As a business owner, you’re constantly thinking about ways to save money. If you own the building where you conduct your primary business, one simple strategy for reducing your costs is by commissioning, retro-commissioning, or recommissioning your commercial air conditioning and heating system.
We will explain the differences between these procedures below.
Commissioning Your Commercial AC or Heating Unit
With HVAC commissioning, you hire a service technician to check to make sure that the equipment you recently had installed operates as efficiently as you expect it to. If possible, this should be the same person or group of HVAC technicians who originally installed the equipment. He or she should check to see that all sensors and controls operate properly, the intakes are working well, and the output from the ductwork produces a comfortable temperature.
Any company that regularly completes commercial installation work should offer this commissioning service before you ask for it. However, don’t hesitate to request it yourself if necessary. If the technician does uncover any problems, fixing them immediately is the best way to guard against high repair costs later. It also shows that the company stands behind its products.
Recommissioning Should Occur Every Three to Five Years
Even when your initial commissioning session went well, a lot can happen with your HVAC system in the intervening years. It’s common for AC units, furnaces, and heat pumps to become less efficient and cost more to operate over time. You may also be calling for repairs fairly often, which isn’t easy on the business budget. Another common scenario is for some parts of the building to feel comfortable while other parts are too cold or too warm. Requesting a recommissioning appointment helps to pinpoint problems areas so your HVAC maintenance company can devise a repair strategy.
What to Expect with Retro-Commissioning
If you are aware that the HVAC system in your commercial building was improperly installed—but you did not have it serviced at that time—it’s important to contact a local provider for a retro-commissioning session. This entails correcting the initial problems as well as conducting a performance evaluation. Any additional problems that the service technician finds should be repaired promptly to avoid a breakdown in service later.
Keep These Strategies in Mind Going Forward
The cost to heat or cool a commercial building is one of the biggest expenses beyond a mortgage or lease. It’s worth your time to research local HVAC repair companies to ensure that a technician is always available to perform one of these services. Regular equipment checkups are the best way to ensure long-term energy efficiency and comfort.
