheduled to keep your unit running at peak performance and increase its lifespan. Having a maintenance and repair provider also gives you an excellent resource when it comes to questions and concerns about your unit. Give them a call and they should be able to provide support.
What is the most common mistake people make when it comes to commercial HVAC units?
When trying to save money some people will try to do maintenance and repair work themselves. Unless you have been professionally trained this is not a good idea.
Many times you will end up damaging your unit and raising your repair bill, or worse, ruining your unit and forcing you to buy a new one. It isn’t worth it, leave it to the pros.
How long can I expect my commercial HVAC unit to last?
The average lifespan of a quality unit is 15-20 years. This will change depending on the environment it is running. Units that filter things such as grease from restaurants, salt if you are near the ocean, fragrances, and cleaning solvents, will see a reduction in lifespan depending on the quantity.
When should I call my maintenance and repair provider?
Always be mindful of sudden changes. Are your unit or vents start making noises? Is the proper temperature maintained throughout the building and throughout the day? Is there moisture building up anywhere in the HVAC system? If any of these are occurring, it is time to give your maintenance and repair provider a call.
How often should I have regular service scheduled for my commercial HVAC unit.
This will vary depending on a few factors, the environment of your unit being the biggest. If your unit is filtering more out of the air, or if there is build-up on your condenser coils it will require more maintenance. Take these into consideration, talk it over with your maintenance and repair provider, and make an informed decision.
When do I need to replace my commercial HVAC unit?
On a unit 10-15 years old you should consider replacing when the cost of repairs exceeds 70%. Older units are more likely to be running at a lower capacity and have a higher possibility of costly future repairs, it is usually more beneficial to replace older units if repair costs will exceed 40-50%.
We hope these answers have been helpful to you. At Touchstone Commercial Services we strive for excellence and customer satisfaction. If you have any more questions feel free to contact us, and if you find yourself in need of commercial maintenance and repair, we are happy to help!
