Most building owners do not consider upgrading the HVAC system until the realization that the existing one is no longer efficient enough to handle the needs of the structure.
The one in place will then be assessed to see what, if anything, is salvageable and what replacements will give the owner the most benefits. An analysis of the HVAC system already in place should help determine what the current needs are and where the focus should be. It may be that since the installation of the original unit, rooms have been added to the building or areas that were once intended for showroom space are now being used strictly for storage. A local HVAC company will be able to do a thorough assessment of the current needs and guide a building owner towards making the right heating and cooling system decisions.
The Need to Save on Energy Costs
It is usually an effort to save on energy costs that prompts a business owner to consider an HVAC upgrade. A comparison can be done with similar buildings in the area to see what type of system is showing the best results. It may be that a complete upgrade is unwarranted, and only one or two components need to be changed in order to reach full efficiency. For example, in a building that utilizes a centrifugal chiller, technology has improved on them dramatically over the last 20 years. By upgrading this one element a building owner will see a 30 to 40 percent difference in their energy consumption.
If the building owner does decide to go ahead with a complete system replacement then a look at the current codes will be necessary. A local HVAC technician will be aware of all that pertain to the building and will be available to make sure that new installation stays within compliance.
Making a Purchasing Decision
The HVAC technician should also be on hand to guide the owner when making purchasing decisions. They have the experience to know which type and brand of furnace and air conditioners is best suited for the demands of the structure.
The biggest advantage to upgrading a building’s current HVAC system is the ability to customize it to fit the current needs and demands. One way to do this is with the installation of multiple digital thermostats in one controlled area. By centralizing the controls for the HVAC system a business owner can eliminate employee tampering, a common problem that adversely affects the efficiency of the system. Plus, multiple thermostats allow for areas that are not in use frequently to be managed separately from the more common areas used in the building.
A Crucial Business Decision
This type of project is a major business decision that requires a large monetary investment. It should not be taken lightly, nor should it be handled by anyone other than an HVAC company that has a significant amount of experience with these types of projects. When you consider that most components of an HVAC system are built to last for decades you want to ensure that yours is installed to give you the most benefits for many years.
Call Engineered Solutions at (314) 394-0802.
Photo credit: Garrett Wilcock
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