As with any equipment, your commercial air conditioner doesn’t last forever. When it comes time to replace it, there are some very important things you should know before choosing a new unit. Our Austin commercial AC professionals want you to be ‘in the know’ so that you will make the best possible choice for your situation.
Speak with a professional HVAC contractor first. The air conditioner you buy should be of the best quality, but how it’s installed also makes a huge difference in performance, comfort, lifespan, etc. Size is important too, and bigger doesn’t mean better. We can help you sort it all out so that when all is said and done, you have made the best decision.
Have a technician perform a load calculation. An oversized HVAC system will short cycle, while one that’s not large enough may run continuously without providing the comfort you need. By having a load calculation performed you will know what size cooling system is best for your needs. Why does this matter? There is the comfort factor, but a properly sized air conditioner will keep utility costs down, maximize the life of your system, keep the humidity level where it should be, and more. Factors considered when a load calculation is performed include:
- Number of appliances in the area to be heated/cooled
- Square footage
- Directional orientation of the building
- Type of roofing material
- Climate zone
- Insulation levels
- Types of windows
A load calculation will help you understand the best equipment options for your commercial business needs.
SEER rating. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating determines the efficiency of an AC system and ensures that it is safe, environmentally friendly, and productive. The SEER rating for a new AC should be at least 14 according to the U.S. Department of Energy, and a higher rating is even better.
When replacing your business’s AC system always remember that bigger is not necessarily better, and one that’s bigger than you need will compromise your comfort, result in higher monthly energy costs, and shorten the equipment’s lifespan. The same is true of an air conditioning system that’s too small, so be sure to discuss your needs with our Austin commercial HVAC experts!
