Why HVAC Upgrades Are a Top Priority for Aging Office Buildings
by Shahnawaz Alam Services 28 January 2025
HVAC systems play an essential role in managing office buildings. But sometimes, we tend to overlook them.
However, like all other parts of the office building infrastructures, HVAC systems also age and are vulnerable to the fleeting effects of time. Similar to the ventilation, heating, air conditions, and HVAC systems also lose efficiency.
It’s critical to stress how important it is to have HVAC upgrades for aging buildings. In fact, improving the HVAC system will dramatically improve the quality and longevity of the building. More importantly, it offers a better and more cost-effective way of managing the office building.
If you’re considering an HVAC retrofit, it’s best to consult with a professional HVAC professional. Meanwhile, read this article to learn about the importance of upgrading your HVAC system.
HVAC Upgrades for Aging Buildings are Important: Here’s Why
The primary reason for taking the HVAC system upgrade is to help the company itself. However, by upgrading the HVAC systems, companies can do a big favor for the country’s entire energy source. Here’s how –
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, commercial buildings consume 18% of the country’s entire energy sources. Many companies were built before the 1990s, and they are still operating on the old HVAC systems that were installed back in the nineties.
Those HVAC systems fall short of meeting the energy efficiency standards of the current Technology. When upgraded, companies can see a massive change in terms of their regular energy consumption. They can reduce the cost of energy by 40% with an upgraded HVAC system.
But the benefits go beyond just saving money. HVAC upgrades are essential for maintaining a safe and healthy environment, especially in aging buildings where issues like poor air quality, inconsistent temperature control, and system failures are common.
It’s a Commercial Building Needs HVAC Upgrade
Recognizing the signs that your building’s HVAC system is past its prime can help you decide when it’s time for an upgrade. Here are some common indicators:
- Electricity Bill Skyrocketing: if your building maintenance admin is paying more money on electricity bills, then it’s a sign that it’s time for an HVAC upgrade.
- Frequent Repairs: when repair calls become a routine activity, it’s no longer cost-effective to let the HVAC operate. It’s less cost-effective in that case.
- Uneven Temperature Distribution: when the HVAC system is operating at its full efficiency, it’ll regulate the same level of temperature across its range. But, if you aren’t getting consistent temperature, then it’s a sign of a change.
- Poor Air Quality: The HVAC system gets affected by dust accumulation, high humidity, lingering odors, and other factors that make it less efficient over time.
- Old Technology: when the HVAC system has a technology that dates back to 15 to 20 years, it’s time for a change.
5 Benefits of having HVAC Upgrades for Aging Buildings
Commercial buildings must operate to their peak condition to provide a healthy and comfortable environment to professionals.
Old commercial buildings tend to lose this over time if major components like HVAC systems are left unchecked. HVAC retrofits help ensure that.
In addition, there are other benefits like maintaining consistent temperature, energy efficiency, cost savings, and improving the overall quality of air.
Cost Savings & Energy Efficiency
The old HVAC systems will continue to struggle to produce a consistent level of air circulation. If you see that you’re paying more electricity bills, then it’s no longer energy efficient. The HVAC system is consuming more energy to produce the same result.
As per the ENERGY STAR, most businesses can save close to $0.50 per square foot annually by changing to HVAC retrofit. For a 50,000-square-foot office building, that’s a savings of $25,000 per year.
Improved Quality of Air
The latest and upgraded HVAC systems have better filtration technologies, offering great air quality. With advanced filtration technologies, it can reduce pollutants, allergens, bacteria, and bacteria in the air.
Aging buildings lose their ductwork and other components, which also become weak and degrade over time. Changing the HVAC system will not only improve those – it’ll also improve the overall quality of air in the building.
More Comfort & Better Productivity
There are surveys and reports regarding the effect of office temperature on productivity at the workplace.
Most reports suggest that inconsistent temperature inside the workplace can affect productivity. With HVAC Upgrades for aging buildings, it’s easier to maintain optimal temperature throughout the building.
The result? Employees feel more at ease and less distracted by the workplace temperature; they can focus more on work and stay productive.
Providing Value to Building Owners
Aging buildings often fail to appeal to modern companies and entrepreneurs with new ambitions and visions. An HVAC system can help a building increase its value during appraisal for lease or rentals. Building owners can stay on track in the competitive market of commercial property rental business.
Compliance & Standards
Aging buildings not only fail to meet modern standards but also fail to meet compliances. Commercial buildings need to take a sustainable approach to energy consumption.
With HVAC retrofit, building owners can take the building up to compliance and meet modern standards.
Main Components of an HVAC Retrofit
An HVAC retrofit doesn’t mean blatantly replacing the old equipment. It’s the opportunity to help you take the entire air condition system to a whole new level. When upgrading, your HVAC retrofit focuses on the following components –
- Improving the ductwork: This upgrade ensures that the ducts are properly sealed and insulated. This can improve the airflow and reduce the energy waste.
- Improved Control & Automation: smart thermostats and building management systems offer better control over the cooling and heating systems. As a result, the overall efficiency of the building improves.
- Better Energy Recovery: With HVAC upgrades for aging buildings, there’s a lesser chance of energy being wasted. In fact, these new technologies can capture depleting energy to preheat and cool incoming air. As a reason, they have a better rate of energy consumption.
- Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems: with the help of VRF technology, HVAC can adjust the heating and cooling outputs. This helps the entire system meet zone demands or maximize its efficiency.
To sum it up, upgrading HVAC systems helps in many ways. As per the report by McKinsey, with HVAC upgrades and energy efficiency measures, companies can deliver an ROI of close to 20 % to 30% over the span of five years.
Don’t Wait to Upgrade
It’s common for aging office buildings to face challenges regarding plumping, electricity, and HVAC compliances. However, upgrading your HVAC retrofit can stage the old building for a whole new arena of opportunities.
It’s best to upgrade the HVAC system before you have to face system failures. You can reach out to HVAC professionals, you can take consultancy on how you’ll implement these changes.
Did you find this article helpful? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. Thanks for reading.
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