We live and work in one of the hottest parts of the United States, with Las Vegas sitting as one of the hottest cities in the country at up to 120°F or higher on some steamy days in the summer – a season that stretches from June to September.
With that said, you want your employees to be safe, cool, and comfortable inside the workplace, and you cannot afford to suffer with a commercial air conditioning (AC) unit that is not operating at peak efficiency. You also cannot afford a lot of down time if you need to replace your commercial AC system in the building, and you can’t afford an unethical company that will slow their work pace to make more money.
The trusted team at Ambient Edge will make sure you know how long the installation process will take to make as little an impact on your business’s bottom line. It is a good idea to get to know how the installation timeline works in more detail.
Common Problems with Commercial Air Conditioners
There is a checklist of common problems with broken, leaking, or ineffective cooling systems that could lead to a complete replacement or installation of a new commercial air conditioning unit, including:
- Poorly functioning thermostat
- Inconsistent temperatures
- The AC unit itself is making too much noise
- Leaking refrigerant
- Poor maintenance
- Sensor problems
- Electric control failure
- Drainage problems
- Rising utility bills for no reason
If any of these problems sound familiar to you, you may want to reach out to the professionals at Ambient Edge for a consultation and further evaluation of your commercial air conditioning system.
Factors that Affect How Long It Takes to Install a Commercial Air Conditioner
The length of time that is needed to install a commercial HVAC system really depends on a handful of factors surrounding your system and office building. It could take anywhere between one day to a week, but your professional technician will be able to give you a better time frame after he inspects all factors involved.
An initial inspection typically takes less than an hour before the technician returns at a later date for installation. The factors he will weigh in on during the inspection include:
The Size of Your Office Building
This is really one of the biggest factors that affect the installation time of your HVAC. As you can expect, the larger the commercial building, the longer the time frame will be because it will require a larger HVAC system with multiple units.
The Type of Installation and System Changeout
The installation time frame will vary depending on what is required. It will be shorter for a simple changeout than if ductwork replacement is needed or a thermostat needs to be rewired for a full system replacement, which would take three to five days to complete. If all the necessary equipment from your old unit is already in place for the new unit to be installed, it could take as quickly as one day of work.
The Type of HVAC Unit
The type of HVAC unit to be installed affects the installation time frame. For instance, a traditional central commercial air conditioning unit that requires a full system installation will take longer than a mini-split system.
Four major types of commercial air conditioning systems include:
- Single- or Multi-Split HVAC System, comprised of an indoor unit, outdoor unit, thermostat, humidity control or filtration system, and ductwork throughout the building. The more compact single-split system is easier to install for small spaces, like cafes, shops, and offices, whereas the multi-split system connects several indoor units to one external unit for larger areas, such as hospitals and large restaurants.
- VRV or VRF System, which stands for Variable Refrigerant Volume or Flow System, uses a refrigerant as its heating and cooling element for medium or large commercial spaces. The two types of VRV systems are heat pump systems for either cooling or heat pumping and heat recovery systems for cooling and heating simultaneously.
- CAV System, or Constant Air Volume system, uses a compressor that operates at full capacity until the temperature required in the building is reached – great for commercial spaces where the temperature remains constant for a long time, like manufacturing and warehouse spaces.
- VAV System, or Variable Air Volume system, is ideal for commercial spaces with varying heating and cooling needs and serves as a more energy-efficient option.
The Location of the HVAC Unit
A commercial building with more floors and a higher roof could take more time because it usually requires a crane to lift the HVAC unit onto the rooftop. This kind of installation location may also mean that extra technicians will be on the job site, so the time frame may not be affected, but plan accordingly just in case.
How Preventative Maintenance Can Reduce HVAC Installations
If you are a business owner looking to save money long-term and avoid a complete commercial HVAC overhaul and installation, it is a smart decision to implement a regular preventative maintenance plan with a professional HVAC company – ideally in the spring before peak demand.
The following maintenance tasks performed during the technician’s inspection include:
Outdoor Equipment:
- Clearing drain pans and lines of debris
- Inspecting the coil and cabinet, cleaning out any dirt, leaves, or corrosion
- Inspecting the condenser
- Examining the blower fan motor and blades
- Measuring the refrigerant levels and recharging if needed
- Checking the control box, switches, wiring, and safety controls
Indoor Equipment:
- Inspecting and cleaning the heat exchanger, as well as the thermostat, and calibrating or replacing it if needed
- Checking and cleaning the blower assembly
- Lubricating and replacing the belt
- Inspecting the startup system and cleaning the elements if needed
- Cleaning and clearing the evaporator coil, drip pan, and lines
- Testing the safety controls
- Replacing or cleaning air filters
- Checking the control box, all wiring, and connections
Ductwork Inspection
Your ductwork is one of the main ways your HVAC loses efficiency, becoming clogged, slowing down your airflow, or developing leaks. Your HVAC technician will inspect the ductwork and look for issues with your supply and return vents, clear out any obstacles, and make repairs as needed.
Contact a Trusted Company for Your Commercial HVAC Installation
Contact the trusted team of HVAC technicians at Ambient Edge, who will ensure you know what to expect and how long it will take for your commercial HVAC installation and make the entire process seamless and stress-free without any surprises.