Your building's HVAC system is vital to the comfort and safety of your employees, customers, and operational success. Without it, your industrial or commercial facility runs the risk of adversely affecting the health of occupants, worker productivity, and operations.
Because your commercial HVAC equipment is subjected to more wear and tear, knowing how to identify common commercial HVAC problems as they occur can help prevent permanent damage to your equipment and maximize the comfort of occupants for years to come.
That's why, in this article, we will discuss the most common commercial HVAC problems and how to fix them. Continue reading to discover the key symptoms to look out for at your building.
Common Commercial HVAC Problems
Did you know that, according to a study conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, poor indoor air quality (IAQ) and ventilation rates negatively impact cognitive function?
Maintaining your building/facility's commercial HVAC systems is an important piece to the operations of your commercial building. It keeps occupants healthy, the indoor air quality is strong, and the temperature comfortable all season long.
Mitigating these common problems that follow can help keep your workplace happy and safe for your employees and customers. First, let's start off with your system's thermostat.
Thermostat problems
When an HVAC-related problem arises, the thermostat is often overlooked as equipment-related issues are typically assumed. However, the thermostat is important to the overall function of your commercial HVAC system.
Your thermostat should not be forgotten. Its role is to monitor the timing and regulation of the amount of cold/hot air your system should distribute into your building.
If your thermostat is malfunctioning, you may experience variable building temperatures and humidity levels. Depending on the severity of the situation, it may require a reprogramming of your system or even a replacement.
Faulty compressor and strange noises
The compressor is one of the most important pieces to your commercial HVAC system. It serves as the component in charge of moving, heating, and cooling the air throughout your building.
If the compressor in a system malfunctions, it will have a significant impact on the climate inside your building. One of the main reasons why compressors can decline in performance is because they can develop leaks with heavy usage.
It's always important to inspect your unit's compressor for any leakage or buildup of oil around the compressor and its service ports, as this can help you get closer to isolating the problem.
Additionally, there is also a phenomenon called a "scrambled compressor," in which the compressor will produce a strange hissing or humming noise. It is audibly noticeable as it will run heavier than usual. This may indicate that your system has a refrigerant leak.
Strange noises produced from your commercial HVAC system are, more often than not a sign of components breaking down. Equally important is the level of distraction it can create for employees, customers, and other stakeholders at your organization.
Prolonging maintenance opens the doors to even more mechanical problems. In a worst-case scenario, delaying too long can cause irreversible damage to your system and require a unit or full system replacement.
Contact a licensed and professional commercial HVAC technician at Estes Services today. Without a diligent maintenance routine in place, you further compromise the internal components and the well-being of your facility. This brings us to our next point: frozen coils.
Frozen coils
Experiencing ice covering the evaporator coil or other parts while in cooling mode? If ice is visible over the evaporator coils while in cooling mode, there is an obvious problem.
Visible signs of freezing mean there is either a refrigerant leak, dirty evaporator/condenser coils or blower wheel, or other faulty parts. Not only does ice covering reduce the efficiency and cooling output of your system, but it also can damage internal components when the ice melts.
It's best to discuss your options with a licensed and trained professional in order to rectify this problem.
Evaporator coil and condenser coil problems
Damage done to your condenser or evaporator coils can affect the flow of air over the refrigerant lines utilized in your system. If either of the fins on these components happen to be damaged, it will not be able to fully complete the cooling/heating process.
The slightest dent to the fins can be severe enough to disrupt the evaporator from removing the appropriate warm air from your building. Because of the restricted flow of warm air over the evaporator, ice formation can also build up.
Likewise, if there is damage done to the condenser coils (whose main role is to dissipate heat) heat will build up in the system, leaving warm air from escaping your building.
Of course, damage is a more severe scenario, but it's also important to keep both components free of dirt and debris, as it is common for dirt to collect on the outside of the condenser and evaporator coils.
Remember: unrestricted airflow is vital for your system to efficiently complete a working cycle.
If you happen to spot either coil to be damaged or covered in dirt and debris, unit performance efficiency declines, and reduction in air quality for occupants is inevitable.
Reduced air quality
Although a reduction in air quality is typically a result of any HVAC-related issue or breakdown, getting to the bottom of your system's problems can be difficult. Some other reasons for a reduction in air quality can include a faulty fan motor, dirty air filters, or even a faulty design in the ductwork.
HVAC component-related issues can cause inadequate cooling and discomfort inside your building. See how Estes Services' has been servicing commercial HVAC in the greater Atlanta metropolitan area for over 70+ years.
What to do if you have commercial HVAC problems?
Mitigating any problems associated with your HVAC system is best if you are able to recognize the breakdown sooner rather than later. Prolonging the issue and leaving the cares to the wind can lead to even greater equipment breakdown and more costly repairs. It's best to get in contact with a licensed and trained commercial HVAC professional as soon as possible.
We offer great Commercial HVAC Maintenance Membership Plans in order to help keep you and your facility on the right track with maintenance requirements. We also offer special financing options to make big repairs affordable with low monthly payments. Our friendly customer service team can answer any questions you have about our maintenance membership plans, special financing options, and more. Check out our 5-star Testimonials.
Schedule Commercial HVAC Consultation Today
Well, there you have it—some of the most common commercial HVAC problems and how to fix them. If you think you are experiencing one of the above situations or something else, it's time to give our professionals a call.
We will be sure to fix any problems related to your commercial HVAC system. Don't waste any more time or money by prolonging service and repair. Our commercial HVAC experts at Estes Services have you covered. If you're experiencing commercial HVAC problems, schedule service now, or give our experts a call.
Your commercial HVAC problems will be fixed in no time. So fast you will be thinking: It's that Easy, it's Estes! Since 1949, we have been proudly serving the greater Atlanta area. Let us show you just how easy commercial HVAC maintenance, repair, and service can be with our friendly experts.
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