Aerial of rooftop commercial HVAC system.

Having a safe and functional commercial air conditioning system is necessary for your employees and clients. A commercial HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) project is a major undertaking, and they entail high upfront costs. Given the number of variables that affect the price, your costs could be much higher or lower depending on your property’s needs, whether it’s a recreational building or an office building and if that is smaller or larger also plays a role, it’s much different than a residential HVAC system.

And you may find one suits your needs and budget better than another. Regardless, contractors price installations by square foot of the building that needs to be cooled, and your average cost is derived from that. It involves a wide range of installs, including extensive ductwork, air handler units (AHU), filters, air diffusers, heat pumps, and way more. The HVAC installation process is also extensive — but that’s not the end of it. And although the right HVAC system will provide many years of healthy ROI (return on investment), that’s a little farther down the line. The following are some of the most important factors to consider before deciding which AC is right for your business and a better understanding of the installation costs.

HVAC Installation Costs and Effects

1. Brand and Features

Each brand’s cooling system offers a different set of unique features. And you may find one suits your needs and budget better than another. Lennox is popular for efficiency and offers some of the highest SEER levels in the industry, making this a good choice if you’re trying to cut down on expenses. Top-of-the-line brands like American Standard and Carrier are known for their reliability and value but can be expensive. Some brands like Heil offer high-tech features that offer granular control and some others show up with ductless systems for older buildings that simply weren’t built to take on a new HVAC system install. Others like York are known for their relative simplicity and reliability or their CA units and heat pumps.

2. Size of Building

The building size is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an AC unit. And size will also affect the AC unit cost. If your central air conditioner is over or underpowered, it may have difficulty keeping a stable temperature in your building, meaning your energy efficiency is not at optimal functioning. Even worse, it might start and stop frequently, which increases wear and tear on your AC and can shorten its lifespan. It can also cause your energy bill to rise. Assuming each room in your building is 8 feet tall, you can estimate its cooling needs by dividing your building’s square footage by 500, then multiplying this number by 12,000 to determine how many BTUs your AC should move.

3. Type of HVAC Unit

Single and multi-split constant air-volume (CAV) systems are some of the most common types of commercial HVAC units. They feature an outdoor compressor and an indoor blower powered by wall mounted thermostats in each region of the building, and they are most useful in smaller businesses with relatively few rooms to cool. Variable air volume (VAV) systems modify the amount of air they move based on the current temperature, making them more efficient than CAV systems. Variable refrigerant volume (VRV) systems include a coolant in their blowers and allow you to heat and cool individual rooms as needed.

4. HVAC Contractors Labor Costs

Labor costs can vary widely from contractor to contractor, but a lower price might not be all it seems. Some contractors may include costs for insurance for their HVAC equipment or other factors in the price they quote you for labor, while others will add them in later as a line-item. You’ll want to find out what each contractor includes in their quote for labor before comparing them. Sometimes a seemingly higher price with one contractor might be a better offer than a lower price with another. You may also consider asking for references to better evaluate the offers from each HVAC technician, if possible.

5. Other Miscellaneous Issues

Commercial HVAC systems tend to have a much shorter lifespan than residential units. This is due to the much higher operating temperatures they are required to deliver. Residential units operate at temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Commercial units, however, are typically designed for temperatures above 70 degrees. Common issues that arise include: problems with the coils, the compressors, ductwork and the type of business you’re running that you’re bound to see reflected in your energy costs and indoor air quality. If you’re having trouble with your commercial building system, contact an HVAC services contractor. A good relationship with your commercial HVAC company will pay dividends in your system warranty and help stunt HVAC replacement costs for your existing system and future total system replacement.

TEMA Roofing HVAC Repair and Service

TEMA Roofing Services is your trusted expert when it comes to commercial HVAC service and repair no matter what type of HVAC system your building is using. We offer a full range of services, competitive pricing, and quality materials and are the perfect solution for your commercial HVAC repair needs. When there’s an issue with your HVAC system, heating & air conditioning costs for your building can spiral. That’s why regular maintenance services and timely repair are essential to keeping operating costs under control. Our trusted professionals are ready to help with your project. Contact us today!