The Real Cost of Delaying Commercial HVAC Repair in Baltimore County
A commercial HVAC system can be one of the biggest assets a building has. Restaurants, medical facilities, offices, retail stores, and many other properties rely on these systems on a daily basis to make sure that the entire environment is comfortable for employees, customers, and visitors. These large-scale systems work in the background to keep a place cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Make no mistake: no business cannot afford for an HVAC system to fail (let alone neglect the usual maintenance). Which means if the need for commercial HVAC repair in Baltimore County arises, it needs to be addressed now rather than later or never. Otherwise, there can be hefty costs in time and money that can pile up over time.
Why “Waiting It Out” Is A Costly Mistake?
Business owners might find that the need for HVAC repairs that seem like “no big deal” actually are.
Foregoing such repairs for the purpose of saving money or avoiding disruption to operations is actually counterintuitive. In fact, it leads to more serious HVAC repairs that can indeed lead to the exact opposite of such intentions. You’ll be dealing with lengthy operation disruptions and shelling out a ton of money.
In fact, let’s get specific about what really happens if you are “waiting it out”. Here’s what you can experience if avoiding HVAC repairs:
Higher Energy Bills
To begin, an HVAC system that is struggling is working harder than ever. This can be due to factors like worn components, failing motors, or even dirty filters. When an HVAC system is working harder, that’s when it’s using more energy than it needs to. So much so that an air conditioner or furnace that is neglected can use anywhere from 10 to 30 percent more energy compared to units that are properly maintained regularly.
Baltimore is known for its brutal hot summers and the winters do get chilly. Either way, hundreds or even thousands of dollars in utility costs that are unnecessary can pile up. When the utility bill is rising noticeably and there is no known increase in usage, that’s when a trusted HVAC contractor in Baltimore County needs to be brought in to inspect the entire system to pinpoint what the actual problem could be.
Expensive System Breakdowns
An issue that can be corrected with a minor repair is worth the investment of keeping an HVAC system going. However, many people will ignore these minor issues and pay the price (figuratively and literally) later on. A refrigerant leak that gets ignored can lead to compressor damage, which is perhaps one of the most expensive HVAC repairs today.
Another example is that a clogged air filter or even a faulty thermostat can lead to overheating issues. In addition, cracked heat exchangers or blower motor failure may also be a result. These situations also lead to costly repairs.
If you think about it, emergency HVAC repair in Baltimore, MD is more costly than the preventative maintenance being offered. So it will normally work to your benefit to consider scheduling an inspection sooner rather than never to ensure that your HVAC system is in good condition.
As the old saying goes, “Better late than never.”
Business Downtime and Lost Revenue
As we mentioned earlier, there are business owners who worry about lost revenue or business downtime if they move forward with HVAC repair. However, they end up paying more in the long run because the repairs don’t happen in the first place.
The best way to avoid lost revenue and unnecessary downtime is by scheduling a repair to be done the moment a problem is spotted. You’ll lose even more revenue because a failing or broken HVAC system means lost food inventory, more vacant spaces, fewer customers, and so much more. It’s a nightmare that can be avoided completely with HVAC repair that can be done in a matter of hours.
The longer your system is offline, the worse it gets. Don’t let that happen to your business at any point in time. A reliable commercial HVAC service in Baltimore can prevent it from happening, beginning with a simple inspection to see if everything is good to go and fix whatever issue is happening even on the same day.
Reduced Equipment Lifespan
Replacing a commercial HVAC system can cost upwards of tens of thousands of dollars. There’s no denying that it can be a massive investment for your business. With regular maintenance and timely repairs, you’ll be able to keep your system up and running while also expanding its potential lifespan several years longer. Of course, this means making sure that small issues are repaired immediately so you can have peace of mind knowing your HVAC system is always running smoothly.
If you delay repairs, the lifespan of the unit shortens by 20 to 30 percent. Which means that the likelihood of replacing it sooner than expected increases over time. What if you recently had a new commercial HVAC system installed? You’re in the perfect timeframe to schedule regular inspections with a reputable commercial HVAC company in Baltimore County that will outline and follow a proactive maintenance plan to ensure that the new system keeps running year after year.
Decline in Indoor Air Quality
If an HVAC system gets neglected, the indoor air quality will decrease over time. As that happens, there’s dust, debris, mold, and allergens that are building up within the system’s filters. As a result, the contaminants will begin to circulate throughout the entire building. From there, things go from bad to worse when it comes to the air quality.
This spells bad news for employee health (especially those who deal with allergies and respiratory conditions). Increased absenteeism becomes the norm and it becomes an unpleasant environment for customers, employees, and other visitors alike. Let’s not forget the potential health violations and fines that can also pile up as a result.
Regular cleaning and commercial HVAC repair in Baltimore (whenever needed) can ensure that the air quality stays at healthy levels as the system will continuously deliver air that is clean and fresh.
When Is It The Best Time To Call For Commercial HVAC Repair?
Scheduling a service for routine purposes is a time and money saver. However, in the event of a situation where these warning signs are present, calling an HVAC contractor for Baltimore County businesses as soon as possible is your best move. Here are the common signs to look out for:
Heating or cooling that is uneven between zones or rooms
Unusual noises such as rattling, grinding, and banging (among others)
Strange odors that are originating from equipment or vents
Increase in energy costs with no clear or explained cause
Short-cycling (frequently turning on and off)
Poor temperature control or weak airflow
Sudden changes in indoor humidity
Water leaks near the ducts and HVAC units
It is important that the sooner these signs are spotted, the better time you call for assistance. Small issues that are addressed quickly can avert any future crises that could have occurred had you left the problem alone.
What Are The Estimated HVAC Maintenance Costs in Baltimore?
Most business owners are keen on how much money is spent on HVAC maintenance costs for Baltimore and other area businesses. The short answer is that it depends. To elaborate further, it can depend on certain factors like the size of the system, the current condition that it’s in, and more. Thus, the air conditioner maintenance cost and furnace maintenance cost can vary from one business to another, making budgeting and planning more effective.
What exactly are the services and their costs? Let’s take a look at the following:
Air Conditioner Maintenance Costs
Routine AC maintenance will normally include checking refrigerant levels, cleaning filters, inspecting coils, and making sure the system is running efficiently. With that in mind, air conditioner maintenance costs for Baltimore area businesses can range anywhere from $250 to $750 per visit (factoring in the system size and complexity of the issue).
Regular maintenance is by far one of the best preventative measures against sudden breakdowns. On top of that, it will also ensure that your HVAC system is compliant with energy efficiency standards. Overall, you save money and time that would otherwise be lost due to downtimes and so much more.
Furnace Maintenance Cost
Heating systems can benefit from regular professional furnace maintenance. The usual approach to this includes cleaning blowers, inspecting burners, ensuring proper airflow, and making sure the safety controls are in good working order. Furnace maintenance cost for Baltimore and the nearby towns will average to about $250 to $500 outside of the comprehensive service plans that could cost a bit more outside of the range.
Still, scheduling an annual service during the fall can be the perfect time to see if your furnace is winter ready. Of course, this also means that with a functioning furnace you can focus on the busy periods during the holidays and beyond without worrying about situations that warrant a last-minute emergency call. Believe it or not, it’s the winter months where the demand for such emergency repair needs arise (not to mention the costs).
Regular Maintenance = Long-Term Savings
Regular maintenance saves you money in the long-term. You save more money that could go towards emergency repairs or full replacements if such issues go ignored. Regularly scheduling a service to help catch problems as early as possible while retaining the warranty is the best move.
When it comes to the timing for maintenance, spring is perfect to test out your cooling system and get it repaired if necessary. The same goes for the fall for heating. Ideally, schedule regular maintenance to see if everything is going well twice a year.
Protecting Your Bottom Line With Commercial HVAC Services
Your business can stay profitable even when you do focus on making sure your commercial HVAC system is in good working order. Continuous business, increased tenant retention, and more productive employees are just some of the benefits that really help your bottom line. As such, here’s how commercial HVAC services support your business finances, not hurt them:
Enhanced Energy Efficiency
When an HVAC system is clean and tuned up nicely, it runs at an optimal level of performance. When it’s regularly maintained, energy use is reduced by a quarter. This means that monthly operating expenses are kept low while also keeping the environmental footprint minimal.
Improved Comfort and Productivity
Temperatures can fluctuate and the air can get stuffy to the point where employee morale and productivity along with customer satisfaction can take a nosedive. For this to be prevented, commercial HVAC services that perform regular maintenance needs to be scheduled regularly for year-round comfort. As a result, the environment is more welcoming and the system is performing at its best.
Predictable Budgeting
With regular maintenance, it makes budgeting easier when it comes to the annual costs of your HVAC system. You won’t need to deal with surprise emergency bills. In addition, you can also get priority service and discounted rates (if offered).
Compliance With Local Regulations
Finally, a working HVAC system for your commercial building can easily comply with local regulations. ACS Services is well aware of any regulations that pertain to the local, state, and federal levels. As such, we stay on top of any changes that may arise so that your HVAC system stays compliant. The moment we know of any significant changes that may affect you, we will notify you accordingly.
Get the HVAC Services You Need in Baltimore County
For Baltimore County business owners and property managers, commercial HVAC systems should be taken seriously. Never ignore the minor problems that will cost you dearly in the future. If you’re in need of a reliable commercial HVAC service that will perform regular maintenance and any needed repairs, ACS Services will be glad to assist you. Contact us today for more information.
