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HVAC investments are undoubtedly among the largest for any business. You have to be very careful when choosing the system, hiring the technician, and maintaining the appliance. Unfortunately, there are multiple myths about commercial HVAC services both in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. These misconceptions are so popular among customers that they are hard to separate from the facts.
Today, we are here to debunk such myths with proof. This blog is with respect to HVAC practices in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and is focused on educating commercial customers in these areas. For any clarification or further information, feel free to contact us at Lehigh HVAC.
This is one of the most common myths across commercial customers. Customers believe that they have installed a new system, so there is no need for further investment for at least a few years. They are right up to some extent. A new system saves a lot of expenses that would otherwise be spent on commercial HVAC repairs and maintenance. It is also true that a new system needs maintenance relatively less frequently. The maintenance for such a system is also limited to a few basic steps only. However, the reality is different.
The reality is that both older and new HVAC systems need maintenance. This maintenance is to prevent HVAC issues, boost performance, and reduce energy bills.
Here are the maintenance steps needed for a new system:
Replace Air Filters: Replace air filters every 1 to 3 months.
Clear Outdoor Unit: Clear the space around the outdoor unit regularly, ensuring there is at least two feet of vacant space.
Clean Vents and Registers: Make sure all the supply and return air vents are perfectly cleaned.
Clean the Condensate Drain Line: Clean the condensate drain line regularly using the right cleaning agents. It is recommended to prevent private fungal growth and leakage issues.
This is also one of the most common myths in various areas of the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Customers think that way because larger systems can better handle the climate strains in most of the cases. Furthermore, larger commercial sites, especially those of the industrial ones, frequently use such systems. The reality is something different, however.
The reality is that larger systems are only best for sites having a large heating or cooling load. For small commercial sites, using large systems is never recommended. Doing so has several negative consequences.
Suppose you install a large rooftop unit for your small retail store. The comfort needs of your store are much less than the capacity of the unit. It will result in frequent short cycling, as the system will automatically stop working after the heating or cooling needs are met. It will ultimately push you towards high energy bills, uneven temperature, excessive noise, and costly commercial rooftop HVAC repair services. The same is the result if you choose a smaller system than your needs. A small system will work harder to meet the requirements, ultimately leading to unexpected breakdowns.
We recommend that you choose the right system according to your HVAC needs.
Here is what you should consider to choose an accurately sized HVAC system:
Manual J: It is all about the load calculation. Determine how many BTUs of heating or cooling your commercial site needs.
Manual S: It is all about equipment selection. Use the results from Manual J to select the right size of a furnace, AC, boiler, or heat pump.
Manual D: It is all about the duct design. Calculate the accurate size and the layout of the ductwork to deliver sufficient air to each room.
Many customers adjust the temperature on the thermostat to the lowest setting. They believe that these settings will provide cooling faster. It never works; however, it has a severe negative effect on the performance of the HVAC system.
With the lowest settings on the thermostat, the system doesn’t cool or heat faster. However, it forces your system to run continuously untill the lowest extreme for the temperature is reached. This range is not possible to achieve in real-world scenarios. The result is that’s why the faster wear and tear, energy wastage, increasing bills, and lower equipment lifespan.
Here is what we recommend in this regard:
Set Optimal Temperatures: Set the temperature to 72°F–75°F for optimal cooling during summer. Some commercial customers, however, claim they get the right comfort at 78°F.
Use a Programmable Thermostat: These thermostats can automatically adjust the temperature according to conditions. For example, you can program them to automatically raise the temperature by 7–10°F when you are away or asleep.
Avoid Drastic Adjustments: When you return to the site, don’t set the thermostat to a lower-than-normal temperature. It doesn’t make the cooling process faster.
Many customers think that the position of the thermostat has nothing to do with HVAC performance. This assumption is because the thermostat is not directly involved in the air conditioning process. However, it is monitoring the whole process.
The reality is that the thermostat is the brain of the whole HVAC system. Its placement is very important as it senses the temperature and dictates to the system to work accordingly. When placed at an incorrect location, the temperature reading noted is false, and the adjustments to heating or cooling are also inaccurate. For example, if you place the thermostat directly under the sun, it senses the temperature more than other parts of the site. The result is overload on the system, increased wear and tear, and reduced performance.
Here is where you should place your thermostat:
Interior Walls: The best place to place a thermostat is on interior walls where the thermostat can notice the average temperature of the space.
Central Location: Place the thermostat in a central location, as this site often has an average temperature of the site.
Frequently Used Areas: Choose an area where your employees or customers spend the maximum time. It will ensure the comfort is according to the site that matters the most.
Most of the customers only book an HVAC service when the system stops working. This is the time when major damage has happened. And at this time, the system costs a huge amount for restoration.
The reality is something else. You need frequent HVAC services, even if your system is working well. These services are generally preventive in nature. The HVAC professionals who visit ensure your system keeps performing at its peak without needing further service.
Here are some services that you need at frequent times:
HVAC Inspection Service: The HVAC pro inspects your system both inside and outside. He uses automated instruments and tools to detect even the most minor issues at their initial stages.
HVAC Maintenance Service: The HVAC pro maintains your system and performs necessary tune-ups and servicing. It involves steps such as cleaning, air filter replacement, and lubrication of moving parts.
HVAC Upgrade Service: It involves retrofitting your existing system with smart features. For example, the technician will integrate your system with smart air quality solutions, install programmable thermostats, and add safety measures.
There are several myths about HVAC services common in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Some business owners ignore the importance of thermostat placement, while others choose the incorrect system for their place. These misconceptions have several drawbacks, including reduced performance, higher bills, frequent repairs, and decreased lifespan of the appliance. By following the aforementioned best practices, you can prevent yourself from these disadvantages.
For HVAC services anywhere in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, contact us at 484-961-7044. We will provide you with satisfactory solutions at reasonable prices.
