3 Ways to Make Industrial HVAC Equipment Last Longer

When customers ask how long a piece of industrial HVAC equipment will last, there’s never a cut and dry answer to that question. Many variables need to be considered, such as the run-time hours per day the equipment will be used, how well the HVAC equipment will be maintained over the years and if major repairs or retrofits will be made.

Those are just a handful of factors that contribute to the longevity of HVAC equipment. There are many others, including environmental issues, geographical location of the building and the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) introduced to the indoor air.

While it may be difficult to predict how long a piece of HVAC equipment will last, it’s not hard to extend the life of your HVAC equipment by following the three guidelines listed below that will help you purchase a high performance, high quality HVAC system.

1. Quality

When you want your HVAC equipment to last as long as possible, invest in high performance, high quality HVAC equipment because it’s worth it to invest upfront, rather than have issues that cost time and money in the future. The parts of these machines are made to last and are capable of handling the demands found in an industrial or commercial setting. High quality units are often backed by extended warranties for parts and repair.

Conversely, HVAC equipment that uses poorly manufactured parts and cheap construction wear out faster. Often customers focus on price rather than quality which can be a big mistake when you consider the cost of a system over its lifetime. This big picture thinking is called Total Cost of Ownership or TCO.

This same reasoning applies to repairs of industrial HVAC. Make your HVAC last longer by buying high quality replacement parts.

2. Finding the Right Contractor

If you want your HVAC equipment to last, you need the right HVAC contractor. Selecting a good contractor to install industrial HVAC systems is as important as the HVAC equipment you choose to buy. Proper installation and maintenance is required for the equipment to operate safely, reliably, and at maximum efficiency.

The wrong HVAC contractor can make mistakes that hurt performance and efficiency of the HVAC systems they install and maintain.

The right contractor will evaluate the setup and design of an industrial building and consider long-term heating, ventilation and air conditioning requirements before discussing HVAC options. The contractor will recommend options based on their findings to guide you in purchasing the right HVAC equipment to keep indoor air at appropriate levels and temperatures.

For advice on selecting the right HVAC industrial contractor, read our blog, A Guide to Choosing the Right Industrial HVAC Contractor. The blog post provides in-depth information on the following guidelines:

Use a contractor that has experience for the type of job you need done.

Use a contractor that understands Total Cost of Ownership.

Be wary of residential HVAC contractors who are now doing industrial HVAC work.

Ensure the equipment manufacturer your contractor will choose has strong customer service and a local representative in your region.

3. Engage in Service Agreements

HVAC equipment benefits from preventive visits from an experienced HVAC technician. A service technician will perform routine maintenance that will greatly improve the life of HVAC equipment.

When performing an HVAC equipment checkup, technicians typically inspect chillers and boilers, cooling towers and pumps for any wiring issues, proper operation, condition of components, leaks, unusual noises and mold.

Industrial HVAC service agreements are usually scheduled twice a year (around the time of seasonal system start-up) and often include:

• Replacing or cleaning Filters (every 1-6 months or as needed)
• Cleaning Evaporator and Condenser Coils (once or twice per year)
• Inspecting Fan, Bearings, and Belts (twice annually)
• Inspecting Area Around Air Intake (twice annually)
• Checking for leaks in duct work and equipment (annually)
• Sunlight is very hard on caulking so it is important to check seams to ensure that they are not leaking
• Cleaning and Adjust Dampers (annually)
• Cleaning Air Ducts (every 2 years)

In addition to regular maintenance, a good HVAC technician will examine HVAC components and parts to ensure everything is in perfect working condition and running at maximum efficiency. This pre-emptive approach gives the technician an opportunity to uncover small issues before they have the chance to affect unit performance, extends the life of HVAC equipment and greatly reduces equipment replacement costs.

Conclusion

When you purchase high-performance, high-quality HVAC equipment, select the right industrial/commercial HVAC contractor to guide you through your purchasing decision, and schedule yearly maintenance and equipment inspections, your HVAC equipment not only lasts longer, but performs better too.