Commercial HVAC Service: Repair vs. Replacement

So, your HVAC unit is out, which means you’ve got a decision to make. Do you repair your existing HVAC system, or get an entirely new one installed? From budget to the expected life of your existing system post-repair, you have much to consider so you can choose the right HVAC solution for your facility. Below are a few of the scenarios you may face as you decide.

Let’s say it’s the middle of winter. Snow and wind are raging outside and the heater shuts down. Situations like this occur all the time, and when a technician comes to take a look, the choice to undergo a replacement when repairs can get the heat back on doesn’t seem to make much sense. If a repair is possible, the choice becomes clear.

Fast forward a few months to when the timing for a larger project makes more sense. How do you decide whether to replace your entire system? A few factors go into such a decision. Consider the age of the equipment, your budget, and your heating or cooling needs as your staff changes or grows.

A good rule of thumb to follow outside of an emergency situation is, if the cost of repair is 30% to 60% of the cost of replacement, go ahead and replace your system. From chiller repairs to boiler repairs, or infrared heaters and cooling towers, repair only makes sense if the fixed system is going to last long enough to justify the cost. Once a system is in need of repairs once, it’s likely that system is nearing the end of its life. This isn’t always the case, but it’s worth keeping in mind.

While a full-fledged replacement will surely cost more upfront, can that system save energy in the long run? Your current HVAC system might not be operating at high efficiency, meaning you are actually throwing money away every month through your utility bill. If the cost of repair fits below that 30% threshold, there still could be a reason to replace that system. John’s Sales and Service can outline expected energy savings that a new system offers so you can weigh the differences using hard numbers.

While no rule says an HVAC system can’t last more than 15 or 20 years, it’s generally a good idea to think about how long your system was intended to last. Trying to squeeze out a year here and another two years there with potentially expensive repairs can only go so far. Let’s imagine you manage to extend the life of your system an extra five years but spend 50% of what it would cost to build a new system that will last for up to 20 more years? The math is fairly simple here.

An HVAC repair contractor like John’s Sales and Service can help make your decision easier.  There’s no sense in trying to figure it out for yourself when HVAC experts can work within your budget to find a solution. If there’s an emergency, we’ll get your system up and running again. Otherwise, we’ll deliver a repair or replacement solution that meets your budget and plans for the future. Call us today.