After a long summer of heavy use, your building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system has been working hard to maintain a comfortable climate for customers, a productive environment for employees, and a safe space for sensitive equipment.
As summer heat gives way to the crisp chill of autumn, now is the right time to make sure your system is ready for the transition from cooling to heating and the colder months ahead.
No, this doesn’t mean you have to invest in a brand new HVAC unit!
If you suspect that your system may not be up to the job (there are always signs!), or you don’t want your older or outdated equipment to silently drain budgets through high energy consumption and inconsistent performance, retro-commissioning is the solution.
Retro-commissioning is a proactive and cost-effective solution that optimizes your existing equipment for peak performance, ensuring energy efficiency and improved comfort for occupants.
What is Retro-Commissioning?
HVAC systems become less efficient and effective over time.
There are many reasons for this.
Motors, compressors, and fans degrade over time due to constant use. Small mechanical components, like bearings and belts, wear down, loosen, and become less precise.
Environmental factors also contribute to this decline as filters, coils, and ducts collect dust, pet dander, and pollen, which restrict airflow and reduce heat exchange efficiency.
Often, aging systems experience refrigerant leaks, which are frequently enabled by corroded coils and worn seals.
Retro-commissioning is an inspection and optimization process that identifies these inefficiencies, functioning as a wellness check on your building’s HVAC infrastructure.
The process is simple. Thermal Concepts will:
- Review equipment to uncover inefficiencies
- Install new parts and components
- Recalibrate the system
- Align equipment to current needs
Not only is retrofitting way cheaper than purchasing a new HVAC system, but it often pays for itself and more by extending the life of your equipment by five years or more.
It’s a great option if you don’t have the budget for a full swap!
Why Fall Is the Ideal Time
This fall is the perfect time to schedule retro-commissioning. This timely work enables you to ensure your facility operates optimally and reliably before peak HVAC demand surges again.
For our South Florida clients, retro-commissioning your HVAC system this fall prepares your system for the high-demand tourist season, helping prevent costly, unexpected system failures when you can least afford them.
In other areas, including Atlanta and Georgia, fall marks the transition from warmer to cooler months. A retro-commissioning check-up prepares your system for the seasonal change.
At the same time, retro-commissioning in the fall aligns with capital planning projects. It falls nearly into annual business cycles, so strategic operational planning is easier than ever.
If your company’s leadership team is developing its business plans and budgets for the upcoming year, advocate for a retro-commissioning line item to proactively improve energy efficiency and long-term performance, rather than reactively addressing problems later, which is significantly more expensive and less convenient.
Ready to Get Proactive?
Doing nothing is always the easiest answer.
However, when it comes to your building’s HVAC system, waiting for a breakdown is the wrong approach. It’s more expensive, less convenient, and interrupts business operations and occupant comfort.
Retro-commissioning lets you get ahead of potential issues without compromising your budget. This proactive approach allows you to avoid expensive emergency repairs and extend the life of your equipment, saving you money now and for years to come.
Ready to get proactive? Schedule a retro-commissioning consultation now so your building’s HVAC is prepared for the season ahead!
