As temperatures climb, and the summer months draw nearer, your facility’s HVAC system is going to be under more strain than it will encounter any other time of the year.
Watch for these common HVAC issues in the coming months to be sure that your building doesn’t go without air conditioning when tenants need it the most. If you have been maintaining a consistent preventative maintenance schedule, then the chance of problems developing will be lower. However, even if you have scheduled preventative maintenance, it is important to keep an eye out for signs of HVAC issues.
1. Refrigerant leaks
A commercial HVAC system evaporates and condenses refrigerant to absorb heat and release it out of the building. Even a small leak will cause your system to work much harder to cool your building, potentially leading to much larger issues.
If you notice any fluid leaking from your system, it is important to address it right away. An HVAC system should use the same supply of refrigerant for its entire lifespan, and any drops in refrigerant levels can lead to major issues in the overall unit.
2. Falling output
When your unit isn’t blowing enough cool air, it’s possible that there is a clog in the air filter. Changing out the filter is the quickest and easiest solution to this common problem. However, if that doesn’t change things, there may be a greater issue.
If your system is installed outdoors, or on a rooftop, it is important to make sure that the outdoor condenser coils are chemically cleaned before the summer heat comes. Keeping the system cleaned will save on electrical costs because the system works harder to push cool air through when debris is clogging it up, and it will prevent the compressors from shutting down from a lack of air flow.
Another common source of this issue is the refrigerant. Again, the system relies on refrigerant to cool your building, and without it the system cannot function properly. It’s possible for the entire system to break down when this is left unresolved.
3. Short cycling
Short cycling is the term to describe times when the system will turn itself off and on, rather than completing its full cooling cycle. Typically, this is caused by an electrical malfunction. This common issue can put wear and tear on your system at a much faster rate.
If there are no electrical issues found while addressing the system short cycling, you will need to investigate it further. If the unit continues to short cycle over a long period of time, it will dramatically reduce its lifespan.
4. Check the thermostat
A programmable thermostat will provide you with optimized control over your HVAC system. You can control temperature remotely, track usage, and monitor energy costs. When controls are easily accessible, unusual activity can typically be found and addressed quicker.
5. Switch to an upgraded system
If you find yourself continually running to address problems with your HVAC system, you may be better off replacing it. Occasional upgrades to your existing system might sound easier, but there comes a point where the system reaches the end of its lifespan and upgrades become more frequent and less practical. A newer HVAC system can reduce your monthly energy costs and work more efficiently with the needs of your building.
The best way to handle common HVAC issues is to prevent them from happening. A regular preventative maintenance schedule should provide you with a clear picture of what problems might crop up. Make sure you have all the repair parts you need on-hand and well-organized with Best Plumbing Specialties’ custom assortment boxes. You can return your building to a comfortable temperature faster when you have easy access to the parts you need to fix your system.