Knowing when to upgrade or replace HVAC equipment is an essential part of keeping capital expenditure (capex) budgets in check for facilities throughout Connecticut. We all know that HVAC units do not last forever. However, maintaining HVAC equipment with a plan in place is a much better way to optimize an annual budget than being faced with unexpected or emergency HVAC repairs.

Keeping equipment on a regular maintenance schedule not only helps plan for expenses, but can also save money for your facility along the way. Here are three ways that working with a commercial HVAC company can cut maintenance costs and reduce equipment costs as you undergo annual capex planning.

1. Helps Determine Life Expectancy of Existing HVAC Equipment

A comprehensive HVAC maintenance plan should include an inventory and audit of all HVAC assets. It is important that this audit records all details about your HVAC system, including location of equipment, make, model, age and record of any repair needs that were required in recent years.

By taking the time to professionally audit existing HVAC equipment in your commercial building, skilled HVAC technicians can help you predict equipment life expectancy and potential upcoming repairs. Audit data enables licensed HVAC service technicians to suggest routine maintenance that can extend the life of your system and recommend a replacement plan that falls in line with your capex budget. They can also review historical usage patterns and extrapolate expected usage for the upcoming year.

2. Reduces the Risk of Emergency HVAC Repairs

Emergency HVAC repair needs typically happen after hours, which can make repair work very expensive and put a serious dent in an otherwise healthy capex budget. They can also cause unplanned and costly downtime, especially if parts need to be ordered or an entire system needs to be replaced.

Planned HVAC maintenance programs allow experienced technicians to routinely inspect equipment and perform preventative diagnostics to reduce the chance of a system experiencing catastrophic failure. These programs also increase the speed of ongoing diagnosis and repair as technicians become familiar with your HVAC system.

Having HVAC maintenance performed on a regular schedule enables technicians to point out parts that are showing signs of wear and make proactive recommendations for repair or replacement. In addition, facilities in Connecticut that are on an HVAC maintenance program move to the top of the service list during busy seasons when there is high heating or cooling demand.

3. Saves Money with Energy Optimized, Efficient HVAC Equipment

It’s no secret that HVAC equipment becomes less efficient and often breaks down as it ages, which results in inconsistent heating and cooling temperatures. Along the way, these inefficiencies cause an increase in energy consumption and energy bills.

As part of a regular maintenance program, trained commercial HVAC technicians can recommend energy-efficient equipment and proper control settings to optimize usage patterns. Licensed HVAC technicians are trained to look for future system improvements and energy savings opportunities to match your long term goals.

Planned HVAC maintenance programs enable facilities in Connecticut to make smart decisions about HVAC equipment as they undergo capex budgeting. A regular maintenance schedule serves as an effective planning tool to help map out capital expenditures for upcoming years and time equipment investments effectively to help achieve overall business goals.