While most people can appreciate the hard work that their commercial HVAC system does to keep them comfortable year round, very few actually understand how their HVAC system works. Many businesses don’t have a routine maintenance system in place, not realizing that their system could become less efficient over time. We’ve rounded up some frequently asked questions about heating and cooling to help you better understand how your commercial HVAC works:
How Often Should A Commercial HVAC Be Serviced?
Ideally, you should have your HVAC system serviced twice per year. Plan on having one service appointment in the spring to make sure the air conditioner is ready for the summer, and another appointment in the fall to get the heating system ready for winter.
How Can I Save Money on Heating and Cooling?
There are a number of steps you can take to make your business more energy efficient when your HVAC is on. For instance, using ceiling fans to circulate air will reduce the amount of work your HVAC does. In addition, installing a programmable or smart thermostat will give you more control over when your system is on. Another step you can take is properly sealing your business. This can have a big impact on energy efficiency, so make sure your windows and doors are properly sealed. Last but not least – your lighting. It is said that if you convert to LED lights that is not only better for your eyes and electric bill but it also reduces heat.
What is R-22 and R-410A?
R-22 is a refrigerant that is used inside of air conditioners to cool the air. However, due to concerns about harm to the environment caused by R-22, it has been phased out in new air conditioning systems in favor of cleaner R-410A refrigerant. Nevertheless, there are still many R-22 systems functioning and needing to be serviced in the world. Anyone who has an R-22 system will pay a premium on the cost of refrigerant.
How Often do HVACs Need Replacing?
In general, HVAC systems are built to last 15-25 years with proper maintenance. However, since most people do not have their systems inspected and maintained twice per year, we typically see systems that last about 12-15 years before they need serious repairs. With all of the advancements in energy efficient technology today, it is usually more effective to replace the HVAC completely than to keep repairing an old system over and over.
What are Two-Stage Cooling and Variable Speed Cooling?
Long ago, all compressors ran on a single stage, meaning that they were either on 100% or off 100%. Now we have two-stage compressors which can be on low speed or high speed. This gives you more control over how your business is heated and cooled by letting the system work less on the mild days. We are also seeing the introduction of variable speed systems today, which allow the compressor to ramp up or down from 10%-100% depending on the environment at the time.
How Big of a System Do I Need?
The size of the HVAC system you need will be determined by the size of your business, and the typical climate of your area. When it comes to HVAC systems, bigger is not always better. You need a system that is properly fitted for the square footage of your space, and the actual amount of heating and cooling you will need throughout the year. If you buy a system that is too small, it will have to work overtime and will wear out faster. If you go too big the system will cut on and off repeatedly and never reach peak efficiency.
Compressors Unlimited has all in the inside information on how to keep your HVAC system happy and healthy for years to come. Call us today to learn more about commercial HVAC systems and components.
