Commercial AC problems can be insidious. They can develop gradually. Unless the system stops working completely, you may be tempted to ignore the declining performance. After all, you’re busy keeping the business going.
The problem is, when your air conditioner is not working properly, it’s costing you in all kinds of ways that you may not realize.
Keep reading to learn how common AC problems are costing you, and 7 easy and budget-friendly ways to fix them.
AC problems in the workplace: 4 ways you’re losing money
Here’s how AC problems are affecting your bottom line:
1. Reduced productivity
There are all sorts of studies that prove workers perform better when the workplace temperature is comfortable. When employees are too hot or too cold, their productivity slows down and they make more mistakes. Also, you may find that more people are avoiding working in the office or calling in sick.
Learn more: The High Cost of Poor Workplace Temperature Control
2. Illness outbreaks
It’s not only temperature control that you need to worry about. AC problems impact air quality, too, especially humidity. High humidity is uncomfortable and can lead to productivity declines. Not only that, but humidity allows bacteria and viruses to linger in the air and mold to grow on surfaces, which can lead to health problems and illness outbreaks.
Learn more: Summer Humidity is Scarier Than You Think
3. Employee attrition
Did you know that air temperature is the #1 complaint from employees about their workplace? Employee turnover happens when people are tired of being uncomfortable every day. Losing valued employees will certainly cost you money, not to mention the time it takes to replace them.
Learn more: Employee Attrition Linked to Workplace Comfort Conditions
4. Lost customers and revenue
If your business brings customers to your workplace, then you need to be extra vigilant about comfort. Productivity issues may impact the bottom line, but businesses such as retail, food service, and healthcare lose top-line revenue as well due to AC issues.
The good news is, there’s a good chance you can solve common AC problems with simple solutions.
7 easy solutions to fix your AC problems
1. Don’t neglect maintenance
With regular AC maintenance, small issues get found and fixed before they cause big problems that impact your workplace comfort and your wallet.
2. Check for blocked registers
Temperature variance problems can be caused by something as simple as blocked AC registers. Registers can get closed by employees or blocked by furniture. Get in the habit of walking through and checking them periodically.
3. Inspect ductwork condition
If ducts develop holes or cracks, that allows expensive conditioned air to leak into wall and ceiling space, reducing cooled air in occupied areas. AC maintenance technicians can check air flow and pressure to detect leaks, and inspect the ducts for damage.
4. Improve air distribution
Have you changed the layout of your workspace without updating AC ducts and registers? Or did you inherit a space used for a different purpose without updating the AC? If so, it’s likely that the air distribution system needs some design changes. You may be able to fix your AC problem simply by re-routing some ductwork and adding supply and return registers.
5. Check AC controls
A review of your building automation or AC system controls may reveal adjustments that will help your equipment run more effectively, preventing temperature variance issues and poor comfort conditions.
6. Reduce heat load
Help your AC do its job by reducing the amount of heat in your workplace. Blocking the sun can do more than you think to reduce the heat load. Add coverings on south and west-facing windows that you can close on hot sunny days. Also consider cooler lighting.
7. Add supplemental cooling
Do you have an area that’s always too hot? Or an add-on space that doesn’t have enough air flow? Consider adding a supplemental unit such as a ductless mini split. These are simple and lower-cost solutions that can make a huge difference in the comfort of your space.
Arista can help make your NYC workplace comfortable
If it’s time to address your AC issues but you don’t know where to start, give Arista a call now. Our technicians are trusted by thousands of businesses just like yours. We can spot and fix your issues fast, and get you back to business as usual.