Many business leaders and facility managers are reactive, rather than proactive, when it comes to their commercial HVAC systems.
Rather than budgeting for preventative maintenance and strategic upgrades, they pay a premium for emergency repairs, inefficient performance, and costly business downtime.
Fall is the perfect time to reverse this trend. It’s an ideal window to plan strategically and get ahead of the upcoming year’s budget cycle.
Here are the top three facility efficiency projects to consider for your fall budget.
#1 Retro-Commissioning Your HVAC System
HVAC systems are not fine wines. They don’t get better with age.
In fact, they become less efficient and effective over time.
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 are the cherry on top, as filters, coils, and ducts collect dust, dirt, debris, and other particulates that restrict airflow and reduce heat exchange efficiency.
Retro-commissioning is an inspection and optimization process that identifies and rectifies these inefficiencies, serving as a comprehensive wellness check on your building’s HVAC infrastructure.
Retro-commissioning breathes new life into your HVAC system, often paying for itself through increased efficiency while preventing future costly repairs.
As a bonus, retro-commissioning often extends the life of your equipment by five years or more!
#2 Implementing a Preventive Maintenance Plan
Most companies have a straightforward HVAC investment strategy: install an HVAC within their budget, let it run year after year, and eventually pay dearly when the unit eventually (and inevitably) breaks down.
Deferred HVAC maintenance, postponing necessary maintenance or repairs, is a common issue for commercial buildings due to budget constraints and competing priorities that push these tasks down the priority list.
We often refer to this as the “pay me later trap.”
As maintenance is deferred, an aging system inevitably begins to run poorly and inefficiently.
What were once minor, easily fixable problems can escalate into major, complex issues. Deferred maintenance can shorten the life expectancy of equipment, leading to substantial, unplanned capital expenditures.
Meanwhile, a preventive maintenance plan is a fixed, budgetable cost that keeps your equipment running optimally, saving you money now and in the future.
#3 Upgrading to a Building Automation System
The past two decades have revolutionized commercial HVAC. Systems have been modernized with innovative technologies like next-generation thermostats, sensors, and cloud-based management software. These tools enable real-time adjustments and predictive maintenance, drastically improving both efficiency and comfort.
By integrating innovative HVAC technologies with a Building Automation System (BAS), companies can expect several benefits to their operations and utility costs, including:
- Less downtime and fewer outages
- Significant energy savings
- Longer equipment lifespans
A BAS acts as the central brain for your facility’s mechanical and electrical equipment, ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
That’s why budgeting for a building automation upgrade is an investment in long-term efficiency and operational intelligence. If your building lacks a BAS or is running on an outdated platform, upgrading this fall is one of the most impactful efficiency projects you can undertake.
Savings Start Now
Don’t wait for an emergency to think about your HVAC system. This fall provides the optimal window to make strategic decisions that will positively impact your facility’s performance and budget for the entire year ahead.
To achieve this, prioritize projects such as retro-commissioning, preventive maintenance, and building automation. They are a wise investment in the long-term health and efficiency of your property.
Start saving now. Contact Thermal Concepts today to schedule a consultation for your fall budgeting needs!
