Commercial HVAC Frequently Asked Questions

Once you spend the money on a commercial HVAC, you want to be consistent with maintenance so the equipment can last as long as possible. Many factors will affect the longevity of a commercial HVAC system, but you can expect this equipment to last for 10 to 15 years on average. By taking care of the system with regular preventive maintenance and timely repairs, it is possible that a commercial furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, or boiler could last for 20 years or more.

Regular, preventative maintenance ensures that your commercial HVAC system will work at its best for as long as possible. It sustains the efficiency of your HVAC equipment, and helps prevent breakdowns and system malfunctions that could lead to costly repairs or complete system replacements. Call your trusted local HVAC service provider for a preventive maintenance appointment at least once a year for each type of system. In general, it’s best to have heating systems maintained in the fall and cooling systems in the spring.

The ductwork in your commercial HVAC system carries heated and cooled air to the inside of your building. All conditioned air passes through the ductwork, and also should be inspected and maintained regularly. Air leaks can contribute to loss of energy efficiency and money. To prevent leaks, duct must be kept in good shape, fitted tightly together, and sealed with mastic, a specialized sealant for ducts, or with metal tape. 

Air filters should be checked every month and changed when they get dirty. Air filters no only help clean indoor air by trapping particulates such as dust, pollen, and fibers—they sustain airflow in your HVAC system to function properly. Dirty, clogged filters will block airflow, prevent your equipment from working properly, and potentially damage the system. If your business produces more particulates and airborne contaminants than usual, it's recommended to check and change filters more often, even weekly.  

An HVAC system that is not the right size for your building may cause issues.  If the HVAC system is too small, it may not heat or cool efficiently, which leaves your system running constantly, increasing your energy consumption significantly. If the system is too big, it will have trouble reducing moisture in the air—the air still feels humid and uncomfortable even with the thermostat reading the correct temperature. With the right sized system for your building, your commercial HVAC system will heat and cool effectively, and the air will feel refreshing.  

Whether your building is old or new, you may suffer from high energy bills, comfort problems, and an inefficient HVAC system. A failing HVAC system may need to be replaced with a properly-sized, high-efficiency system; the building’s ductwork could also be redesigned to eliminate sharp turns and meandering runs that waste energy; ductwork can be sealed to eliminate air leaks; installing a building controls system that uses a single interface to automate a variety of equipment and functions, like remote monitoring, advanced diagnostics, system setup and alarm reset. Schedule a HVAC system evaluation to find the best solution to reduce your energy and maintenance costs.

Indoor air quality should not be ignored. Studies show it has a significant impact on workers’ productivity, and affects their health and sense of well-being. IAQ is directly influenced by temperature, humidity and CO2 levels, and represents the ambient air pollution.