FAQs About Commercial HVAC Systems That Answer Everything You Need To Know

When it comes to repairing or maintaining commercial HVAC systems, many people are unclear about what exactly it is they need or what they should be looking out for – and they have lots of questions!

In this article, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions we get about commercial HVAC systems, from why preventive maintenance is important and what you should consider when hiring an HVAC company, to how long a system should last for and what the different types are.

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial HVAC Systems

1. How cost-effective are the services offered by commercial HVAC companies?

As a business person, one of your primary concerns should be to minimize the overall costs of maintaining your business, and hiring a reputable commercial HVAC company is one way you can significantly reduce these costs.

Not only do HVAC companies have expertise in estimating the overall cost of materials and labor, they also usually have their own network of suppliers that provide discounts on materials. This is why it’s more cost-effective to hire an HVAC company that specializes in repairing HVAC systems, especially if it’s for a large commercial space, like a shopping mall, where economy of scale comes into play.

You should compare quotes from different HVAC companies to ensure you get the most competitive price for what you’re looking for. The total cost is usually directly proportional to the floor area of the building that requires internal climate control through an HVAC system.

2. Why is preventive maintenance necessary for your HVAC system?

It may sound like a cliché, but an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, and this definitely applies to HVAC systems. If you have regular preventive maintenance work done on your system, you’ll likely avoid major problems and periods of downtime because potential issues can be caught before a catastrophe happens. 

If you don’t carry out regular maintenance, serious problems could develop with your HVAC system over time. This can lead to expensive repairs and even temporary shutdowns. Shutting down your business for even one day can lead to serious losses, let alone shutting it down for several days while your HVAC system is being repaired. Preventive maintenance safeguards against these possibilities by never letting the system get to that point in the first place.

Whether it’s a commercial heating service or a full HVAC system, many types of businesses are reliant on internal climate control for their staff and customers. Carrying out preventive maintenance on your HVAC system can help you in several ways. Here are some of the benefits:

• Reduces the frequency of major repairs: A regularly maintained HVAC system means fewer major repairs and fewer periods of downtime for your business. In fact, regular maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of your system – for anything up to two decades – without any serious issues occurring. This translates to long-term money savings. Preventive maintenance should be done by a qualified technician or a team of technicians at least twice a year. It includes the cleaning, calibrating, and replacing of any damaged components. Depending on the condition of the system, complexity or even area of town, you may need to maintain it monthly. For example, if you operate a business that has a lot of environmental issues, like a pet groomer – you will want to have your system checked more frequently.

• Improves the efficiency of the system: The efficiency of your system will be improved and will run more smoothly if you regularly maintain it. It will also consume less amounts of energy, which helps reduce your monthly gas and electric bills.

• Improves air quality: Clean air is essential in a business facility, store, office or shop; it’s crucial to the health of your employees and customers. You can improve the air quality in your building by ensuring that your HVAC is running properly and efficiently.

• Increases productivity: If your office building, shop, warehouse or store has a comfortable internal climate, it can help improve the productivity of your employees. Discomfort at work is one of the primary reasons for lower productivity as employees aren’t able to concentrate properly. If your HVAC system isn’t working as it should, or keeps breaking down from neglect, it could seriously impact the morale and productivity of your staff. 

3. What are the things to consider when choosing a commercial HVAC company?

Not all commercial HVAC companies are the same. There will always be differences in prices, capacity and in the quality of work, and you must find the delicate balance between these factors. For example, while some companies offer both quality and cost-effectiveness, they may not have the capacity to deliver based on floor area. Alternatively, a company may have the capacity and the quality, but higher prices as a result. The key is to think closely about what is most important to you – and remember, cheapest isn’t always best.

Here are some of the things that you should consider when choosing a commercial HVAC system:

• Quality: Both the quality of materials and the quality of work should be considered to ensure the longstanding integrity of the system.
• Specialization: Make sure that the company is capable of delivering the required specifications of your building and space.
• Safety: Safety features are necessary for some parts of your HVAC system, such as the boiler and the gas furnace. Make sure that the company offers such features.
• Independent reviews: Search for independent reviews online or by word of mouth. Make sure that these are reliable and authentic, not promotional gimmicks.
• Cost-effectiveness: If the companies you’re looking at all offer equal services in terms of the above, choose the one that has the most competitive price for your budget.

4. How long should your commercial HVAC system last?

If properly maintained with regular calibrations, cleanup, and component replacement, a commercial HVAC system can last 15- 20 years. Some of its parts, such as the heat exchanger, and evaporator coil, need to be regularly cleaned and might need to be replaced if you want your system to last as long as possible.

5. What are the different types of commercial HVAC systems?

There are a few different types of HVAC systems you can choose from, and the size of the building is the main factor that determines which type you should install. Your location and type of climate are also determining factors. 

Here are the categories of HVAC systems for commercial use:

• Single split system: This is the most affordable and popular category of HVAC systems, and are commonly found in small commercial buildings. This type of system allows individual internal climate control for each space. Single split systems have separate air conditioning heating units connected into one system. Air passes through refrigerant lines and circulates in the building through the air ducts.

• Multi-split system: This type of system can have up to nine indoor units that connect to just one outdoor unit. This makes the system more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. It also features smart sensors that monitor changes in temperature, allowing for automatic adjustments.

• Variable refrigerant flow or variant refrigerant volume systems: These types of HVAC systems are ideal for mixed-use buildings. Examples of such buildings include hotels and large office spaces.

If you’re in the Kansas City metro area and would like to chat about your commercial HVAC system, contact us today for your customized quote.