As a commercial property owner, you have to ensure that your building is equipped with the best technology and equipment.
This includes installing an air conditioning unit that works efficiently for years. While modern commercial air conditioning units are designed to be more efficient than their predecessors, they have a shorter lifespan and as they age, their efficiency decreases. This decreased efficiency can lead to high energy bills, equipment malfunctions, and other issues.
Here are six signs that may indicate that it’s time for a replacement:
Replacement Sign 1 – Increased Downtime
AC units tend to break down at the most inconvenient times, which can be very disruptive to your business operations. If you find that your AC unit is spending more time in the “broken” state than it is in the “working” state, then odds are that you will need to replace it before too long. It’s important to remember that even though an AC unit may appear to be broken when one part of it seems to not be working but the other part still works fine, this could mean that one part of the system has failed and needs maintenance or replacement. A commercial AC unit with parts out of order like this should always be replaced as soon as possible when dealing with older models. They typically require extensive repairs (more than twice a year) and will simply be more cost effective to replace.
Replacement Sign 2 – Your AC units are reaching the end of their lifespan
AC units come with an average life expectancy in excess of 10 to 15 years depending on the model, make, and quality of your commercial unit. It is important to keep in mind that this isn’t necessarily a hard rule because many things can affect how long your AC unit lasts like climate (located in hot or cold climates typically last less time), proper maintenance, and the number of startups per day. Newer model commercial air conditioning units offer features such as energy-efficient operation, easier serviceability, and increased durability which can lead to increased performance levels and extended lifespans. However, when you start to get into the 15+ year range, it becomes more likely that your commercial AC unit is nearing the end of its lifespan and will need to be replaced.
Replacement Sign 3 – The Return on Investment isn’t worth it anymore
A commercial air conditioner must be replaced when the return on investment (meaning benefits vs. costs) is no longer favorable. There are many things to consider like maintenance, energy efficiency, and replacement parts which can affect the overall performance levels for your air conditioning unit. If you feel that your air conditioning system isn’t running as efficiently as it once did or if you’re starting to see more frequent air conditioning system repairs, there’s a good chance that now would be a great time to consider replacing your air conditioning unit depending on the age, model and operating environment(s) of your AC unit.
Replacement Sign 4 – Commercial AC unit is noisy
If your air conditioning unit is noisy, then it may be time to consider getting a replacement air conditioner. A commercial air conditioner that produces shrill, rattling or whistling noises is inefficient or could be experiencing corrosion. In addition, the noise could be annoying to employees or customers which ultimately costs you money. Many manufacturers have developed more advanced air conditioning units that are significantly more quiet than they used to be. When the time comes for an air conditioning replacement, ensure your contractor takes a look at how noisy your air conditioners are so you can determine what level of noise reduction will best suit your company’s needs.
Replacement Sign 5 – Decreased Air Flow
Decreased airflow caused by damaged or corroded coils will result in more frequent cycling of the compressor which will place more wear on your air conditioning unit causing it to fail earlier than expected. Routine maintenance on an older commercial AC system can help improve the airflow levels but if you have an older unit that has gone several years without being serviced, odds are that the coils are corroded. It’s important to replace commercial AC units avoid disruption in the commercial environment due to inefficient cooling equipment. Commercial AC systems tend to remain in operation continuously so it is especially crucial to maintain them regularly by having them cleaned and serviced by a professional AC service company.
Replacement Sign 6 – Decreased Cooling Efficiency
Decreased cooling efficiency can also be a sign that it’s time to replace your air conditioning unit. If it seems that your air conditioner is having a difficult time cooling the commercial space, this could be a sign that you need a new air conditioning unit. Commercial air conditioners have several rotating blades and these items can become worn out over time or start to show signs of damage. If the fan blade assembly becomes damaged, this can create challenges with airflow.
