Commercial HVAC Replacement vs. Retrofitting

In terms of improving air quality and indoor air comfort, there’s no better option than a new system with the latest equipment. However, if you’ve just noticed cold or warm spots at your facility, a retrofitting solution may be all it takes to optimize performance and address the issue. Depending on the age and peak loads of your existing system, a retrofit may be able to reduce drafts, improve airflow, reduce operating noise levels, and deliver more balanced climate control.

Whether you’re considering commercial HVAC retrofitting or replacement, your goal should be to drive energy efficiency to reduce overhead expenses. Because retrofitting generally requires a lower capital investment than replacement, you can expect a quicker return on your investment. On the other hand, while a comprehensive HVAC replacement costs more upfront and takes longer to experience an ROI, cost savings can be expected for substantially longer than simply retrofitting.

Retrofitting outdated, less efficient equipment may entitle your business to additional tax rebates and other financial incentives. Because retrofitting frequently involves upgrading existing equipment to be more energy efficient, local, state, and federal governments offer incentive programs to encourage upgrades. By leveraging all available incentive programs, you can often retrofit and upgrade your current equipment for less than you may have anticipated.