A commercial HVAC system is a more advanced and complicated version of the HVAC systems used in homes. These commercial machines are larger and typically cost more to install, but they use different technologies than residential models, so buying them requires more planning on your part. The procedures and equipment for Commercial Air Conditioning Service is also different from other types.
Every air conditioner or furnace consists of at least three layers of equipment:
- A condenser that takes the hot air from the building and converts it into cool air using refrigerant. This component usually sits outside your building in a special compartment called an “outdoor unit,” with a large fan pointed in front to release heat from the machine.
- A compressor that compresses this cool refrigerant gas so that it becomes hot, sending it through the evaporator coils located inside your building.
- An evaporator coil inside the building acts as a radiator to release heat and humidity inside the structure and transfer them back into the refrigerated air. As this happens, you’ll feel cool air blowing out of vents placed throughout your home or business.
When Does an HVAC System Need Repairs?
There are several warning signs that you might need repairs for your commercial heating system:
1. Temperature Fluctuation:
The temperature fluctuates too much (most systems today keep temperatures at least within one degree). If yours doesn’t do this, you might have defective equipment because every modern HVAC system should be able to sense and respond to changes in the outside air.
2. Unusual Sounds:
The unit is making unusual sounds such as squealing, hissing, or whistling. This might be a sign that there’s dirt somewhere, and it needs to be cleaned out.
3. When It Starts to Shut Down:
It shuts down frequently or doesn’t start at all (if you haven’t had any power interruptions). This could be a sign that the unit is losing its charge and should be recharged.
4. Too Much Humidity:
The humidity isn’t regulated properly, so it’s either too high or low, which causes health problems to your family, employees, or tenants. The building will also have a hard time maintaining temperature because it won’t allow the HVAC system to work properly.
5. It’s Working Too Hard:
It’s working too hard, and it feels like you’re living in a pressure cooker or an oven? This means that the outside compressor is having trouble with adequate refrigerant flow, which might be caused by a refrigerant leak. If left unrepaired, this will lead to failure of the compressor and condenser fan motors.
6. Sudden Temperature Changes:
The temperature changes drastically from one moment to another for seemingly no apparent reason, which is a sign that there’s an issue with your thermostat or control board. It could also be caused by a faulty thermistor if the furnace shuts down after reaching its desired temperature or fails to reach it.
7. Excessive Noise:
There are a number of things that could be causing an issue with your HVAC system if it’s making strange noises. For example, the fan motor might be old and worn out, which will result in an annoying noise while running. If this is happening, change the fan motor to get rid of the noise. The same goes for belt-driven components or loose seams within your unit, which are both common causes of noise being emitted by your AC system.
8. Strange Smells:
Do you smell gas when the heat or air conditioning turns on? Is there a burning smell when it runs? This means that there is probably a fire somewhere in the furnace’s ventilation which should be checked out as soon as possible. A strange smell is usually a sign of trouble, and you should call an HVAC service contractor to come out and sniff around.
Reasons Behind Malfunctioning of HVAC System
1. Dirty Filters:
If the filter on your commercial air conditioning or heat pump system is dirty, it can cause your unit to break down because it will overheat. Therefore, check the filters regularly and replace them whenever necessary for optimal efficiency and performance from your unit. This simple task can save you hundreds of dollars by reducing energy costs. The same goes for checking the fan blades for any signs of damage since they are exposed to high levels of stress while running.
2. No Maintenance:
Did you know that regular maintenance actually prolongs the life of your system? The best type of maintenance will include the following:
1) change or clean your filters
2) check any cooling lines to determine whether they are becoming corroded
3) turn coils to get rid of any dirt that may have accumulated on them
4) check for loose bolts, which can damage the unit
5) look at the amps and volts to make sure that they are within allowable levels
6) test all wires for insulation. Another important thing to remember is that if you always wait until something breaks down completely before calling a repair person, it will be more expensive than if you had scheduled regular visits.
3. Leaks:
Check for leaks periodically to make sure your HVAC system is working at optimal levels, which it should if it’s in good shape. Periodic maintenance ensures that there are no odd smells or noises coming from the unit or air ducts, which can indicate problems before they become major ones.
The best way to avoid all of this is to regularly check your air conditioning system for proper function, which entails knowing how to use a screwdriver (or replacing batteries when needed).
4. Water in the Basement:
Water gathering in your basement is not only an indication of a problem, but it can cause mold, which would lead to further health problems. If you see water in your basement or if there’s too much humidity in the air, call Le High HVAC ASAP!
Problems with your AC unit are easier to deal with when they’re caught early on.
5. Ducts:
It is important that you know where all the ductwork for your HVAC system goes because dust and contaminated ducts can both be dangerous for people who suffer from allergies or asthma. Remember that dust isn’t good for anyone, so make sure to bomb the vents every few months (more frequently if you have pets).
The Bottom Line
The commercial HVAC systems are pretty different from the small systems that we use at homes. Commercial systems need to be installed by a professional, and you would not want to do it on your own as there are a number of things that can go wrong.
If you take care of the system now, it will save you money in the future by increasing its longevity. Commercial HVAC is one of those things that are expensive to fix, but you don’t need to replace it. You can save a lot of money by taking care of your unit and following the tips in this article.
Thank You 😊