You open your business for the day and realize that your HVAC system isn’t kicking in.
Or perhaps on a cold winter day, it’s not working as well as it should.
Having a comfortable environment is vital to business and you want to ensure that your employees and customers aren’t left out in the cold!
Your first instinct may be to panic about having the entire system replaced. However, before you hit the eject button on your current HVAC system, it’s important to consider if the unit can be repaired instead.
A trained HVAC technician can inspect and diagnose your HVAC system and help you determine the best course of action.
But in order to make the best and most informed decision for your business, here is what you need to know about fixing or replacing a broken HVAC system:
5 Questions to Ask Before Repair or Replacing Your Broken HVAC System
To be honest, the best way to answer the question of fixing or replacing your broken HVAC system is to have a professional HVAC technician perform an inspection.
They can better diagnose the issue and give you advice on what should be done.
However, the decision is ultimately yours so to better help you answer that question, here are some questions you should ask yourself:
1. Is Your Heating System Presenting a Safety Hazard?
The first thing you should take into consideration when it comes to repairing or replacing a broken HVAC system is whether or not the system is creating a safety hazard.
For instance, if the heat exchanger is cracked on your furnace, this could lead to a carbon monoxide leak and the entire system should be replaced.
However, if you are dealing with stuck valves or faulty wiring, these issues can simply be repaired and save you the cost of replacing the entire unit.
No matter the issue, it is important to have a professional HVAC technician properly diagnose the problem so that you can make a more informed decision.
2. How Old Is Your Unit?
The average lifespan of a furnace is around 15-20 years and oftentimes you can find the installation date right on the unit.
If you cannot find the installation date, look inside the chamber door for a serial number as well as the model number. You can then contact the manufacturer for the manufacture date.
However, even if your heating unit is older than 20 years old, this does not mean it needs to be replaced. These life expectancies are averages, so it’s possible that your older unit is not quite ready for the junkyard.
This is because many other factors can impact your HVAC system’s longevity such as how often you use the unit.
If you do not use the unit regularly during the winter time because your business is closed during this time of year, the system will last longer.
3. Does Your Heating System Run Efficiently?
If you notice that some areas of your business are not heating to the temperature you set, it could be that your HVAC system is not heating efficiently.
Older systems will have a harder time heating your space and will have to work harder to do so.
However, a system’s inefficiently can be caused by a number of repairable factors such as the cleanliness of your ducts and air filters.
Before you decide to replace a heating system that is not working efficiently, have it inspected by an HVAC technician. Sometimes proper maintenance is all you need to get it working at peak performance!
4. Are Repairs to Your Heating System Costly or Frequent?
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to fixing or replacing your broken HVAC system is the unit’s history of repairs.
A repair here and there is expected and can be all it takes to ensure that your HVAC system continues to work long-term.
However, if you are noticing the repair bills piling up, it may be more cost-effective to have the system replaced.
Again, proper maintenance is key to preventing ongoing issues with your business’s HVAC unit.
5. Is Your Heating System Well-Maintained?
Speaking of proper maintenance, is your HVAC system properly maintained. Proper maintenance will affect your heating system’s reliability, efficiency, and lifespan.
Most heating system issues can be avoided with regular maintenance, especially since doing so can catch smaller problems before they become big issues.
Proper maintenance includes changing the filters, keeping outdoor units clear of debris, and calling in an HVAC technician for regular check-ups.
It’s possible that you may have to replace your system sooner than necessary if you don’t keep it properly maintained.
Broken HVAC Systems: Repair or Replace?
Before you make the call to replace your HVAC system, it’s important to consider its overall condition. If the system performs well and only needs the rare repair, there’s no need for a replacement.
If you have a newer system, repairs also make more financial sense since they are typically simple and affordable and will increase your HVAC system’s efficiency and reduce the existing energy load.
Buying a completely new system is a huge expense. It’s possible that, with the right repair and maintenance service, your broken HVAC can continue to serve your business for years to come!
Prevention is Key
Even if your HVAC system is broken, it’s not too late to take preventative measures to ensure that a failure doesn’t happen again.
Advantage Refrigeration offers expert repair services as well as a Maintenance Program that will guarantee that your HVAC system is regularly inspected and that minor issues don’t turn into major problems.
With our 24/7 Emergency Service, you will also have peace of mind that no matter when your HVAC system quits on you, it will be repaired and serviced right away!
Give us a call at 780-438-2014 or contact us through our website for more information!
