Upgrading or replacing a commercial HVAC system often gets put on the back burner because of the large investment required. After all, quality equipment, expert design and installation all come with a price tag. However, looking at the value of upgrading an HVAC system can override procrastination. If the long-term value outweighs the shorter-term cost, then it makes good business sense to upgrade. Let’s explore a cost/benefit analysis for upgrading or replacing a commercial HVAC system. Why consider upgrades or replacements in the first place? At its core, HVAC is a comfort business. When tenants or employees are uncomfortable, it creates pain points that must be relieved. One of the ways to do that is to carry out equipment upgrades and replacements as needed. The risk of this approach is that in some unfortunate cases, replacements are required immediately due to catastrophic failure. While we’re proud to handle emergency repairs better than anyone else in the Chicago area, it shouldn’t be your preferred service option.

An emergency repair usually means that maintenance has been neglected or recommended upgrades that should have been performed months or years earlier have been ignored. Plus, emergency repairs can come with a high price tag. Approaching system maintenance and upgrades strategically and proactively saves money in the long-run. Devising a plan that maximizes the lifespan of equipment ensures optimal performance while eliminating costly downtime caused by failures. What benefits can you expect to see from proactively upgrading your HVAC equipment? Taking a proactive stance on HVAC system upgrades and replacements offers a number of valuable benefits for any commercial building or manufacturing facility: Improved comfort - Tenants, employees, and customers enjoy a more pleasant environment. Increased production - Happier, more comfortable employees are more productive. Increased property value - For commercial buildings that rely on income from satisfied guests and tenants, quality HVAC systems can significantly increase property value.

Increased sales - Retailers that maintain a comfortable shopping environment entice customers to stay longer and spend more as a result. Improved product quality - In the case of clean room production or other environments that require optimal air quality, a perfectly functioning HVAC system improves the quality of the finished product. Increased equipment longevity - As components are strategically and proactively upgraded, the entire system is able to run optimally, extending its lifespan Reduced operating costs - Strategic upgrades promote energy efficiency and optimized production, reducing operating expenses Controlled capital expenditures - Enhanced equipment longevity and performance lead to greater ROI for HVAC-related capital expenditures and a more predictable operating budget In short, proactive HVAC system upgrades and maintenance saves money and expands the return on investment, while allowing system improvements to be budgeted and strategically planned, all of which benefit your business.

How do you decide if the benefits outweigh the costs? Many building managers and owners suffer from a condition we call “cost myopia.” Once the price tag is in front of their eyes, that is all they see, and it clouds their judgment, resulting in less-than-ideal decisions for the business’s long term success.proper size of ac unit To prevent short-termism from controlling the decision-making process, stakeholders need to focus on their bottom line. how do apartment ac units workWhile everyone’s bottom line is specific to their situation, here a few points to consider when evaluating HVAC needs:3 ton ac unit HVAC equipment can provide service for 15 to 30 years or more. This long-term commitment means a quality design may take precedence over cost.

Lifetime operating costs usually far exceed initial equipment costs. Incremental investments upfront can result in long-term operating cost reductions. Create a budget and plan for upgrades and replacements ahead of time. Planning improves the likelihood that the replacement or upgrade will meet your needs in the long run. Identify how HVAC is integral to your business or how it aligns with your business goals. Consider the value a good HVAC system has for your operation in real-world dollars and cents. Consider an operational assessment to see how an HVAC upgrade would impact your “bottom-line”. Our team of experts can provide a thoroughly researched business case outlining recommendations and their impact on cost of ownership, building performance and property value. Using PMI on the Metasys Operator Workstation, Price $395 This updated (PMI Rev.11) interactive computer-based training program will introduce you to basic operation of the Metasys® PMI feature-set.

Hands-on practice in a simulated PMI environment is part of each lesson in this module. A "Tell Me" explanation and "Show Me" demonstration video of each procedure is also included. Its modular construction means you can take topics in the order in which you need or desire them! Twenty-five topics are organized into five lessons. Application and Installation of Controls for Commercial Comfort Systems, Price $99 This two part, computer based course builds knowledge and skill in both the application and installation of controls for Commercial Comfort Systems. This interactive learning experience will help you properly apply these controls to the various types of HVAC systems. Also, this experience will help you install the system through proper planning, layout of control and network devices, mounting, wiring and cabling, terminating, addressing and balancing of the system. The primary audience for this learning is electrical installation personnel who install the system. The secondary audience includes mechanical personnel who may troubleshoot the system.

Basic understanding of HVAC and control systems is recommended. Building Automation System Networking, Price $195 Build your knowledge, comprehension and vocabulary about basic networking concepts and technology. This learning experience will help you to connect networking equipment to devices; determine the appropriate use of hubs, repeaters, switches and bridges on a Metasys® network; verify that your Metasys® network is properly configured, and configure a remote communications device. Before beginning this learning package, it would be helpful to be familiar with the components, terminology and characteristics of a Metasys® network, including the purpose of a supervisory controller and the concepts of the Metasys® N1 LAN, N2 Bus, L2 Bus and S2 Bus. HVAC Introduction, Price $99 Explore the fundamental concepts, theories and principles of the building environment industry in this comprehensive introduction to HVAC Systems and controls. This interactive CD-ROM focuses on the relationships among environmental requirements, building mechanical systems, and the controls that regulate mechanical systems.

The built-in tracking system will help individual users keep track of what they have covered and the test scores they have achieved. The accompanying workbook provides much more than just a place to record notes -- it contains questions to prompt critical thinking, review and application of the concepts presented online. HVAC System Types, Price $195 Color animated graphics and views of actual HVAC system components provide an in-depth study of the three ASHRAE classifications: all water, all air and air-water HVAC systems. This two-part learning package explains the differences between the various types of HVAC systems, including the advantages, disadvantages and common applications for each type. The clearly written materials also describe the different control strategies used to control temperature and relative humidity. Building Environments: HVAC Systems, Price $49.95 Creating healthy, productive indoor environments can be the greatest challenge facing those involved with buildings.