So, your HVAC system is getting old, not working as efficiently, and costing you too much money. A retrofit HVAC system is potentially an ideal alternative to replacing your entire system outright.
Timing Your Commercial HVAC Retrofit
Depending on the current state of your equipment, an HVAC retrofit could be more or less appropriate. For example, if your equipment is aged to the point where it is barely functioning or not functioning at all, it might be too late for retrofitting equipment to bring it back to life.
However, it is unlikely that all of your systems have gone out at the same time. A more typical situation is that some units will need to be outright replaced while others can be augmented with retrofits designed to increase their effective lifespan and efficiency.
First let’s go through a few of the benefits of a retrofit job versus an outright replacement. In the end, it all comes down to overall costs.
Energy Efficiency – One of the targets of most retrofitting jobs is to improve energy efficiency. Because a retrofit is not as expensive as a full-scale replacement, energy savings will put a larger dent in the overall cost of the project.
Equipment Lifespan – Replacements are expensive, and retrofitting can put off replacement jobs for at least several years. We’ll keep your systems running efficiently, buying you time before units need to be totally replaced.
Worker Productivity – One of the biggest costs of ineffective HVAC equipment comes in the form of lost employee productivity. Sure, this cost isn’t reflected on its face on your balance sheet, but comfortable working conditions have a direct impact on whether or not people can do their jobs well.
Predictability – Old HVAC systems can work intermittently, particularly in the harsher seasons, and are more prone to unexpected failure. Retrofitting offers peace of mind.
It is important to remember that no system, retrofitted or otherwise, is going to last forever. However, if you don’t have room in the budget for the tens of thousands of dollars it will take to replace even small amounts of equipment, retrofitting is the most viable option.
The Retrofitting Process
REACT Industries takes a consultative approach to each of our clients’ systems. Especially when it comes to HVAC, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. We will take an inventory of your units and make judgments about which pieces will likely need to be replaced in the short term and which can be repaired, restored, or even improved with retrofitting technology.
We will also be able to inform you about when the best time to approach the project might be. Generally, these projects are taken on as proactive measures in the fall and the spring. Depending on the state of your equipment and when we are performing our inspection, our recommendations may change.
When to Retrofit Air Conditioning and Heating
Though you may have cool or warm days during spring or fall that could demand the use of your heating or air conditioning systems, the milder seasons are generally thought of as the off-season.
Late September to mid-November and early-March to mid-May are, for the most part, the best time to consider retrofitting your system. One of the worst things that can happen to your business is that the HVAC simply shuts down in one of the harsher months of the year. A retrofitting project, though not as disruptive as a total equipment failure, will inherently involve some system downtime.
The best time to experience downtime is in the mild months, and, therefore, the decision seems to make itself.
Now, if for some reason you are only retrofitting one half of your system, AC or heating, it is best to do this before they are needed. Otherwise, you risk stressing out an aged system and promoting failure. So, we’ll generally advise AC in Spring and heating in the Fall.
Another factor to consider is that HVAC components themselves tend to climb in price during the harsher months. So, not only could you incur lost productivity, but you will be forced to essentially give your money away in the form of higher prices.
HVAC retrofit residential services and commercial services alike certainly have advantages depending on what time of year you approach your project.
REACT Industries Retrofitting Services
The bottom line is that everything starts with a system inspection. Until you have a professional come out and see what they’re working with, it’s difficult to say what your retrofitting project might look like.
If you are looking to save money on your energy bill every month and avoid an unpredictable and unnecessary failure in the future, give us a call today.