Business owners may be nervous about the costs incurred by commercial air conditioning installation. You’re already aware it’s a significant investment, but you want to learn how to get the most value for your money. There are so many factors involved that it can be intimidating to begin your research. The truth is that commercial air conditioning installation is unique to each business, so you should consider several factors to get the most value for your new system. The size of your building, the condition of existing ductwork, and the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of the unit you choose to purchase are a few elements that affect how much it will cost you to install a new HVAC unit.
Fundamentals of Commercial Air Conditioning Installation
First, you should know that not all units are the same when it comes to commercial air conditioning installation. Different types of facilities require different types of units. If you have a small building, you’ll likely only need a single-split system, which is an economical option, but if your business is large and multi-level, you might need a more expensive VRF (variable refrigerant flow) system, which can cost significantly more per square foot.
The type of business you have is also a consideration in deciding what kind of commercial air conditioning unit to install. A restaurant full of bustling servers, patrons, and hot ovens, will need more air conditioning than a small, quiet shop. A business using many computers will need to stay cool. A qualified HVAC technician is invaluable in this situation, as someone who can provide you with the expertise required to determine the right kind and size of HVAC for your business’s needs.
What to Be Aware of When Purchasing a New System
The unit model you buy matters when determining how much you’ll pay for commercial air conditioning installation. Better HVAC units will cost more upfront, but through energy efficiency, they will save you money in the long run. Cheaper ones may seem more appealing to your wallet at first, but the money you’ll save in upkeep and energy costs with a high-quality HVAC unit is more than worth it.
The SEER rating compares electricity use to the unit’s cooling output. A higher SEER rating indicates that an air conditioner is more energy efficient, which translates into lower energy costs for your business. Modern air conditioners have a SEER rating from 13-21, with 13 being the absolute lowest rating a unit can have.
Does your building already have ductwork? Depending on its condition, you’ll be able to save money in this area. On the other hand, if the ductwork is old or otherwise in need of repairs, you must figure the cost of updates into your total budget for installing your commercial air conditioner units. Installing entirely new ductwork can be on par with the cost of installing a new HVAC unit, so it’s vital to have your ductwork evaluated by a qualified professional.
Cost Isn’t the Most Important Factor
Remember, though: cost isn’t everything. If an HVAC company’s estimate is much lower than others, there’s probably a reason for it, and that reason may not be comforting. They might not have experienced technicians with proper certifications, or they could be skimping on system testing, all of which are of the utmost importance when installing commercial air conditioner units. The peace of mind that comes from using skilled labor through a company that knows commercial air conditioning installation inside and out is worth the slightly higher price. Services performed by licensed contractors cost more because they have spent countless hours (and dollars) to earn the certifications and experiences necessary to be masters of their trade.
Skimping on any aspect of commercial air conditioning installation is a bad idea, so choosing a contractor based solely on the lowest price is courting disaster. You’ll likely end up spending more money fixing preventable issues than you would have spent on a talented professional in the first place. What might seem expensive now could very well save you money down the road.
Don’t Go It Alone
It may be difficult to pin down exactly how much you will spend on installing a new air conditioning unit. Nevertheless, keep these factors in mind as you assess the unique requirements of your business. Numerous systems could serve your business, each with its costs and benefits.
Discerning the differences and how they’ll affect your business can take time and attention that you cannot afford as a busy manager or proprietor. That’s why it’s essential that you speak with a highly-qualified HVAC installation company regarding your air conditioning needs. As seasoned professionals, they will assist you in navigating the myriad choices involved in commercial air conditioning installation and simplify the entire process for you.