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At Warner Service, we understand that being a facilities manager is a tough responsibility, especially when it comes to budgeting for commercial costs. If you’re on the job for a new building that needs a heating and cooling system, check out our breakdown of cost for installation and HVAC maintenance:

Building Basics. The cost for installation of a commercial unit first depends on where the commercial building is located, how many floors it has, the amount of square footage, previous heating and cooling purchases, and requested service.

Equipment. Arguably the heftiest part of the price tag, the cost of heating and cooling equipment for your commercial building depends on the type of system, brand choice, and comfort-enhancing add-ons like ultraviolet systems, electrostatic filters, and humidification equipment.

The commercial contractor will give you options and recommendations as to which is best for your business, but it’s up to you as a facilities manager to do your research and figure out which choices make the most sense for a long-term investment.

For Warner Service’s recommendations, check out:

Piping And Ductwork. The cost for this portion of the project will depend on if your commercial building receives a water-cooled system or an air-cooled system. You’ll need water or refrigerant (which is typically more expensive but more effective), respectively, as well as ductwork to distribute the cooled air.

Another factor to consider is the conditions during installation. If a heating and cooling company has to remove all of your building’s walls and ceilings for a total renovation, it’ll take less time than maneuvering around an occupied building with tight spaces and ceiling grids.

Controls. The type of controls and the total number of connection points through the commercial building will tally up the cost of this factor. For example, if the HVAC design plan calls for 25 VAV boxes with individual remote sensors, that’s 100 connection points that need to be installed.

System Start-Up. Now that the entire HVAC system is installed, it’s time for the company to run tests on each component. Most of this cost is deduced to labor and/or refrigerant, depending on the system; number of thermostats, wells, gauges, and thermometers; and more.

This is also the point in the installation project where installers and the facilities manager will fill out permits, file documentation, and perform various required inspections.

HVAC Maintenance. Many heating and cooling companies offer to install a brand-new HVAC system, but few are willing to service it when the time comes. If you find a company that does both, it can save you time and money on future sudden repairs and replacements as well as low energy bills.

How You Can Save:

  • Look for rebates and promotions from your local or state utility company by replacing older HVAC systems.
  • Ask for an off-season discount during the company’s slow months.
  • Search for the right company that you can trust by getting quotes.

Armed with these six factors, facilities managers should be able to determine the average cost for unit installation for their building. However, it’s important to remember that this blog is meant to serve as a loose set of guidelines, and individual situations with outlying factors will determine actual costs.

For details on how to cut costs on the installation of a commercial heating and cooling unit, please click on the button below to download Warner Service’s Guide To HVAC Installation Costs For Commercial Buildings:

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