A complete HVAC system replacement is a big job. Yet, sooner or later, even the best system will reach the end of its functional life. Proactive, ongoing maintenance can significantly prolong any unit’s performance, but knowing when to make a big change remains essential.
Generally, a commercial HVAC system will last anywhere from 10 to 15 years.
This means that by following best practices and teaming up with maintenance and efficiency experts, you can expand the total system life about 33%. Although there are many factors that influence longevity, all of them can be optimized.
What Key Factors Determine HVAC System Lifespan?
A large-scale commercial HVAC system is incredibly complex. Although it bears some basic similarity to residential systems, it is many times more sophisticated and provides performance far beyond anything available to the consumer.
Some of the most important factors in its long-term survival include:
- Quality of the key components;
- Efficient design of the system;
- Usage demands during the year;
- Correct system installation;
- Climate zone of the structure;
- Maintenance and technical skill.
Even this is only a small fraction of the complete picture, since the HVAC system’s performance must gel with business realities. As the system ages, it naturally becomes much less efficient. This drives up cost and makes it harder to meet regulatory standards. Eventually, the cost of keeping the system running will begin to eclipse the replacement cost.
Preventive Maintenance is the Key to Maximizing HVAC System Life
With all that having been said, the situation isn’t as dire as it might first appear.
One of the most important insights in HVAC system maintenance is this: Every component will directly influence the operation of every other component. That means a thorough and diligent approach to maintenance can secure peak operation for long periods of time.
Even a relatively simple oversight – such as forgetting to replace air duct filters – can start the process of raising demand on other areas of the system to unacceptable levels. However, when maintenance is truly comprehensive, individual component wear can be nearly nil.
This is the secret to getting multiple “extra” years out of your system at minimal added cost.
Unfortunately, most facilities teams simply do not have the specialized insight to achieve this in-house. That’s not surprising: There are so many other factors to be concerned about in a property that it’s hard to secure the specialized expertise a HVAC system needs.
Luckily, you have an option: Donnelly Mechanical.
We’re New York City’s leading team when it comes to HVAC system performance, longevity, and efficiency. We offer ongoing maintenance contracts that work for you – plus fast, cost-effective special projects to resolve any issue.
To learn more, contact us today.
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