When it comes to replacing an HVAC system, most will put it off as long as possible. However, retrofitting your current commercial HVAC system may be the best solution. Commercial HVAC installation is a costly project with the potential to impact budgets, facility use and employee productivity, just for starters.
While all equipment will eventually need a replacement, retrofitting HVAC equipment consists of integrating new components within the building’s HVAC unit. These HVAC retrofit solutions improve system performance and lower energy consumption without the larger expense of total system replacement.
Should I Retrofit a Commercial HVAC System or Not?
Retrofitting an existing HVAC system isn’t the right answer for every facility. If, however, you’ve reached the point where adjustments and basic maintenance can’t keep up with the comfort or efficiency issues, seriously consider it.
Your facility is a potential candidate for retrofit commercial HVAC improvements if:
- The existing commercial HVAC system is more than 10 years old
- Building occupants have complaints about indoor comfort, and nuisance calls frequently hijack your day
- Every year brings higher HVAC repair costs or more downtime
- Energy bills have risen without any explanation
- You face indoor air quality issues within your facility
- There’s a chance you’ll move to a different business location within a few years
As commercial HVAC systems age, they lose efficiency and performance suffers, resulting in higher operating costs and the need for frequent repairs. As performance suffers, comfort issues arise as well as new indoor air quality problems with the potential to impact productivity.
Which HVAC Equipment Works Best for Retrofitting?
Retrofitting HVAC systems are often an effective solution in buildings equipped with the following types of commercial HVAC equipment:
- Rooftop packaged heating and cooling units
- Chillers
- Boilers
If your building has any of these HVAC equipment types, your system could likely benefit from choosing HVAC retrofit solutions, rather than replacing your current HVAC with an entirely new unit.
What Are the Benefits of Retrofitting Commercial HVAC Systems?
Retrofitting commercial HVAC equipment helps your facility save money in several ways, plus offers other desirable benefits for your building. Basically, it comes down to these five:
- Better energy efficiency and lower utility bills
- Less downtime and repair costs
- Strong turnaround on return on investment (ROI)
- Systems last years longer
- Greater comfort and improved air quality
Higher energy savings
Retrofitting commercial HVAC equipment immediately improves the energy efficiency of the overall system. The right HVAC equipment and proper installation in your building by skilled commercial HVAC experts improve HVAC system efficiency and drastically reduce system operating costs.
Just like with your air conditioner at home, regular maintenance helps your heating and cooling systems run as close to how it was designed as possible. When it runs like the engineer designed it, it’s as energy efficient as it can be. You’ll see the benefits of retrofitting your HVAC system right off the bat with higher energy savings and lower energy costs.
Fewer repairs and associated costs
When an HVAC system breaks down, it negatively affects productivity in your facility. It may drive customers away, take a toll on the health and safety of residents, students, or patients. It can also result in downtime and damage to inventory.
When you retrofit your commercial HVAC, you’ll see an overall improvement of the system’s performance and replace components susceptible to unexpected breakdowns. You’ll also eliminate the need for repair and cut costs to avoid budget issues.
Quicker return on investment
The cost of retrofitting commercial HVAC systems is typically a fraction of the price of a new system. This leads to a much shorter payback period. Be sure to check with your local utility.
Frequently utility companies offer rebates and other incentives to upgrade to more energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. Rebates or tax credits, if applicable, speed up the ROI.
Longer system life
With retrofit HVAC system projects, we recommend a strategic prioritization of component replacements. This limits the number of run cycles impacting the system as a whole and component upgrade needs. Here in Atlanta, our air conditioners work hard and suffer more wear and tear than in northern states.
If you or the prior owners have been casual with preventive maintenance, your system might have aged faster. The right retrofit commercial HVAC upgrade plan keeps your entire system in service longer.
Better comfort
Retrofit commercial HVAC upgrades provide high efficiency and performance, producing better temperature and humidity control within your building. Occupants benefit from a more comfortable working environment with better air quality, which is shown to enhance worker productivity.
Contact Estes Commercial for HVAC Services
In conclusion, let Estes Commercial assess your building’s HVAC system and recommend retrofit commercial HVAC solutions to help your facility save money and more. Our knowledgeable commercial HVAC technicians find areas in need of a performance and efficiency boost, then propose and install the HVAC equipment and system solutions to maximize benefits to your facility.
Contact us today to get started.
