Are HVAC issues becoming a problem in your business?

HVAC systems are mandatory nowadays because of the standards set by ASHRAE. These systems provide all kinds of conveniences that make a building comfortable enough through the heatwaves or temperature drops. The only problem is that such vital systems are susceptible to common HVAC problems.

Buildings encounter problems that make their commercial heating systems go haywire. Sometimes, these problems can cripple systems entirely, preventing everyone from enjoying conditioned air. What’s worse is that most don’t know how to diagnose these issues, allowing them to fester and become worse.

To help you avoid these cases, we’ve prepared a guide below. Learn how to troubleshoot the most common HVAC issues and tackle them today.

Leaky Ducts

Leaks in the system are the most common HVAC problems that landlords face. When your system has leaks, it causes treated air to escape. Different issues can cause this, including cracked pans, clogged drain lines, or frozen evaporator coils.

Cases caused by these factors mean that water is leaking. If left alone, these can cause further damage to your system. The damages often come from the stress caused by an overworked system because of the loss of treated air.

In other cases, some refrigerant will leak from your system. Improper commercial HVAC installation or damage to the ductwork causes this to happen. Having refrigerant leaks shouldn’t be a problem for commercial heating systems, right?

Despite what many think, refrigerant leaks can also compromise a system’s ability to heat a building. Your system’s heat pump needs refrigerant to cause heat exchange to treat chilled air. Without it, the system becomes undercharged, possibly causing compressor failures.

To know if your equipment has leaky ducts, turn on your system’s fans. Pass a hand over the ductwork and check for drafts. If you find any, apply the appropriate sealants to patch the leaks.

Unexpected Shutdowns

Having your HVAC system shut down regularly can be worrisome. If the heating shuts off in the middle of winter, everyone becomes susceptible to cold-related illnesses. Before you panic, though, know that fixing this can be simple.

The next time your system shuts off, check your circuit breaker. It can be a capacitor issue that’s shutting your system down.

Capacitors ensure there’s enough current going around the system to function. If there’s not enough to go around, it can cause a short circuit in the system, shutting it down.

Modern HVAC systems can also turn themselves off as a preventative measure. Your filters may be too dirty to let air pass through efficiently. Regular maintenance allows you to avoid these shutdowns and enjoy constantly conditioned air.

Broken fuses can also be the culprit in unexpected shutdowns. You’ll need to replace all broken fuses to ensure the system works like before. With how complicated the inside of an HVAC system is, though, it’s best to have a professional do this for you.

Strange Noises

Hearing strange noises in your HVAC system means you need to act ASAP. It’s among the most critical issues to address since it can lead to serious damage if left unchecked.

All you need to do is listen well to where the sound is coming from. If it’s a rattling noise coming from deep within the system, it could be a loose fan belt. These compromise the system’s efficiency and overwork the unit.

If it’s a buzzing noise you hear, it could have something to do with the condenser or compressor. Check the respective elements to find out what’s wrong. You may find something stuck in the machinery or clogged within the unit.

Clanking noises could mean something loose within the ductwork. Remove them as soon as you can to avoid further damage to your ductwork. Again, regular maintenance can do a lot in preventing this from happening.

Funky Smells

Does something smell off every time you’re heating the building? It can be something that’s growing in your ductwork. Mold and mildew commonly grow in ductwork because of the dark spaces it provides.

Finding these in your ductwork is relatively easy once you peak into it. If you find mold or mildew there, look for leaks, as well. Ductwork doesn’t provide enough moisture on its own to allow mold to grow within.

You can also find the source of the smells in the drip pan. Not cleaning it out regularly can promote algae growth in your system. Clean it out soon to prevent water damage to your system.

Inconsistent Airflow

You might notice that your HVAC system exhibits inconsistent airflow by checking temperature differences in rooms. Temperature fluctuations happen because the unit can’t provide enough air to heat certain rooms.

Troubleshooting HVAC problems like these is simple. All you need to do is check the filters to see if they’re dirty or not. A clogged filter prevents air passage, meaning certain rooms get less treated air. Regular filter replacement is key in ensuring consistent airflow among all rooms.

Check the thermostat, too, in case it’s malfunctioning. Broken thermostats can cause temperature fluctuations on their own. Checking them first prevents you from wasting time fixing a functional HVAC system.

Increased Energy Consumption

All the problems listed above can lead to an increase in energy consumption. They can cause inefficiency or cause your system to overwork itself. When this happens, you can expect your bills to go through the roof.

A good maintenance program can prevent the increase from happening. However, maintenance does little against aged or rusted ductwork.

Worn-out ducts can have holes that are too big for you to patch up. It can also kick up rust, causing poor indoor air quality in the building. Calling professionals is your best bet when dealing with these, as you’ll need complete HVAC replacement when the entire system rusts.

Troubleshoot the Common Issues Plaguing Commercial Heating Systems

You need not find the issues affecting your commercial heating systems intimidating anymore. With our help, facing these issues is child’s play for you. Use your newfound knowledge to troubleshoot HVAC problems and fix them today!

Is the problem too much for you to handle alone? No need to look up “HVAC near me” — simply get in touch with us! Our services are sure to be of use, and we’ll handle whatever issue your system has.