For institutions facing aging infrastructure, HVAC upgrades are a big-ticket decision. Whether it’s a school, long-term care home, or municipal facility, budget constraints often put decision-makers at a crossroads: Should you prioritize lower upfront costs, or invest in long-term energy efficiency?
At Bisschops Industries, we’ve supported public and private facilities across Northern Ontario through this exact process, and the answer often lies in balancing both.
The True Cost of “Low Cost”
It’s understandable to focus on initial price when funding is tight. However, cheaper equipment usually comes with trade-offs: lower energy efficiency, higher maintenance needs, and shorter system lifespan.
Over time, these trade-offs increase total cost of ownership. A system that’s inexpensive to install may cost significantly more to operate and maintain over 10–15 years.
What Efficiency Can Really Deliver
Efficient HVAC systems do more than reduce your carbon footprint—they directly impact your budget. Here’s how:
- Lower monthly utility costs
- Improved indoor air quality, reducing health complaints and absenteeism
- More consistent performance, requiring fewer service calls
- Access to rebates or grants for high-efficiency upgrades
In one recent project, a long-term care facility in Greater Sudbury replaced its outdated rooftop units with high-efficiency models. Although the upfront cost was 18% higher, they recouped that difference within 2.5 years through lower gas and electricity bills.
Planning for Long-Term ROI
When budgeting for HVAC retrofits, it’s important to calculate beyond year one. Consider:
- Energy savings over 10–15 years
- Maintenance costs for parts and service
- Lifespan of equipment
- Impact on occupant comfort and facility operations
A smart partner will walk you through these factors, helping you justify the investment to stakeholders and reduce financial surprises later on.
Why Institutions Partner with Bisschops
At Bisschops, we take a long-view approach to HVAC upgrades. We work closely with facility managers to:
- Assess system performance and cost history
- Recommend retrofit options based on lifecycle ROI
- Fabricate custom HVAC components to improve fit and function
- Support planning with real numbers, not assumptions
Because we also handle in-house fabrication, we control more variables, delivering tailored systems without costly delays.
Ready to plan your HVAC retrofit with confidence?
Contact the Bisschops team to explore efficient, cost-effective upgrade options for your facility.
