For any business, especially in Houston, HVAC systems are a necessity due to the hot and humid climate. In addition, a well-designed system reduces overall energy cost, saves money on electricity bills, and prevents future unnecessary breakdown costs for any business. However, some costly mistakes might prove to be fatal for both the system and business cost.

In this blog, we will go over all the major HVAC mistakes made in Houston businesses and how to avoid them to save money and extend the life of your system.

Types of Commercial HVAC Systems in Houston

Different businesses need different types of HVAC systems. For example, restaurants need heat, grease, and smoke removal. Hospitals need a very sterile environment for infection control.

Manufacturers tailor them into different packages depending on the need. Here are the common system types that commercial HVAC services in Houston, TX regularly provide:

• Rooftop Units (RTU): Rooftop Units are compact HVAC systems installed on the roof of buildings. They are easier to install and maintain. Because of being compact, the units save a lot of space in commercial buildings.
• Split system: A Split system contains both outdoor units and indoor units connected by refrigerant lines. Outdoor unit contains compressor and condenser. The indoor unit has air handlers and evaporators.
• Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) or Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems: This system has one outdoor component lined with multiple indoor components. Each indoor component has an electronic expansion valve. The condenser unit is in the outdoor component. Fan, compressor, and evaporator coils are in the indoor component.

• Chillers and Cooling Towers: This system uses cool water to circulate air handling units within the building to provide cooling. Cooling towers reject heat from the chiller to the outside air.
• Heat Pumps: This system provides both heating and cooling. Heat pumps can reverse the refrigerant flow direction and heat transfer direction as a result. It is more efficient than electric heating. The dual functionality is more feasible than separate systems for heating and cooling.

Uncertain about picking the right type for your commercial space? Contact Texas Central Air today to get your consultation.

Why Do HVAC Mistakes Become Costly?

The HVAC systems for businesses are complex. It requires skilled manpower to install, maintain, and repair. However, factors like equipment failure, neglecting maintenance, improper installation, ignoring warning signs, etc., lead to potential damage to the entire system. Later, they result in costly repairs or replacements.

Here are some common HVAC mistakes that can cost you heavily down the line:

Most Costly Mistakes

• Installation of Incorrect HVAC Size

Installation of oversized or undersized machines compared to building leads to:

• Excessive energy consumption
• Excessive workload on the system, especially for undersized systems
• High electricity bill
• Potential risk for system breakdown.

Most businesses make the mistake of installing an oversized AC. It cycles on and off frequently. As a result, the space has poor humidity, discomfort, clammy conditions, and high energy bills.

The frequent on and off also wears out the components faster. So, the system lasts even shorter.

• Poor Initial Installation

In Houston’s demanding climate, a bad installation causes premature failure and long-term inefficiency.

For example, HVAC contractors fail to properly seal ductwork connections sometimes during the construction of a restaurant. It causes a significant amount of conditioned air to leak outside. This becomes a serious issue in summer, especially during peak summer season. The system runs longer and harder as a result, which increases energy costs and the likelihood of breakdowns.

• Neglecting Professional Maintenance

Regular maintenance, inspections, and tune-ups are designed to keep the HVAC system working at its peak. Skipping routine maintenance lets minor issues become major ones, which require costly solutions later on.

Outdoor components, especially condensers, get soiled in the urban Houston environment. It leads to the system’s ability to reject heat. Without regular cleaning, this results in compressor failure during a heatwave.

• Ignoring Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant transfers the heat to cool the space. Leaking causes the refrigerant level to go down, and the cooling becomes inefficient.

Leaked refrigerants also lead to damage or failure of internal components.

Whatever the outcome, it always comes with a high cost, even more than replacing the refrigerant. Leaked refrigerants always harm the environment, especially leakage in older versions of refrigerants(R-22) is responsible for ozone depletion.

• Using an Unqualified Technician

Skilled and qualified technicians always maintain, inspect, and solve problems with efficiency, causing less money to be spent on repairs. Inexperienced individuals can cause damage (due to inexperience), safety hazards, and void warranties, a significant risk in Houston’s regulated environment.

Moderate Costly Mistakes

• Dirty or Clogged Air Filters

In Houston’s dusty environment, the most common problem is neglecting air filter replacement, which leads to restricted airflow, reduced efficiency, and potential damage to the blower motor and other components.

It is recommended to clean or replace air filters every 3-4 months in any business or home environment.

Dirty filters cause:

• Extra utility bills
• Increasing maintenance cost
• Ice formation on evaporator coils, causing the system to freeze up and function altogether.

• Poor Ductwork Design or Maintenance

Poorly insulated, leaky, or blocked duct causes significant energy loss. It is also one of the leading causes of uneven temperature distribution in a space.

When the air leaks through cracks and gaps in the ductwork, the shortage forces HVAC systems to work harder to achieve the same result. Leaked air can cause up to 20-40% extra electricity bills.

• Poorly Calibrated Thermostats

HVAC runs on the thermostat reading. An accurate reading sets the tone for the most comfort. On the other hand, inaccurate readings lead to wasted energy in the fluctuating Houston weather.

So, it is also responsible for wear and tear, and eventually, a shorter lifespan of the system.

In some cases, a wrong reading may lead to a complete HVAC system failure.

• Ignoring Unusual Noises or Smells

The air conditioner and furnace can cause different noises and unusual smells from various issues. Ignoring them or not noticing the unusualness of the performance means the issue goes unnoticed.

Unusual noises like squealing, rattling, or banging often indicate a component is failing or under stress. The source of musty smells can be mold growing in ductwork, while burning smells often point to electrical issues.

Sometimes, these issues can snowball into major mechanical failures and potential safety hazards in the future. Early addressing of issues can prevent premature HVAC system failure.

• Lack of Humidity Control

Insufficient dehumidification is a significant concern in Houston’s humid climate. It can lead to:

• Discomfort
• Mold growth
• Potential damage to building materials

High humidity makes air feel hotter than it is. People tend to lower the temperature settings more than needed, which overclocks the HVAC system.

On the flip side, low humidity can also make the skin dry, damage internal materials, and cause respiratory issues. 30-50% is the ideal humidity level that should be maintained with proper humidifier and dehumidifiers.

Less Costly Mistakes (But Still Impactful)

• Improper Zoning

The goal of zoning is proper temperature distribution in a space. Commercial spaces benefit the most from HVAC zoning. However, not zoning properly can lead to excessive energy waste in some places and discomfort in other places.

Some of the causes behind improper zoning are: lack of knowledge of the systems, installing oversized or undersized machines, not hiring skilled technicians, etc.

• Overlooking Building Envelope Issues

Overlooking building envelope issues such as opened windows, opened doors, poor sealing quality on doors and windows leads to extra load to the entire HVAC system to run.

Opened or poorly sealed windows and doors will pass heated and cooled air causing cooling or heating inner space. It can lead to extra utility bills and frequent repair costs.

• Infrequent Duct Cleaning

While not always a major cost driver, neglecting duct cleaning can impact indoor air quality and slightly reduce system efficiency over time, especially in Houston, where dust and allergens are prevalent.

• Delaying Necessary Upgrades or Replacements

While it might seem cheaper to keep fixing an old, inefficient HVAC system, remember that the ongoing repairs and high energy bills in a demanding climate like Houston can ultimately cost you more than a new, energy-efficient unit.

Best Ways to Avoid Costly Mistakes

There are so many issues to look out for in your HVAC system. Keeping track of each one individually is a challenging task. That’s why regular maintenance is recommended to check up on your system from time to time.

Here is a checklist of steps to avoid costly mistakes as a user:

1. Get the System Checked Every Six Months: HVAC manufacturers provide various maintenance programs. All of them include bi-annual inspections and tune-ups, specially before summer and winter. Some manufacturer demands certified experts to continue the system warranty, too.
2. Focus on Small Details: Sometimes small issues like duct cleaning, an unchanged filter, a miscalibrated thermostat, closing all vents in the room, etc. seem to go unnoticed. Although most of the issues will get detected in your scheduled professional tune-ups, you should also look out for signs while usage.
3. Having an Extra Set of Batteries for Thermostat: The thermostat sends signals to the heating and cooling system and helps in regulating temperature. A battery of the thermostat doesn’t cause it to malfunction, but it has a domino effect on the entire HVAC system. Sometimes, all you need is a battery replacement. Having an extra set of batteries can come in handy in such cases.
4. Consult with a Professional for Sizing: Business owners should discuss with the manufacturer and always cross-check the proper size, quality of HVAC before installing it according to their business.
5. Contact Professionals When Unsure: Highly skilled technicians provided by the manufacturer should be informed if any issue arises. One should not try to fix any problem without having proper knowledge.

Conclusion 

In short, a commercial HVAC is not just a mere comfort complex system rather an asset to a successful business. For the harsh and unpredictable climate in Houston, a well-maintained HVAC is nothing less than a gold coin for a business owner. Neglected/disturbed system causes huge stress on the business and may lead to severe loss. Wise selection of installation packages, using scheduled maintenance programs, calling for professional emergency service, and paying attention to the system will save not only the lifespan of the entire system but also be budget-friendly in the long run too.