A Look at Common Repairs for a Commercial HVAC System

Keeping your commercial HVAC system in optimal condition is a great way to ensure a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. It increases productivity among the employees, keeps the customers happy, and ensures that operating costs are minimal.

If you fail to maintain your commercial HVAC system regularly and carry out timely repairs, then issues might occur when you least anticipate them. As a commercial building owner, there are certain things that you need to be vigilant about if you want to avoid mishaps that might lead to extensive and expensive repairs.

Unusual Noises

Whenever your HVAC unit starts making inexplicable loud noises, it is a call for attention. They could come in the form of persistent popping, screeching, or banging noises. It might be a sign of serious trouble, but first, you can check whether they are due to loose components, unfastened access panels, or doors.

These parts can produce banging, rattling, or clattering noises while screeching or squealing noises could mean that a moving feature such as a fan or bearing needs lubrication. The popping and banging sounds are often a result of gas buildup in the furnace. Such problems require professional assistance.

Thermostat Issues

The thermostat batteries have a lifespan and need replacement once per year or sooner. If you haven’t changed your batteries for a while, check if your digital display’s battery indicator appears low. Make sure to set the thermostats correctly for proper function.

Water Leaks

Commercial HVAC drain lines can crack or clog over time leading to leaks that form a pool around your unit. Water leaks can also result from a fault in the evaporator, heat exchanger, or collector box. You need to call your trusted specialist to fix your unit.

Clogged Filters

The filters of a commercial HVAC unit need to be changed regularly to ensure unrestricted airflow and good indoor air quality. They remove pollen, dust, and other debris from the air that in turn collects on them. Clogged filters can cause overheating in your HVAC system, leading to internal problems.

Inconsistent Air Flow

When the indoor air seems improperly balanced, with some spaces cooler or warmer than others, the most probable culprits are the dampers. Their role is to regulate airflow in the ductwork, and if they are not balanced, then uneven heating or cooling will occur. A reliable technician can fix this problem for you.

Unexpected Shutdowns

An unexpected shutdown of a commercial HVAC system can cause panic, but it might not be as severe as you may assume. It could result from blown fuses, tripped circuit breakers, broken capacitors, clogged filters, loose connections, or faulty start relays. In such an instance, you might need to call an HVAC technician if replacing the air filters or adjusting the circuit breaker doesn’t solve the issue.

Leaking Refrigerant

The refrigerant contained in the coils of a central cooling system of the HVAC system is responsible for collecting moisture in the air and cooling. If the refrigerant levels are low, the unit will not lower the air temperature enough, leading to the system overworking the condenser. Failure to deal with the problem could lead to low energy efficiency, expensive repairs, and reduced HVAC system lifespan.

Brett Sartorial
 

Brett is a business journalist with a focus on corporate strategy and leadership. With over 15 years of experience covering the corporate world, Brett has a reputation for being a knowledgeable, analytical and insightful journalist. He has a deep understanding of the business strategies and leadership principles that drive the world's most successful companies, and is able to explain them in a clear and compelling way. Throughout his career, Brett has interviewed some of the most influential business leaders and has covered major business events such as the World Economic Forum and the Davos. He is also a regular contributor to leading business publications and has won several awards for his work.