Why and How Often To Service Your Commercial HVAC System

When your heating and cooling system works, it is barely an afterthought, but that can also be one of the problems when it comes to taking care of our HVAC systems. That also leads to questions like how often should I have my commercial HVAC serviced and how to know when it is time?

The good news is we don’t have to wonder when it is time to have our HVAC systems checked or serviced. Here is what you should know about taking care of your HVAC system, including when and how to know when your commercial HVAC system needs maintenance and service.

How To Know My Commercial HVAC System Needs To Be Serviced

Is it taking longer to cool your property? Does it seem like it requires raising the thermostat to take the chill off? Are your heating and cooling bills higher than normal? These are a few of the indications that your HVAC system could require service or maintenance.

In most cases, a regular maintenance schedule and regular servicing can help prevent breakdowns, system failures, heating and cooling issues, and unusually high energy bills. So, how often should you have your HVAC system serviced and what type of maintenance is necessary?

Taking Care of Your HVAC System

General tasks like replacing your system filters and regularly scheduled maintenance will help ensure you get the most out of your heating and cooling systems. How often you need to check your filters or need to have your HVAC system serviced, however, will depend on several factors, including:

System Demands

The environment your HVAC system operates in will have a considerable influence on the maintenance schedule and how often we need to change filters. Does your HVAC system filter smoke, or is the heating and cooling system used frequently? The demands placed on your HVAC system and the work it must do will directly determine how often your heating and cooling system should have filters changed and scheduled service calls.

Age of System

HVAC systems can last a long time, but with age, there can come issues with performance, efficiency, and power. Maintaining a good maintenance and service schedule will help extend the life of your HVAC systems and help you determine when it is time to replace your aging heating and cooling system.

Type of Equipment

The make, type, and style of your HVAC equipment and the system will also influence how often your system needs to be serviced. In most cases, professional HVAC technicians are familiar with most of these HVAC systems and can help keep them operating effectively and efficiently.

Need HVAC Heating and Cooling Services?

Welcome to American Refrigeration, serving all your commercial heating, ventilation and cooling needs since 1995. At American Refrigeration, we specialize in commercial HVAC, air conditioning & heating repair, including medical laboratories and winery chillers. 

Contact us today if you have any questions, need to schedule a service call, or need our 24/7 Emergency Repair services. Here to keep you safe and comfortable, we are American Refrigeration, and we are your around-the-clock HVAC pros.

The Top 5 Myths About Commercial HVAC Maintenance

If you are an owner or manager of any type of commercial property, you will know how important it is that you take care of the facility the right way. One part of any commercial property that requires quality care is the HVAC system. While most people know that a commercial HVAC system requires proper maintenance and repairs, there are several common misconceptions and myths that you should be aware of as well.

You Do Not Need to Change the Filter Too Often

Most people know that an HVAC system needs to have a quality filter to ensure it is working well and efficiently. However, many do not realize how frequently it needs to be replaced. Most would believe that a filter needs to be replaced between once every 3 and 12 months. However, depending on your climate and other factors, you should look to replace it at least once every month. This simple form of HVAC maintenance could help you avoid far more significant repair needs in the future.

Frequent Repairs Are a Waste of Money

Another common myth with any HVAC system is that frequent maintenance and repairs are a waste of money. This is false as delaying maintenance, cleaning, and standard repairs will lead to the HVAC system breaking down faster. Ultimately, avoiding and delaying HVAC repairs will cost more in the long run.

HVAC Is the Only Way to Cool a Property

Many commercial property owners also make the mistake of relying on their air conditioners too much during the warm months of the year. While this can be an effective way to cool a building, it can also be expensive and add stress to your HVAC system. Using windows, fans, and other cooling strategies can help keep your property safe and comfortable without putting too much strain on the HVAC.

Bigger Systems Are Better

Eventually, you will want to upgrade your HVAC system. Many property owners will believe that upgrading to the largest system possible is the best option. However, having too large of a system can actually be bad for the building and HVAC unit. Choosing one that is a good match based on your property size and usage expectations is a much better option.

Maintenance and Repairs Need to be Expensive

One reason that someone may hesitate to make an HVAC repair is the concern over cost. While there are costs with any form of maintenance, many issues are not too expensive to resolve if you catch and fix them early enough. It can also help improve efficiency, which can make the repairs even more cost-efficient. 

Anyone that owns or manages a commercial property will want to know that their HVAC system is properly maintained. When it comes to HVAC maintenance, these are some of the most common myths and misconceptions. Having a firm understanding of the benefits of proper HVAC maintenance and repairs will help you make more informed decisions moving forward.  

When Should I Convert My Company’s Equipment to an Alternative Refrigerant?

For decades, most air conditioning units—residential as well as commercial—have relied, in part, on a gas called difluoro monochloromethane to help keep homes cool. This colorless gas, which is (mercifully) also known as HCFC-22, or R-22, has been the gold standard in refrigeration up until now. Throughout the 2020s, however, the United States government will begin a phase-out of parts and services for systems that rely on HCFC-22.

So, with all that in mind, you’re probably wondering, “When should I convert my company’s equipment to an alternative refrigerant in Eugene, OR?” We have the answer.

Why the phase-out?

Recent studies have indicated that HCFC-22 is exceptionally hazardous to the environment. The role that HCFC-22 plays in an air conditioning system sees the gas released into the atmosphere as a byproduct. Unfortunately, HCFC-22 is also a very potent greenhouse gas. It is 1,800 times more destructive than carbon dioxide. As a result, its eventual abandonment was inevitable.

In a world that’s always looking for ways to combat climate change, a slow-moving ban on HCFC-22 is a step in the right direction.

What does this mean for my business?

If you currently have a properly functioning HVAC system that relies on HCFC-22, then the answer to the question of when you should convert your company’s equipment to an alternative refrigerant in Eugene, OR is simple: there’s no rush. That said, there are some conditions you should be aware of:

No one is going to drop fines or seize your HVAC equipment. A phase-out simply means that the parts and servicing experience relevant to your HCFC-22 equipment will become increasingly rare.

Preventative maintenance is more important than ever

While possession and use of an HCFC-22 system isn’t a legal problem, you can expect officials to become more vigilant about issues that arise with your system. That means it’s absolutely crucial to ensure that your system is running a peak efficiency at all times.

You likely already have an HVAC maintenance routine in place to prevent climbing energy costs, unexpected failures and other unforeseen problems. Now, you’ll need to make sure your HVAC team is looking for issues with your HCFC-22 system.

We’re ready to help you

Still curious about when you should convert your Eugene, OR company’s equipment to an alternative refrigerant? Call American Refrigeration Inc. and let one of our experienced professionals work with you to establish a solution and a timeline that works for your business and your budget.

Whether you choose to continue using your HCFC-22 system or you need a strategy for transitioning to a new system, we can help! We have more than 20 years of experience servicing HVAC units and commercial refrigeration systems of every kind, and we have the track record to prove it.

When you want the best, make it American Refrigeration Inc. We can’t wait to work with you.

Is Upgrading to a High-Efficiency HVAC System Worth It?

For many business owners, each month requires a delicate balancing act to ensure that all of the bills are being paid on time and that the company is continuing to turn a profit. Often, utility bills are one of the largest expenses that companies face each month. Similarly, purchasing a new HVAC system is one of the biggest capital expenses that companies can expect to make every decade or so.

If your company’s HVAC system is beginning to show signs of age, you may be wondering whether or not it’s worthwhile to invest in a quality high-efficiency HVAC system. While the price difference may seem substantial, it’s important to understand that the high-efficiency system will likely save your business money in the long run.

While high-efficiency commercial HVAC systems in Eugene, OR do indeed cost more money, they also require less energy to run effectively and may require less maintenance than a traditional commercial HVAC setup. If you’re considering investing in a high-efficiency HVAC system to use at your place of business, be sure to consider the following benefits:

If you’re looking for a trusted HVAC and cooling company to help you select and install a commercial HVAC system that best suits your business and your space, look no further than American Refrigeration Inc. We’re proud to provide each of our clients with attention to detail and customized service experiences. We offer installation services, maintenance and repairs. To learn more about our options for high-efficiency commercial HVAC systems in Eugene, OR, reach out to one of our friendly, knowledgeable representatives today.

How Long Should My Commercial HVAC System Last?

Aside from the cost of the building itself, one of the largest capital expenses that business owners are likely to incur is the purchase of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Companies rely on HVAC systems to keep their customers, employees and clients happy and comfortable.

Without a working HVAC system, the work environment can be distracting and uncomfortable for employees, and customers are likely to try and get in and out of your location as quickly as they possibly can. Investing in a quality HVAC system, however, ensures that customers and employees alike are content and satisfied.

Because commercial HVAC systems in Eugene, OR represent such a substantial investment, many business owners want to know precisely how long they’ll last, so that they can budget accordingly moving forward. Of course, there’s no set-in-stone answer as to how long HVAC systems last, because it largely depends on the operating conditions, the amount of maintenance that the business invests in the equipment and a slew of environmental factors.

Generally speaking, an HVAC system that’s well cared for will last between 10 and 15 years. Here are just some of the factors that can affect the longevity of an HVAC system that business owners should consider both before and after purchasing a system for their company:

Since 1995, American Refrigeration Inc. has been a trusted source for maintenance and care for commercial HVAC systems in Eugene, OR. We’re proud to provide each of our clients with quality, dependable HVAC and refrigeration services that they can rely on. We possess the skills, expertise and tools necessary to successfully keep commercial cooling and heating systems in prime condition. Reach out to one of our friendly representatives today to learn more about what we can do for you!