There’s an upfront cost associated with purchasing a high-efficiency HVAC for your commercial property, but the benefits often make it worth the expense.

Are you considering the installation of a high-efficiency commercial HVAC system? If so, there’s a good chance you’ve noticed the price of these units, and it might have given you pause. After all, no one wants to spend more than they need to, regardless of the long-term benefits the expense might bring.

However, you should also know that these HVAC systems can save you money in the long run, which might make purchasing one worth your while. Weigh the benefits these units provide against the cost to decide if it’s the right decision for your business. 

Here’s a look at some of the benefits high-efficiency HVAC systems bring to help you determine if they’re a good investment in the future.

Key Takeaways

  • High-efficiency HVAC units come with an elevated upfront cost
  • They also reduce your energy bills, which can make them more cost-effective in the long run
  • You’ll want to consider the pros and cons before making your purchase

Energy efficiency

One reason many companies invest in a high-efficiency commercial HVAC system is the energy savings it offers. While the amount of money you stand to save depends on various factors — including the system you’re replacing, what you’re replacing it with, and your building type — there are some general savings you can expect. 

Light commercial HVAC equipment is about 6% more efficient than standard equipment. That might not sound like much, but it’ll save you over $2,000 over the life of the unit. 

However, if you have an older HVAC system, you can expect those savings to be more significant compared to your current system. And the savings are even greater if you invest in an EnergyStar commercial boiler to heat your property, as they are 14% more efficient than standard boilers and can save you about $1,000 per year. 

It all comes down to the HVAC solution you’re planning to install, but the cost savings you’ll experience could make the switch more palatable for your organization.

A more comfortable workplace

Of course, the reason for installing an HVAC system in the first place is that it makes your workspace more comfortable, and high-efficiency units often have additional features that make climate control more efficient. 

Your chosen equipment could have technologies like variable frequency drives, adjustable burners, and inverter compressors that come together to reduce temperature changes in your commercial building. 

This technology results in a building that stays at a steady temperature, so your employees won’t have to worry about drastic temperature changes making them feel uncomfortable.

Potential health benefits

Your commercial building’s indoor air quality is something you’ll want to focus on, especially now that we’ve faced an airborne virus that caused a global pandemic. 

Most office buildings have poor air quality compared to the outdoors, and their HVAC systems can spread viruses, mold, pollen, and other pollutants all over the building. 

A newer high-efficiency HVAC system will include state-of-the-art filtration and anti-microbial technology that provide health benefits for anyone who enters the building. Removing these contaminants from the air can help employees suffering from asthma or allergies, too. 

If you have the opportunity to improve your building’s indoor air quality, it’s a good idea to do so as soon as possible.

Become a green company

Reducing your company’s environmental impact is recommended for a few reasons. 

First, it’s the right thing to do. Climate change is leading to more severe weather events worldwide, and reducing your carbon footprint ensures your business is doing its part to fight this trend. High-efficiency HVAC equipment burns less fuel and creates fewer greenhouse gases in the process. 

Next, new regulations could make the switch mandatory anyway. As we move further into our current climate emergency, it stands to reason why high-efficiency HVAC systems will become more popular and could ultimately be legally mandated. Getting ahead of the curve could be a good idea, especially if you need a new HVAC system anyway. 

Finally, installing energy-efficient systems could make your business more marketable. People love to hear about companies doing the right thing, and many are more likely to support an organization that is monitoring its energy consumption. The same goes for commercial tenants, as you could attract high-end renters if you have an energy reduction plan in place.

Overall, there are many benefits associated with becoming a green company, making it well worth putting your organization at the forefront of the movement. 

Fewer repairs

Finally, you can expect fewer repairs once you install a high-efficiency HVAC system or any new unit in your commercial building. 

While you might love your existing HVAC system because you’ve had it for so long, it’ll start costing you a significant amount in repairs as it ages. Upgrading to a newer unit could begin saving you money immediately because it will experience fewer issues that require repair.

It’s a good idea to put yourself on a maintenance plan once you install a high-efficiency commercial HVAC system to ensure every issue is addressed before it has the chance to get worse.

Installing your new system

When the time comes to install a new HVAC system in your commercial building, you’ll have plenty of decisions to make. However, it makes a lot of sense to go with a high-efficiency unit because of the overall cost savings you’ll experience. 

Sure, you can expect to pay a bit more upfront for your high-efficiency unit, but it’ll come with monthly costs savings. In addition, you can use your new system as a marketing tool when attracting customers or tenants, which could help it pay for itself in the near future. 

Universal Electrical Services specializes in the HVAC retrofit market. We work alongside some of the industry’s top manufacturers and HVAC contractors in South Florida, ensuring you end up with products that will save your organization money. Contact us today to learn about the motor control and building automation systems we can install with your new system, ensuring you get the most from it.