As commercial buildings across the South Carolina continue to get up in age, facility managers and property owners face a fiscal decision; retrofit the existing HVAC system(s) for maybe one more summer season…or is it finally time to replace that unit?

WBG’s Special Projects Team continues to provide clients across healthcare, manufacturing, education, and commercial sectors to evaluate this exact question. The decision can depend on a mix of; system performance, energy efficiency, long term operational costs, and the unique needs of your operation.

Retrofit vs. Replacement

• Retrofit; involves upgrading the components of an existing system to improve or extend its life all without completely replacing the old system.
• Replacement; installing an entirely new HVAC mechanical system

Time to Retrofit

If the system is still sound and the majority of the issues are basically isolated to a few outdated components, a retrofit could be a more cost effective path forward.
Look for these indicators:

• Rising energy bills with no major changes in usage or temperature spikes
• Inconsistent temperatures or airflow in areas of the facility
• Frequent repair needs
• System age is under 10-15 years

A strategic retrofit of utilizing items like variable frequency drives can deliver energy savings all the while reducing disruption to your building’s operations.

Full Replacement > Retrofit

If the HVAC system is:

• Repeatedly failing even with repetitive repairs
• 20+ years of age
• Major corrosion, leaks, or refrigerant that is being phased out
• Creature comfort or compliance issues within the facility

Then a full replacement may be the better bet in the long run. Though it comes with a higher price tag, a new system can deliver:

• Decreased energy bills
• Improved indoor air quality
• Long-term reliability and reduced service calls

For clients pursuing energy rebates, a system replacement can help meet the required list of action items to complete to gain said rebate for your organization.

Let WBS’s Service Team Help You Decide

Every building is different. Our experienced service teamwork hand-in-hand with facility owners to assess the condition of existing systems and design a path forward.

Click To Call WBG’s Team