Has the mood in your commercial building seemed a bit subdued lately? Well, one potential culprit for that may be your HVAC unit.
See, indoor air quality plays a big role in employee productivity. It affects employees’ ability to focus and slows down their response times. And while some HVAC issues are easy to fix, many require a more permanent solution.
Not sure when to replace your commercial HVAC system? Here are five common indicators that the time has come for a change.
Old Age
The older an HVAC system is, the more likely it is to experience issues. On top of impeding its efficiency, this can lead to frequent repairs. At some point, it will be more cost-effective to replace it instead of repairing it.
The general rule for when to replace an HVAC unit is once every ten years. Of course, this also depends on how often you use it. Modern HVAC units are durable, but some components wear out more quickly than others.
Inconsistent Temperatures
Is your commercial HVAC system struggling to maintain consistent temps? If so, check if the thermostat is inaccurate or damaged. Other potential causes include leaky ducts, clogged filters, and low fluid levels.
Quite often, though, inconsistent temps will be the result of a unit that’s not suited for the size of your office. If the system isn’t powerful enough to distribute air properly, the only solution is to get a better-fitting unit.
Poor Air Quality
A commercial HVAC unit must consistently produce crisp and clean air. If a unit isn’t maintained, though, it can make air quality worse by increasing humidity levels. That’s particularly noticeable during the summer.
Problematic units are also more likely to develop leaks. In the worst-case scenario, this may expose you and your employees to carbon monoxide. Keep an eye out for flu-like symptoms in your office and respond accordingly.
Rising Electric Bills
Are your electric bills for a particular month rising from year to year? That’s a big indicator it’s time to replace an HVAC system. HVAC units become less efficient as they age, particularly without proper maintenance.
Even if your unit is new, it may still be inefficient. The solution: consider replacing your current model with an Energy Star system. But first, contact a commercial HVAC service to see why your unit is misbehaving.
Strange Behavior
When an HVAC unit is in good condition, it should be relatively quiet. That’s why any grinding or rattling coming from the unit is a cause for alarm. It can mean that some components are loose, which can cause further damage.
A more serious problem involves your unit turning on and off by itself. That usually means it’s overheating or not getting enough power. An HVAC unit like that can be a safety threat, and you may need to replace it.
When to Replace Your Commercial HVAC System
As you can see, keeping a unit that’s past its useful life can lead to a host of issues for you and your employees. If you notice any of the above signs, contact an HVAC technician to see whether you need to replace your unit.
Now you know when to replace your commercial HVAC system! Keep reading our Healthy Lifestyle section for more tips!
