Commercial AC Replacement: Practical Tips for Avoiding Common Mistakes
If your commercial air conditioner is old and no longer working efficiently, you might need to plan for the replacement of the appliance. In general, installing a new AC unit will improve the climate control options in your workplace. Consequently, the employees and customers will enjoy a more comfortable environment. In addition, new AC units are normally more efficient in operation. Therefore, the cost of cooling your space will be lower. However, these benefits can be compromised by mistakes made during replacement. Here are practical tips to help you achieve the best results and avoid mishaps with your commercial air conditioning.
Choose the Right AC Size
The most common mistake that business owners make when replacing their air conditioners is choosing the wrong unit size. In some cases, the chosen AC might be smaller than required due to budget restrictions. This choice is not favourable because the compact unit will not be able to handle the cooling requirements of your premise. As a result, the internal space will not be optimally cool, and the strained appliance will fail prematurely. On the other hand, you should not assume that a very large air conditioner will be perfect for your building. If the appliance is unnecessarily large, it will increase indoor humidity, consume a lot of power and create an uncomfortable environment.
Plan for the Ducting
You should plan for the installation of high-quality ducting to promote the effective distribution of cool air around your building. It is not uncommon for the ducting in commercial building to be the cause of energy inefficiencies and poor indoor climate control. Therefore, when replacing your AC, you should take the opportunity to upgrade the setup. For instance, you should think about restructuring the network to ensure that all parts of the workplace will receive sufficient cooled air. Also, you should think about replacing the ducting if the channels are worn out and riddled with damage. Additionally, you must remember to install insulation around all ducts to prevent heat gain and subsequent inefficiencies.
Position the AC Correctly
The placement of the AC, particularly the outdoor unit, can have a significant impact on the performance and efficiency of the appliance. Therefore, you should plan for the ideal positioning of the system during the replacement of the commercial air conditioner. You should look for a shaded spot to place the outdoor unit. Direct sunlight encourages heat gain, making the cooling process less efficient. You must also ensure that the AC component is not blocked by shrubs or other items which could compromise airflow.