No one likes being in a building where the air clearly isn’t working. Whether it’s the AC or the heat, being in a stuffy or frigid room with little to no airflow is never comfortable.
That’s why having a functioning HVAC system is paramount for any business, no matter the industry. Maintaining a comfortable environment for your employees, customers, and products is crucial to a successful operation.
But like all machines, HVAC units will malfunction and break down over time. S what can you do to make sure when this happens, it doesn’t impede your business?
Read on to learn about the most common HVAC problems and our tips to prevent them.
Common HVAC Problems
First things first, you need to know what you’re looking for. If you’re operating a small restaurant, a large multi-unit office building, a warehouse, or a grocery store, these HVAC issues should be something you’re looking out for.
1. Poor Airflow
If you’re not feeling much air flowing through the building but you see the system is operating, there’s likely something in the vents blocking the flow of air. Dirt and dust could be building up, the air filter might need replacing, or the fan might be dirty. Poor airflow majorly decreases the efficiency of your unit (and costs you more money).
2. Thermostat Malfunctions
If your thermostat is on the fritz, you’re going to have a difficult time keeping your occupants happy, customers and employees alike. Your thermostat may be giving you inaccurate readings which means it could be working more or less than it needs to be. You might also have your thermostat settings too high or low causing it to work inefficiently.
3. Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant is what helps pump cool air into your building so if the refrigerant is leaking, you won’t be getting as much cool air, no matter what the thermostat is set to. If you’re noticing warm air coming from your vents and you’ve checked that the thermostat is working properly and the heat setting isn’t on, it could be a refrigerant leak.
4. Compressor Failure
The compressor is crucial to your HVAC unit, and if it’s too low or too high on refrigerant, it won’t function properly. If you notice warm air coming through, your unit turning off and on repeatedly (also called short cycling), or your circuit breaker is tripping, the compressor motor could be bad.
5. Dirty Filters & Coils
Filters are there to trap dirt and dust so the air circulating in your building is cleaner and your system functions more efficiently. Once they trap enough extra particles, they’ll start to clog. Your coils transfer heat between inside and out depending on what function your HVAC is set to. Debris form both inside and out can get trapped in the coils and over time cause them to malfunction.
There are plenty more problems that can affect how you HVAC unit functions. Clogged drain lines, faulty fuses, and more, and one of the first signs something is off is if you notice unusually high electric bills for several months.
And one of the best ways to prevent many of these issues is with proper maintenance.
How to Prevent Common HVAC Problems
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
The best way to solve HVAC problems at your business is to prevent them from happening. This obviously isn’t possible in every scenario. After all, things break all the time.
But if you have the right commercial HVAC team working with you, you’re already in a better position than most. And this starts at the very beginning.
Proper Installation: Make sure you’re installing an appropriate unit or units for your facility. If you have the wrong type of unit, you’re going to be unhappy from the start. This includes make sure your building’s electrical system, ductwork, and more will all function well together.
Air Filter Maintenance: Air filters are one of the easiest things to keep your eyes on. Start with high quality air filters that will last longer, and don’t neglect them. The more frequently you check your air filters, the less likely they’ll become clogged and slow down your unit.
Routine Maintenance: Some parts of your HVAC unit aren’t so easy to check yourself. Regular inspections of your unit and ductwork, lubrication, refrigerant levels, and coil cleaning should all be done by professional HVAC technicians. They can ensure everything is functioning properly and keep an eye on parts that might need replacing soon before they go bad.
Call Central Florida Store Services to Keep the Air Flowing
Here in Central Florida, a functioning AC is a must in any building, especially if you’re hoping to welcome customers in and out throughout the day.
You need a partner like Central Florida Store Services to set you up the right way. Our HVAC services are second to none, and we have a team of experienced technicians ready to tackle your facility. From grocery stores to hotels to office buildings to restaurants, we’ve installed and maintained HVAC-R units for a plethora of businesses.
We’re available 24/7 to handle any emergencies because we know costly even half a day can be to your bottom line.
Get a quote today and let’s get started!
