Commercial HVAC systems are usually installed in commercial buildings such as hospitals and restaurants, offices, malls, etc. These systems are made to cool down a relatively larger area where customer or human traffic is both constant and in large numbers. However, HVAC systems like electric appliances, can run into problems as well. The most irritating situation is when the HVAC does not seem to work and you need to call in commercial AC repair services for troubleshooting. While the symptoms may not be as clear as you would want them to be, you should be familiar with the troubleshooting tips. So, if your commercial HVAC system goes out of order for no apparent reason, this is what you need to do.
Check The Circuit Breaker
If your commercial HVAC system stops working for no reason, you should check the circuit breaker and all the other components that help with the flow of electricity. Check if the circuit breaker is in the ‘Off’ position and switch it to ‘On’. It might be that electrical fluctuation caused the circuit breaker to trip.
At the same time, you should also check the power socket and the power supply. If you observe something fishy with the power socket, you can try plugging in the unit in some other socket. If the unit works without any problem, it means the power socket is the issue. You will need to get it replaced.
Meanwhile, if the power supply has cracked or damaged for some reason, you will need to get it replaced too. Rats, birds, and other intruders tend to find accommodation when the unit has been sitting dormant for a while. These intruders can chew the wires and cause damage.
While you are at that, you should check the circuit breaker for a blown fuse as well. Try replacing the blown fuse to see if it works. They are for the safety of the building and the unit because they prevent expensive and permanent damage to the unit by cutting the power supply if the power supply is unusual. Consult the user manual to replace the fuse or call in an electrician.
Clogged Air Filters
Air filters trap contaminants in the air before it goes into the HVAC system. Over time, the air they become clogged. Modern HVAC systems are loaded with safety features that shut down the unit if the filters tend to be clogged.
When the filters are clogged, the system is not able to pass the air freely and the quality isn’t good either. With time, the filters tend to crack and experience damage as well. So, if your HVAC system is old, it’s better to replace the air filters.
But ensure to opt for the exact replacement. The best way to do that is to either consult the user manual or an expert. Plus, you should also make sure to clean the air filters at least once a week. Even though it is a minor factor, it’s important for smooth functioning of the commercial HVAC unit.
Dirty Condenser
In addition to clogged air filters, dirty coils, and condensers are equally problematic. The coils and condenser are located in the outdoor unit that’s usually installed at the rooftop in commercial buildings. These units become accumulated with layers of dirt and dust as well. These components mainly help with the dispersion of air.
But, if they are covered with layers of dirt, heat dispersion is not going to be effective. This leads to an overworked HVAC unit. The components will heat up and may experience some damage. Replacing the coils or the condenser is not a cheap task. These components can be expensive and need to be looked after.
Refrigerant Leaks
Low refrigerant levels or refrigerant leaks is another common issue. It could simply be due to age or external factors causing rust and cracks. HVAC systems need to have a specific refrigerant level to produce cool or warm air.
If the refrigerant happens to leak due to some reason, the compressor will work harder than usual to compensate for the loss. This could result in permanent damage and force you to replace the component. So, if you notice that the HVAC system’s performance is fluctuating frequently, you should know that something is wrong with the compressor or the refrigerant levels are low.
Plus, leaking refrigerant will also form ice on the pipes. This is a tell-tale sign that something is wrong and needs immediate attention. This is a complicated issue as it involves finding the location of the leak and fixing or replacing the component. So, if you notice something like this, consult air conditioner repair services Huntington who specialize in installing and repairing commercial HVAC systems.
Thermostat Problems
A common problem shared with electrical components is that they don’t show any signs and symptoms before giving up in most cases. Thermostat issues are also quite common in HVAC systems due to a variety of reasons. If your HVAC system was recently serviced, it might have lost its settings and calibration.
You can consult an expert to perform thermostat calibration and it should return to normal. But, if the HVAC system happens to be old and an aftermarket thermostat is installed, you will need to check the batteries and try to recalibrate the thermostat. If both do not solve the issue, you should try replacing the thermostat.
Maintenance Issues
HVAC systems require maintenance like any other electric appliance. Preventative HVAC maintenance plays a huge role in the smooth functioning and longevity of the unit. As a general rule of thumb, a commercial HVAC unit should be maintained at least once a month.
Furthermore, you should also schedule expert maintenance as it allows the expert to thoroughly clean the unit inside out while looking out for any unusual signs to take care of. Otherwise, your HVAC may run into some unexpected problems that could be irritating.
You might think that scheduling expert maintenance is nothing but an expense. You may have trained your staff to perform regular maintenance but without the proper technique and skills, you also run the risk of damaging the unit.
So, instead of considering it an expense, you should consider it an investment to keep unexpected situations at bay.
How To Avoid Commercial HVAC Problems?
Most business owners do not realize that they can easily avoid the majority of HVAC-related issues by simply ensuring their system receives proper maintenance. As mentioned previously, the aim of HVAC maintenance is not to thoroughly clean the unit inside out but also to look for potential issues.
If you are able to spot the issues beforehand, you can fix them as well and keep the unit running smoothly. At the same time, you should also keep an eye out for unusual signs & symptoms and attend to them immediately even if you have to shut down the unit.
Neglecting even the most minor noises and issues may lead to major issues causing both discomfort and loss of business.
Conclusion
Always prioritize professional inspection and maintenance as it helps the unit run without any complications. For this, choose licensed commercial HVAC companies Ronkonkoma. Plus, train the workers in the building to keep an eye out for unusual signs & symptoms.