Commercial HVAC Service

The price of regular commercial HVAC maintenance can fluctuate widely depending on several factors. It typically hinges on the sheer size of the structure as well as the number of individual HVAC systems within it. Another thing to factor in is the age of the system itself, with older models presumably needing more work during routine check-ups. Then, there are regional cost-of-living variances to consider. All that said, most businesses spend anywhere from several hundred to a few thousand dollars each year to have HVAC technicians come out on a semi-regular basis to do maintenance work. That's definitely a good thing; some studies have shown that skipping out can lead to not only significantly costlier repairs but also a seriously impaired indoor environment.

The $5,000 rule is a simple way to decide if you should fix your HVAC system or just replace it. You take the age of the system (in years) and multiply it by the cost of the repair (for this example, let's say the cost is $1,500). If the result is more than $5,000, the better choice is to get a replacement unit. Repair costs rise steeply for older units, and it makes more sense to invest in a new system when the current one has already amortized itself past the $5,000 threshold.

A new commercial HVAC system can cost a number of different things, depending on several factors. It typically depends most on how big the building is and how complex the system is (or, in technical terms, the system's design). For instance, a simple, straightforward system for a small office could cost quite a lot less than a big, complex setup for a huge warehouse. But then, on the other hand, how big and complex could we see these systems being? There are not really upper limits to how big or complex a system can get; we're talking tens of thousands of dollars, maybe even over a hundred thousand in some cases. Bottom line: call a pro.

The price for HVAC contracting tends to vary, depending on where one resides and how arduous the task is. A rough national average places the charge between $75 and $150 an hour. Some areas may be slightly less or more expensive. Regardless, it is advised to always obtain a written estimate prior to any work being performed. This way, one can discuss the terms and conditions of the job, as well as the price, beforehand.

Commercial-grade heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems should be serviced two times each year. This translates to an approximate every-six-months surgical visit for these vital systems. Like human beings, they are better off with some semi-annual TLC. And, as with some people, there might be a strong argument for working on HVAC systems in the pleasant months of spring and autumn, as a kind of warm-up to the scorching heat and icy chill of summer and winter.

The price of an HVAC service call might differ based on your location and the company you select, but it almost always falls between 75 and 200 dollars. This payment usually recompenses the technician for not only coming to your residence but also for WORKING ON YOUR HVAC SYSTEM and for solving—at least to the extent possible in one visit—the problem that has led you to call for help. Asking for a quotation before service is a good way not to have an unpleasant surprise at the end.

HVAC systems for offices and malls must not only be larger but also much more powerful than the units used in residences. There is a good reason for this. The only spaces on the planet that are larger and more complicated than most office buildings and malls are those that the U.S. military has had to design and build. And even in the military sector, the payback for developing the kinds of systems that can work efficiently in those huge, hostile, and enclosed spaces has been very small indeed. All these problems—from figuring out what kind of pipes to use all the way to planning an installation that won't short circuit and figuring out how to make it all run safely and securely—add up to a gigantic waste of time and money.

A commercial HVAC unit will last, on average, 15 to 20 years. This longevity can be affected by the unit's usage, the climate it's in, and—most importantly—the care it receives. Regular maintenance is the best way to boost an HVAC unit's lifespan.

Regular cleaning of commercial HVAC ducts is necessary, and they should not go more than three to five years without being cleaned. This ensures that the air in the building remains fresh and that the system continues to work as it should. If a building tends to get dusty or has a large number of allergy sufferers, it might be best to err on the side of more frequent cleanings. Additionally, not having to use more energy to push air through underperforming ducts means that cleaning them is a way to save energy.

The cost of replacing an HVAC compressor in a commercial building can vary widely and depends on several factors. Not surprisingly, size matters. The larger the compressor, the more it will cost, and the price range is considerable. You can get a small one for around $1,500, and the largest package units run up to about $7,000. Obviously, these prices do not include the cost of labor, and that can be quite a lot as well. You probably should figure on at least another $1,000, and some companies might charge as much as another $5,000. You really do need to shop around.