3 January 2017
 Categories: , Articles

If you own an office building, you have to keep your expenses under control so that you can run the building profitably. As a result, you have to think carefully before making big decisions such as replacing your HVAC system. Wondering if you need a new system? Here are some key signs that it's time to buy one for your building:

1. Your HVAC System Is Old and Inefficient

On average, HVAC systems account for 40 percent of the energy usage in commercial buildings. To keep your energy consumption under control, you should keep an eye on the efficiency of your HVAC system. If your heating or cooling bills are getting larger every year, it may be time to consider a replacement.

Most new systems have energy efficiency ratings, which let you know how efficient the new system is compared to average systems from previous years. If you're on the fence about whether or not to upgrade, add up the potential savings on your energy bill for a year and compare that to the cost of the HVAC system. If the savings are great, you may want to invest in a HVAC system immediately, but if you're looking at marginal savings, you may want to wait a bit.

2. Your Building Has Empty Units

If your HVAC system cools or heats the entire office, you are wasting energy if you're using it to heat and cool empty spaces. If there are units or suites in your building that you anticipate being empty for a while, you also may want to consider a new HVAC system. Instead of having a large system that deals with the entire building, consider putting in individual units. For example, mini splits allow you to cool individual spaces, and when you don't need air conditioning in those spaces, you can simply shut off the unit without affecting the rest of the building. This can help you lower your overall usage and save money. While this technique may not be efficient if you plan to fill the units quickly, it can work perfectly if you have seasonal tenants or permanently empty spaces.

3. The HVAC Needs a Costly Repair

Regular maintenance and repairs are critical if you want to keep up your HVAC system. However, if a repair is extremely expensive, you may want to opt for a replacement instead. Ideally, you should track the cost of your replacements over time, and if you notice more frequent repairs, it's also a good time to consider a new system as well.

4. The System Is Not Cooling or Heating Your Building Evenly

In addition to general repairs, in some cases, you may just notice that your HVAC system isn't working properly, and you cannot put your finger on why. In particular, some rooms may be warmer or cooler than others. In these cases, you can check your ducts to make sure there are no blockages or leaks preventing the air from getting to parts of your building. If that doesn't work, you may want to consider replacing the whole HVAC unit.

5. You Want a Tax Write Off

When you run a commercial building, the expenses you incur on behalf of the building are considered to be business expenses, and as such, you can write them off on your tax return. If it's nearing the end of the fiscal year and you want some extra write offs to lower your tax liability, you may want to consider getting a new HVAC system or dealing with other repairs you've been putting off for some time. That way, you can increase your write offs and decrease your tax liability for that year.

For more information, contact a company like Custom Comfort.