Is Your HVAC System In Need Of Repair?

According to several studies, one in three commercial HVAC systems are broken and not operating correctly. One in three.

And while that number may seem unbelievably high, there are other studies that put the problem in more dire straights. Roof top units have a high rate of improper refrigerant charge, low airflow, and problems with the air economizer system, with estimates as great as one in two facing one of these problems.

How can that be?

Commercial HVAC systems are often larger, have more working parts, and therefore often make it more difficult to notice when a problem is occurring. For example, if a building has six roof top units and one fails, it may not be readily noticeable. Yet overall, the efficiency drops significantly.

The broken unit may still try to heat or cool the air; it may pump unconditioned air into the space. It will still use horsepower to run the fan, and turn the motor to continue the flow into the air stream.  But just as much as its sending unconditioned air into the air stream, the other units have to work that much harder to produce the effect that is being called for.

While its easy to see how this can happen, it should be just as easy to see how to prevent it. In today’s world, two things can stop this situation from happening, and allow your HVAC system to run as efficiently as possible every day of its working life:

    1. Schedule regular maintenance to check on the overall efficiency of your HVAC system

    2. Use today’s technology to pinpoint where problems occur

As a building owner or property manager, you realize that there is one common truth when it comes to the physical assets in your building; they will all fail at some point in time. The question becomes when, and how can you prevent it from happening at the most inopportune time?

If you use both tasks regularly, you can quickly spot a problem almost as fast as it occurs, and repair it and maintain it immediately to help prevent even more problems down the road.

Today’s technology can offer you may ways to digitize, track and analyze your system from afar. With today’s energy management systems, you can quickly check to see if your HVAC equipment is running at its optimal level. When you notice even small problems, you can hone in on where the problem originates from, and connect with your HVAC company to determine the best way to proceed. Sometimes it might be determine that immediate repair is needed. Or sometimes it can be fixed on the next regularly schedules maintenance appointment.

In either case, clear records can help you see the track record of your HVAC equipment, and help you maintain it at its optimal level. Not something that’s possible with older units, or systems that aren’t being maintained on a regular basis.

If you’re interested in learning more about how today’s technology is helping run commercial HVAC equipment more effectively, or how a regular maintenance schedule can help you keep problems at bay, give us a call today. 

HVAC Repair or Replace?

Installing a new roof top unit in Walla Walla, WA. 

The most common question in the HVAC industry: Should I repair my HVAC equipment or replace it? If you can get a few more years out of your current equipment simply by fixing it, it may be worth the effort. Yet if you’ll have to keep putting money into it in the coming months, it may be time to reap the benefits of installing new. But how do you know?

One reason its such a common question is there isn’t a right or wrong answer. Many factors go into making the final decision, and more than often its left to a gut decision by the property owner. Consider the following.

How old is your equipment?

Most light commercial equipment has a useful life of around 15 to 20 years under optimal conditions. The more stress equipment has been under, the shorter the time span. For instance, if the HVAC equipment is outside on the roof, it will experience harsher conditions than if its located in the basement of a building. The closer your equipment is to the useful life of 15 to 20 years, the harsher the conditions your equipment faces every day, the more you should consider investing in new equipment when a problem comes along.

What’s the service history of your equipment?

How well the HVAC equipment has been cared for has a major impact on the lifespan. Has it been cleaned and serviced regularly by trained HVAC professionals? If so, then many of the parts may be in good shape and you can expect a longer life out of your equipment. It also helps if you are under a HVAC service contract in which the same company routinely checks and maintains your equipment. They will have a running track record of what’s been done, what’s changed, and any problems or concerns that may be in place.

What’s the current problem?

Some problems are easier to

fix and aren’t as impactful as others. If it’s a simple fix, like an electrical connection for instance, a repair is probably the way to go. If, however, the compressor goes and its an older unit, it may be time to replace. When a key component of a system breaks down and the equipment has reached a certain age, you’re almost always better off replacing beca
use of the increase in technology and the energy savings you’ll gain.

Is it time to go green?

Let’s face it, as business owners, we’re all trying to do our part when it comes to making our properties more energy efficient. And if you read any industry publication, you’ll find many ways to accomplish your goals. If its been more than a few years since you’ve replaced old technology, updating it can provide you with a wealth of savings. Today’s units use more environmentally friendly refrigerants that don’t deplete the ozone layer. They also have energy savings technology built in to make them run more efficiently and provide the savings on to you through your energy bills. Environmental issues also come into play when replacing a unit – ask your HVAC contractor about recycling old equipment to keep it out of the landfill.

Newly installed  roof top unit in Walla Walla, WA. 

Is it time to improve comfort levels?

In the property management world, nothing stays the same. The tenants you had in place and the structure of the building at the time you installed your original HVAC equipment have all changed many times over. With those changes comes reconfiguration of ventilation, and in some cases your system’s capacity might not be adequate for your current space. If you’ve noticed temperature variances in the building, air quality problems, hot or cold spots, humidity issues, odors, or even “sick building” symptoms from your occupants, it may be time to replace your HVAC equipment with new technology. Your contractor can evaluate your current situation, usage and capacity needs, and increase the comfort level of the building by providing proper equipment throughout.

If you are in a repair or replace situation, the best place to start is by calling a HVAC company like Total Systems Services Inc. We have been providing commercial HVAC services to the Pacific Northwest for over 25 years, and we’d be happy to assist you with all of your needs.

HVAC Repair or Replace?

The most common question in the HVAC industry: Should I repair my HVAC equipment or replace it? If you can get a few more years out of your current equipment simply by fixing it, it may be worth the effort. Yet if you’ll have to keep putting money into it in the coming months, it may be time to reap the benefits of installing new. But how do you know?

One reason its such a common question is there isn’t a right or wrong answer. Many factors go into making the final decision, and more than often its left to a gut decision by the property owner. Consider the following.

How old is your equipment?

Most light commercial equipment has a useful life of around 15 to 20 years under optimal conditions. The more stress equipment has been under, the shorter the time span. For instance, if the HVAC equipment is outside on the roof, it will experience harsher conditions than if its located in the basement of a building. The closer your equipment is to the useful life of 15 to 20 years, the harsher the conditions your equipment faces every day, the more you should consider investing in new equipment when a problem comes along.

What’s the service history of your equipment?

How well the HVAC equipment has been cared for has a major impact on the lifespan. Has it been cleaned and serviced regularly by trained HVAC professionals? If so, then many of the parts may be in good shape and you can expect a longer life out of your equipment. It also helps if you are under a HVAC service contract in which the same company routinely checks and maintains your equipment. They will have a running track record of what’s been done, what’s changed, and any problems or concerns that may be in place.

What’s the current problem?

Some problems are easier to fix and aren’t as impactful as others. If it’s a simple fix, like an electrical connection for instance, a repair is probably the way to go. If, however, the compressor goes and its an older unit, it may be time to replace. When a key component of a system breaks down and the equipment has reached a certain age, you’re almost always better off replacing because of the increase in technology and the energy savings you’ll gain.

Is it time to go green?

Let’s face it, as business owners, we’re all trying to do our part when it comes to making our properties more energy efficient. And if you read any industry publication, you’ll find many ways to accomplish your goals. If its been more than a few years since you’ve replaced old technology, updating it can provide you with a wealth of savings. Today’s units use more environmentally friendly refrigerants that don’t deplete the ozone layer. They also have energy savings technology built in to make them run more efficiently and provide the savings on to you through your energy bills. Environmental issues also come into play when replacing a unit – ask your HVAC contractor about recycling old equipment to keep it out of the landfill.

Is it time to improve comfort levels?

In the property management world, nothing stays the same. The tenants you had in place and the structure of the building at the time you installed your original HVAC equipment have all changed many times over. With those changes comes reconfiguration of ventilation, and in some cases your system’s capacity might not be adequate for your current space. If you’ve noticed temperature variances in the building, air quality problems, hot or cold spots, humidity issues, odors, or even “sick building” symptoms from your occupants, it may be time to replace your HVAC equipment with new technology. Your contractor can evaluate your current situation, usage and capacity needs, and increase the comfort level of the building by providing proper equipment throughout.

If you are in a repair or replace situation, the best place to start is by calling a HVAC company like Total Systems Services Inc. We have been providing commercial HVAC services to the Pacific Northwest for over 25 years, and we’d be happy to assist you with all of your needs.