Have you noticed significant changes in your facility’s air quality and temperature control? Perhaps you’ve noticed your power bills continue to climb every month, or that you can’t get to a comfortable temperature without blasting the AC all day. With any luck, your HVAC unit simply needs a maintenance tune-up or a simple repair. However, there could be a more serious underlying problem that us rendering your unit unusable. The only way to find out is to call your MaintenX technician for a consult.
Before you decide to repair or replace your unit, talk to an experienced professional about your options. A more expensive repair could delay the cost of replacement for another five or ten years. However, a replacement now could mean energy savings sooner. Consider these factors before deciding which route to take HVAC unit:
Is your current system a safety risk?
Safety always comes first. You may not realize it, but your failing HVAC unit could pose risks to your tenants and staff if not replaced. Some issues with units can cause carbon monoxide leaks or fire hazards. If your technician believes your HVAC unit is at risk for either of these, make it first priority to replace the entire system.
How old is your system?
On average, HVAC units can last between 10 to 15 years if well maintained. Some may even last 20 years if they are used for facilities with lower heating and cooling demands. If your system is reaching the end of its life and is having significant issues, it could be time to investigate in an upgrade. Repairing a system that won’t last another few years will only come out of your budget for when you want a nicer, energy-efficient unit.
How many repairs are you paying for?
If your HVAC unit only needs minor repairs a couple of times a year, it is probably still in good shape. However, if you notice that your maintenance budget for the unit is slowly (or rapidly) starting to increase, it may be time to simply replace the unit. Frequent repairs are usually a sign of a failing system. Save your money for a modern energy-efficient alternative rather than fixing one that’s on its way out.
Is your system meeting efficiency standards?
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is a measurement of energy efficiency for heat pumps and HVAC units. This rating helps determine whether or not a system is up to par with industry stands of today. The SEER results show that HVAC systems manufactured just 10 years ago are up to 50% less efficient than ones manufactured today. If you’re looking for new energy efficiency upgrades for your facility, your HVAC unit could be a great place to start.
Is the temperature out of control?
If you’re having trouble maintaining a stable temperature, there could be several simple fixes to extend the life of your current unit. Your coils may need cleaning, or your air filter may be clogged with dirt and dust. These fixes are very simple and can be done with one maintenance visit from MaintenX. However, if your uneven temperature is coupled with a loud sound coming from the outdoor unit, it could mean your motor is starting to fail. Depending on the severity of the issue, your unit may need to be replaced.
Is your facility too humid?
In Tampa, Florida, where MaintenX is headquartered, we face our fair share of humidity-related maintenance problems with all clients. If you notice an increase in humidity levels inside your facility, you may need to schedule a repair in the ductwork. In many cases, this is a simple problem to fix, but you’ll need to contact your MaintenX technician to diagnose the ductwork issue.
The good news is that in either situation, MaintenX has you covered. We are always happy to visit your facility, offer a maintenance diagnosis, and hopefully fix the problem on the spot. However, if replacement is the route you decide to take, we will offer recommendations for energy-efficient HVAC units and quote you on installation services. No matter what, MaintenX is here to help.
