Summer’s approaching … if not already here. Commercial operations will be operating their air conditioners for the next several months – an expense that may account for more than one-fourth of their electrical bills.
How can businesses cut down on those expenses? Simple – keep that A/C clean!
Air Conditioning Maintenance
Well-maintained air conditioning systems typically account for as much as 26% of total commercial energy consumption. A system that’s not in top condition will need to work longer and harder to keep a building cool, meaning it will use up a lot more energy (read “dollars”) for a business. Now, imagine what that cost might be, especially during the dog days of summer.
Not only will an air conditioner with dirt and mold built up on its evaporator coils cost more to operate, it may contribute to poor air quality and, ultimately, pose a potential health hazard to you, your employees and your customers.
Regularly inspecting and cleaning the coils will cut down on both problems because clean coils absorb heat better. Meaning the A/C can operate on shorter cycles, which cuts down on energy expenses and can help the equipment last longer. And, we all know how expensive replacing A/C parts can be.
But, cleaning evaporator coils and maintaining commercial cooling systems isn’t a job for the untrained. Those coils, for example, aren’t always easy to get to and may be hard to work on. That’s why air conditioning (HVAC) technicians are in high demand most places.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts HVAC technician jobs will grow by 14% through 2024 – much faster than the average for all occupations. Those familiar with computers and electronics who have good troubleshooting skills will have the best job opportunities as employers seek out qualified technicians to install, maintain, and repair complex new systems.
Become an HVAC-R Technician
Fortis College and Institute HVAC-R programs teach students what they need to know … plus letting them work on the equipment in labs and externships so they also get hands-on experience. Programs are offered in multiple across the country – learn more about your career opportunities here.
