Does your commercial air conditioner need to be repaired or replaced?
6 questions for business owners to ask before you decide
In South East Queensland, businesses rely on their air conditioning to keep their staff, customers, and stock at a comfortable temperature. In fact, it’s understandable if you might not be able to imagine what a hot day at work would look like without a commercial air con!
But like any other appliance, an air conditioner doesn’t have an unlimited lifespan, and unfortunately it can sometimes stop doing its job properly. In order to reduce the negative effects on your business, you’ll want to look for a quick and efficient solution. But are you better off repairing the air conditioner unit, or is it wiser to buy a new one?
Here are the 6 questions to ask before you decide.
1) How much of your commercial air con system is affected?
Because commercial air conditioners are usually larger and more complex than residential units, it’s crucial to determine what parts of the system are not working properly.
In an attempt to minimise any disruptions to your business, it’s understandable if you look for a quick repair instead of going through a whole new air con installation process.
Yet before you take any decision, it’s a very good idea to schedule an inspection with your local qualified air con technician. They’ll help you evaluate your options, and choose the solution that makes the most sense for your business.
2) How old is your business’s air conditioning system?
Like any other piece of machinery, you’ll find a commercial air con system’s performance is closely related to its age. Air con specialists will tell you that the economic life of a commercial ducted air con ranges from 10 to 15 years – which means that repairing it within this timeframe is quite reasonable, but you may find it less efficient to do so afterwards.
If you’re still debating between repairing and replacing your air con, here’s a rule of thumb that we recommend: multiply the age of your system by the repair cost. If the result is less than the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s a pointer that you’re better off opting for a repair.
3) Has your air con met all the technical requirements so far?
In general, commercial air conditioners are designed for specific business environments, whether that’s a restaurant, warehouse, hotel, retail shop, and more. So if your current commercial air con system isn’t able to meet your business’s unique air conditioning requirements, it wasn’t probably right for your business in the first place.
That’s why, if you decide that it’s not worth continually fixing the system over and over, then looking for a new air con is probably the best choice.
Carefully consider the technical facts like size, power, refrigerant type, energy efficiency, purpose and design, to get the most suitable new commercial air conditioner.
4) Is your commercial air con unit leaking?
Air conditioners need a certain type and level of refrigerant to effectively cool the space. That means that if your commercial air con needs constant refrigerant top ups, it may have a leak.
What’s more, leaking air conditioners directly emit environmentally harmful gasses into the atmosphere AND run less efficiently. Fixing them on a regular basis may cost just as much as buying a new basic air con unit.
Either way, remember that only an ‘ARC-tick’ certified technician can handle refrigerants, so that your staff and business assets are safe during and after the procedure.
5) Have you regularly maintained your business’s air conditioning system over the years?
In general, businesses tend to run their air conditioners harder than households do. While regular maintenance is important for both, the nature of commercial air con requirements makes it a bigger concern for business customers.
If your business is based in South East Queensland, you should schedule a professional check or maintenance service for your air con unit at least twice a year. In reality though, the need for servicing can vary depending on the age, type and purpose of the air con system.
You can even consider entering a contract with an air conditioning specialist for regular maintenance services. Remember, prevention is always better than the cure!
6) Are you planning to move your business to another location in the future?
Finally, here’s a ‘small detail’ to take into consideration: location. If you’ve signed say a 10 year rental agreement at your current premises, then it’s probably worth replacing an old unit so that you and your staff can enjoy a well-performing, energy-efficient commercial air con for many years.
On the other hand, if you’re planning on moving your business sometime soon, then repairing your current air con could make more sense.
Talk to Jaric Group for expert advice on your business’s air conditioner
No matter what your business circumstances are, before you repair or replace your air conditioner make sure to ask your air con specialist’s opinion too! Jaric’s reliable commercial air con experts will offer you expert advice, high quality parts and products and outstanding workmanship for your business. To find out more, get in touch with us online or call Jaric on 1300 452 742.
