Commercial AC Replacement

Your older air conditioner is ailing and your employees have been finding themselves less than comfortable lately. You may find yourself pondering whether you should make the call to your local Aire Serv^®, or if it's time to start considering an upgrade. There are many factors involved in determining the need for a commercial air conditioner replacement.

How will I know when it's time for commercial air conditioner replacement?

• Age
  The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ENERGY STAR Program recommends commercial air conditioner replacement when your system is more than 10 years old.
• Frequent breakdowns and the 50 percent rule
  If you are constantly repairing your A/C, or repair costs are adding up to more than half the value of your system, a professional Aire Serv technician can help you determine if commercial air conditioner replacement makes the best financial sense.
• Comfort issues
  Poorly operating air conditioners result in uneven temperatures throughout your business in addition to humidity problems, which can lead to mould, mildew growth, and air quality issues.
• Noise
  Systems that are ailing and unable to keep up with cooling demands tend to make excessive noise or turn off randomly. If this describes the system at your business, commercial air conditioner replacement may be in order.

There are many benefits to upgrading to a newer, energy efficient air conditioner:

• Lower energy bills
  Depending on the age of your current system and its SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), upgrading to a newer system could save you 20 to 40 percent on cooling costs. While older systems typically have a SEER rating of 6 or less, today's systems have a minimum SEER rating of 13.
• Improved comfort
  Newer systems do a better job of controlling temperature and humidity, improving air quality.
• Environmentally friendly
  Less energy consumption reduces your carbon footprint, and newer systems utilize R-410A, a more environmentally friendly refrigerant.

Other factors that may influence your decision on commercial air conditioner replacement:

• Warranty
  Newer units come with a warranty, which can help you save if repairs become necessary.
• The phase-out and resulting high cost of R-22 refrigerant
  The U.S. Government and EPA have mandated the phase-out of R-22 refrigerant by 2020 in order to protect the ozone. Because R-22 supplies are further limited each year, the cost of R-22 needed to refill the refrigerant on your older system will continue to rise every year.
• Geographic location
  If your business is located in a colder climate it may not make as much financial sense to replace your old system as a business located in a warm climate.
• Your existing system
  If you choose a different type of system than the one you are currently using, there may be additional costs associated with commercial air conditioner replacement.
• Rebates and tax incentives
  In addition to monthly energy savings that add up over the lifetime of your new commercial air conditioner replacement, tax credits and incentives are available to help you save up to 30 percent of the cost of newer, high efficiency systems. In addition, your local utility company may offer rebates and incentives as well.

What type of air conditioner system do you have?

• Split system
  This is the most common air conditioner system, utilizing ductwork and consisting of an indoor condensing unit, and an outdoor evaporator system.
• Packaged system
  These use ductwork to distribute air like a split system, however both the condensing and evaporator system are "packaged" or housed outside within a single unit.
• Ductless mini-splits
  These systems do not utilize ducts, but instead use an indoor unit mounted to the wall and an outdoor component that sits next to your business.
• Portable air conditioner
  Smaller window and wall units are designed to cool a single room or area of your business.
• Evaporative coolers
  Also known as "swamp coolers", these systems are used in dry climates and remove heat, using evaporation. They are typically located on the roof and resemble split systems.

If you opt for commercial air conditioner replacement, be sure to start your system off right:

• Establish a regular, in-house preventive maintenance schedule.
• Be certain to schedule annual, professional air conditioner maintenance each spring.

To save time, money, and the inconvenience of unexpected repairs, contact Aire Serv today for information on a commercial air conditioner replacement for your business. Our professionals are dedicated to finding the perfect solution for your business needs.