Most business owners don’t think about the complexity of their commercial HVAC system when it’s running smoothly. When it breaks down, though, it quickly becomes the most important priority to get employee comfort levels conducive to improved productivity. In fact, it’s a known fact that when a office becomes uncomfortable, more mistakes are made and productivity is driven down. Commercial air conditioning systems are designed and manufactured to be real workhorses. These units are intended to cool large areas in an efficient way to help reduce operating costs. Of course, there is no machine that lasts forever and this is why regular service maintenance is necessary.
Signs Commercial Air Conditioner needs Repair
Commercial air conditioning systems are essential to keeping businesses cool. These systems can be quite complex or simple, depending on the age and included technologies. It’s not uncommon for units to break down, which can be attributed to several things. One such reason is a mismatched system to space. In other words, a unit that’s too small for a large space. Other reasons commercial air conditioners need repair are because of blocked returns, unchanged filters, and ductwork with poor airflow.
…common problems with existing air conditioners result from faulty installation, poor service procedures, and inadequate maintenance. Improper installation of a central air conditioner can result in leaky ducts and low airflow. Many times, the refrigerant charge (the amount of refrigerant in the system) does not match the manufacturer’s specifications. If proper refrigerant charging is not performed during installation, the performance and efficiency of the unit is impaired. —U.S. Department of Energy
If you experience problems with your business’ air conditioning, you might be worried that it needs to be replaced. While it might not need to be replaced, it could be in need of repair. Your commercial air conditioner serves a very useful function and it can send telltale signs that it needs to be repaired — you just have to know what to look and listen for:
- Unfamiliar and/or loud sounds. You are probably familiar with the sounds produced by your commercial A/C. These are distinctive and if you hear something out of the ordinary, you might have a problem. There are several reasons for this, such as parts wearing out, which can cause more damage if left unchecked.
- The unit runs continuously. If the air conditioner doesn’t shut off, that’s a sign there’s a problem. It could be the unit is undersized, which will cost you more money in energy use, or, it could be a problem with the controls.
- Your commercial utility bills increase. This is a sure sign that your air conditioning unit is in serious straits. It could be due to age, a unit that’s not sufficiently sized, leaks in the ductwork, and other contributors.
- There are differences in air temperature in the building. Though this is common in many businesses and commercial spaces, it shouldn’t be a big disparity. If one room is cold but another is stifling hot, it’s time to have it serviced.
- Air output is weak or non-existent. This is an obvious sign a problem exists. It could be blocked ductwork, or, failing components and needs to be inspected by a professional technician.
Another sign that a commercial air conditioner needs to be serviced is funny smells emanating from the ductwork. If you smell a foul odor, you should immediately leave the building and phone a commercial air conditioning technician. It could be distributing noxious or even dangerous gases.
