Photo of an air filter for a Missoula, Montana HVAC system

FAQs for Montana Commercial HVAC Contractors

What type of heating system should I have Montana commercial HVAC contractors install on my business property?

The answer to this question has many variables.  Does your facility have specific air quality needs? Does your facility require the ability to perform specific safety services? For example, a laboratory facility needs to be able to shut off airflow between sections of the facility if a contaminant needs to be isolated.  Different commercial facilities have such different needs that there is no “one size fits all” HVAC system.  You also have to consider if you want separate units for heating and cooling or a combo system, like a heat pump.  Give us a call at 4067285550 to determine what HVAC would serve you best!

What size heating and air conditioning system does my Montana facility need?

It is important to have an HVAC system that fits your facility properly.  Many issues can arise from a heater that is the wrong size.  Units that are too small may not be able to keep up with the demand.  If they can keep up, they will wear out faster than a properly sized unit.  On the other hand, oversized units can have mechanical malfunctions and waste energy.  All of this is to say that it is important to have a properly sized unit installed by your trusted Montana Commercial HVAC Contractor.

Do Montana commercial HVAC contractors think a gas, oil, or electric-powered HVAC system is best?

The answer to this depends on your situation. There are efficient natural gas boiler units available but if you want to go with a heat pump, there are electric ground source units that are some of the most efficient options available.  It also depends on what you have available to you.  While electricity is available almost anywhere, natural gas still has certain location limits.  Oil can have complications as a fuel source.  You have to weigh the financial cost of each source with the efficiency of the unit, as well as installation costs.  Contact us online to find out what your options are so you can make the best decision possible!

When should I have my HVAC system serviced by a Montana commercial HVAC contractor?

Depending on the type of HVAC system you have, every 1 to 2 years is recommended or required.  We strongly suggest putting an inspection of your Heating system in the business calendar each year. 

Does it really matter if I do not replace the air filter in my HVAC system?

Keep in mind that air filters in an HVAC system do not filter the air going into the room.  These filters filter the air going into the heater itself.  If debris clogs the filter and limits the air intake of your heating system, issues can arise and escalate quickly!  So yes, it matters to replace the air filter in an HVAC unit.

How do I know when indoor air quality is becoming a problem in my commercial facility?

If your HVAC system is not keeping your facility comfortable, then it may be time to call your trusted Montana Commercial HVAC contractor. If you are noticing humidity in your facility when there should be none, then you likely have an issue somewhere in your HVAC system.  If you are noticing smoke, fumes, or the smell of gas, you need to empty the facility and contact emergency services.  It is important to know which problems are a discomfort and which are a danger.  If you think your HVAC system may be causing a risk of danger to your facility, be sure to call 911 immediately. 

How do I know when it’s time to replace my HVAC unit? 

While most of the above questions have answers that depend on your situation, this question has a few specific answers.

o   If you are doing repairs so often that the cost of a new unit is less than the cost of repairs.

o   The return on your investment should make sense.  If you just got a new boiler 2 years ago, you SHOULD have more years of use coming from your investment.  If you last replaced your boiler 15 years ago, a new boiler will give you more efficient heat and fewer repairs, thus decreasing your operating costs.

o   Energy costs are another consideration.  10-year-old units are way less efficient than new units.  If the cost of a new unit is offset by how much your electric bill decreases, it may be time to update your HVAC system.

o   A hard problem to quantify is noisiness.  If your heating unit is noisy, many customers will just ignore it.  If it is loud to the point that your business transactions are being affected, then a noisy heater is making itself more costly.  By installing a new heater to create a more comfortable space, you could increase your revenue, which could negate the cost of the new heater.

Reach Out to Us to Answer More Questions from Knowledgeable Montana Commercial HVAC Contractors

Hopefully, your Commercial HVAC question was on this list.  If you find yourself looking for more specific information, scroll through our HVAC Blogs, give us a call for an answer specific to your situation, or send us a message online.   Whatever your Commercial HVAC needs, Garden City Plumbing and Heating has the experience and knowledge to help you along the way!