Commercial HVAC units are designed to be as efficient and effective as possible. Modern units are loaded with smart and intelligent features that track the outdoor temperatures and adjust the indoor temperature accordingly. But, sometimes, the units tend to lack efficiency as well due to several reasons or external factors. Due to this, you may need to consult commercial AC repair services often for repairs. This might seem as if your expensive investment was not worth it. Therefore, below is a list of tips to help you make your commercial HVAC unit more energy-efficient.

Make Sure The Building Is Insulated

Before you can point fingers at your commercial HVAC unit, you should take a look at your building and ensure it is properly insulated. There is a common misconception among people that modern energy-efficient commercial HVAC units can handle even the most tough working environments.

While that is true to some extent, if you take a look at it from a logical perspective, your commercial HVAC unit will not be able to perform as well if the building needs some repairs and replacements. Commercial HVAC units are designed to achieve the desired temperature and will reduce power consumption once it is achieved.

If the building happens to be old or has some cracks or damage, there is a high possibility that cool or warm air escapes even before it is circulated inside the building. While that is one loss, the unit consuming more electricity than usual is another. In such cases, the unit will work harder than usual, consuming more electricity and leading to high energy costs every month.

This is why you must ensure that the building is properly insulated. You will need to inspect the windows, doors, and other areas that might be damaged. Make sure that you thoroughly inspect the ductwork as well. This is where the majority of the leaks take place and can make it difficult for the unit to do its job.

Clean The Air Filters

Ignoring cleaning the air filters is one of the most common problems in commercial HVAC units. Air filters might seem like minor components but play a huge role in improving air quality and ensuring optimum efficiency in units. Because air filters have to trap contaminants and ensure good quality air is circulated, it is normal for them to become clogged.

However, what isn’t normal is you ignoring its maintenance. Air filters must be cleaned once a month. However, the exact frequency depends on your building size and usage. If the HVAC unit was not used for a while, you must clean the air filters and consult an expert for AC service before beginning to use it. Plus, if the HVAC unit happens to be old, it might be that the air filters need replacement.

In that case, you should contact the manufacturer or a commercial air conditioning repair Stony Brook expert. Keep in mind that clogged air filters not only contaminate the air but also suffocate the unit. This means the HVAC system will consume more power to make up for the loss.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Professional maintenance is key to ensuring a long lifespan and efficiency of your commercial HVAC unit. Most business owners tend to ignore this factor as they assume it is simply an expense. Professional maintenance is not only limited to cleaning the unit but also inspecting it for repairs and replacements.

It might be that your HVAC unit has minor cracks, rust, or damage that could turn worse in the long run. In such cases, the expert will identify them and stop the problem on the spot, preventing it from affecting the performance and the lifespan of the unit.

This is why professional maintenance is termed as an investment instead of an expenditure. You are paying an expert to diagnose issues that are not visible but can result in expensive repairs and replacements down the road. This way, you get to avoid such issues and keep the unit running smoothly.

Have The Right HVAC Size

Having the right HVAC is as important as considering the SEER rating. Commercial business owners believe that opting for a bigger or smaller HVAC unit is going to be more effective or efficient. The fact of the matter is that neither option will work if you do not have an idea about the size you need to opt for.

For instance, if you opt for a smaller HVAC unit, it will struggle to achieve the desired temperature. This will force it to work harder than usual and consume more electricity. On the other hand, if you were to go for a larger HVAC unit, it will achieve the desired temperature relatively quicker but will constantly trip as a result.

This constant tripping of the unit will also use more power in the long run. So, the best way to avoid such a situation is by consulting an expert. Commercial HVAC units are expensive systems and cannot be replaced often. This is why you need to make an informed decision.

Conduct An Energy Audit

Believe it or not, energy audits have become the talk of the town and contribute significantly to improving the efficiency of both the building and the HVAC unit. As the term suggests, conducting an energy audit involves inspecting the building thoroughly for systems that consume more power.

It might be that there are some devices not in use that consume electricity daily. Based on the audit performed, the expert will suggest points and tips that will help you improve efficiency. Commercial buildings must invest in such things to save money.

Clean The Outdoor Unit

Cleaning the outdoor unit is as important as cleaning the inside unit. The reason is that the outdoor unit has to bear the brunt of the extreme weather conditions. If the outdoor unit is located near trees, bushes, and shrubs, it might be that dead leaves and branches end up inside the unit regularly.

Ideally, the outdoor unit should be installed away from such natural items. During extreme weather conditions, branches can break and seriously damage the fans and other expensive components. Plus, the coils inside the unit also need inspection and maintenance.

The coils are designed to dissipate heat. With time, they can become accumulated with dirt and dust as well making it difficult for the heat to escape. As a result, the coils turn hot and might malfunction. Therefore, the outdoor unit will need equal attention as that of the rest of the unit.

Conclusion

Improving and maintaining the efficiency of your HVAC unit is not rocket science. All you need to do is follow the tips mentioned above and invest in professional maintenance. This way, you will be able to keep the unit running smoothly for years to come and avoid any complications. Plus, you will also have control over energy utilization, which is a must considering the ever-rising inflation. So, get in touch with commercial HVAC companies Ronkonkoma for inspections and repairs.