Running a business in Manassas is expensive. You’re faced with some of the highest rents and operating expenses in the country. To save money, you may decide to cancel air conditioning maintenance. If you have fairly new equipment, AC maintenance may seem unimportant. The simple truth is, air conditioning maintenance is not a cost. That’s because it saves money. Depending on your equipment, the usage of your space, and the nature of your business, regular maintenance can save you a startling amount of money.
Here are 6 surprising ways that AC preventative maintenance saves money.
Did you know that your HVAC system is responsible for nearly half of your energy usage? What’s more, studies show that air conditioning maintenance helps your unit to maintain up to 95% of its original efficiency. That’s because a clean and optimized system runs less frequently and with a shorter duration to cool your space, which means it consumes less power.
On the other hand, a neglected system loses up to 5% efficiency each year that it goes without maintenance. Clogged air filters, dirty vents, condensers with accumulated grime, and worn parts force your system to work harder to produce the same cooling results and use more energy in the process. Think about it… if you buy a brand new super-efficient air conditioner but fail to do maintenance, before long its energy usage will be comparable to the old low-efficiency models.
Regular inspections are part of air conditioning maintenance. They give your technician the chance to catch potential problems and fix them before they cause a major headache. Small issues left undetected can and do cause failure of expensive parts. Broken parts cause air conditioners to stop working.
Here’s just one example. When you neglect regular maintenance, the condenser coil gets coated with grime and debris (which happens fast from NYC pollution). The dirty coil can’t release enough of the heat the system has removed from the air in your space. At first, this makes the system run longer to do its job. After a while, the increased strain on the system can cause overheating and compressor failure. When that happens, you may find yourself shelling out thousands for a new air conditioner, and kicking yourself for skimping on air conditioning maintenance.
What’s more, when your system fails you might pay emergency after-hours rates to get it fixed so you can keep your business open. Those repairs can take a major bite out of your profits. That’s why preventative maintenance can save you a bundle.
Regular maintenance keeps the parts in good condition, so you may get an extra year or two, or even 5, from your air conditioning unit before you’ll need to replace it. Wouldn’t you rather save that capital for some other purpose than buying a new air conditioner years before you have to?
It’s a proven fact that workers are more productive when workplace temperatures are comfortable. Keep your air conditioner working reliably with air conditioning maintenance, and you can also keep your employees doing the same thing. According to IFMA (International Facility Management Association), office temperature is the number one complaint from office workers about their workspace. And those complaints have a direct impact on productivity.
A 2013 article in Men’s Health magazine, citing the results of a Northumbria University study, reported that warmer temperatures resulted in higher levels of employee efficiency, especially in the afternoon when post-lunch drowsiness sets in. At the same time, too low office temperatures also cause more employee errors, such as inaccuracies in data entry and word processing. Regular air conditioning maintenance keeps the temperature consistent and comfortable.
If you own a restaurant, retail store, or other business where your reputation and customer loyalty can make or break your profits, pay close attention. Your patrons want and expect a comfortable experience when they visit your establishment. If you disappoint them, they’re quite likely to share their displeasure with hundreds of their closest friends on social media. After all, who wants to work out in a gym that’s sticky with humidity or try on clothing in a store that’s colder than a meat locker? Air conditioning maintenance helps ensure consistently comfortable conditions to keep your customers coming back.
This is especially true when it comes to the safety of your workplace. Neglecting air conditioning maintenance and the care of your HVAC equipment can lead to serious health and safety concerns that can cost you big time:
If you were thinking that air conditioning maintenance is too expensive, think again. The payback you gain with regular air conditioning maintenance outstrips the minimal cost many, many times over. Another little-known fact is that a good air conditioning maintenance contract is not one-size-fits-all. To get the right coverage to meet your needs and your budget, you need to work with a company that’s willing to create a customized air conditioning maintenance contract just for you.
Air conditioning maintenance may seem like an additional expense, but in reality, it is a smart investment that pays off in the long run. By regularly maintaining your AC system, you can cut energy bills, reduce costly repairs, extend the lifespan of your equipment, improve employee productivity, enhance customer satisfaction, and ensure a safe working environment. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
1. How often should I schedule air conditioning maintenance? Ideally, air conditioning maintenance should be scheduled at least once a year. However, for commercial spaces with heavy usage, it is recommended to have maintenance performed twice a year.
2. Can I do air conditioning maintenance on my own? While there are some basic maintenance tasks you can perform, such as cleaning or replacing air filters, it is best to hire a professional technician for comprehensive air conditioning maintenance. They have the expertise and knowledge to identify and address potential issues before they become major problems.
3. Is air conditioning maintenance only necessary for older AC units? No, air conditioning maintenance is important for both old and new AC units. Regular maintenance helps keep your equipment in optimal condition, regardless of its age, ensuring efficient performance and preventing costly repairs.
4. How much does air conditioning maintenance cost? The cost of air conditioning maintenance can vary depending on various factors such as the size of the system, the extent of maintenance required, and the service provider. It is best to contact a reputable HVAC company to get a quote based on your specific needs.
5. Can air conditioning maintenance help improve indoor air quality? Yes, air conditioning maintenance plays a crucial role in improving indoor air quality. Regular cleaning of filters, coils, and vents helps remove dust, allergens, and pollutants, ensuring cleaner and healthier air for occupants.
6. What should I look for in an air conditioning maintenance contract? When selecting an air conditioning maintenance contract, look for a company that offers comprehensive services tailored to your specific needs. Ensure that the contract includes regular inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and any necessary repairs. It is also beneficial to choose a company with a good reputation and positive customer reviews.
