If you own or lease a commercial or industrial building, having a well-functioning HVAC system is vital. A system that isn’t right for your space or that is too old can cost you a fortune in utility bills, repairs or lost revenues. In some cases, like retail, medical or hospitality, if your HVAC goes down, so does your ability to do business. Here’s what to know.
Choose the right system for your space – and lease.
The most important thing when choosing an HVAC for business is that your proposed system is properly suited the size and layout of your space. A system that’s too small won’t heat or cool adequately, while one that’s too large is bad news for your bottom line.
Next, explore energy efficiency and any current regulations or rebates. These may influence what kind of system makes sense for your space. For example, a medical office may have different air quality and ventilation needs than a coffee shop. An old or historic building may also have special requirements that affect what kind of system can be installed, and how. Specific permits may apply – make sure that your landlord or other authorized party knows about your plans before you start moving forward with anything!
Maintenance and durability are the next factors to consider. Think about these both in terms of the local climate and the overall goals and trajectory of your business. Will your HVAC stand up to your usage needs over the coming year(s)? Will heat or cold take a toll on the system? How long is your lease, and do you plan to renew? Is there an existing HVAC for business system already in place? These factors will influence what kind of system makes sense for your business. You probably won’t want to install a state-of-the-art system if you’re going to move next year, or change things up too much if there’s already an adequate system serving the building. In contrast, if you’re a landlord doing a new build-out, you might want to make an investment that will be appealing to prospective tenants.
Need a service? Scheduling matters!
Staying on top of your routine HVAC maintenance matters even more for commercial or industrial buildings. Many of these systems are roof mounted, which means that someone is going to have to get on the roof to service your system or change out filters or belts – and ideally not your staff! If roof access is involved, be sure to let your technician know when booking your service to ensure that they access the roof when needed. For retail or shopping center spaces, you may need to talk to management ahead of time.
Don’t run the risk of leaving your customers out in the cold (or heat!) If you’re a retail or commercial business with an HVAC system under 25 tons, Shaw is here to help. Simply give us a call to book your routine service or to get a quote on a new or replacement system for your space!