Your HVAC units play a critical role in keeping your staff, customers or tenants comfortable as no one wants to be in a building hotter inside than out. However, just like any asset in your building, your HVAC unit may falter from time to time. What should you be looking out for to remain proactive in the situation? How do you prevent a majority of these HVAC issues?
In this article, we will be examining some common HVAC issues for your commercial unit, so you can keep your eye out for them and address them.
Lack of or No Maintenance
No maintenance or lack thereof is the most common HVAC issue people face. Just like anything else in your facility, your HVAC units require regular preventative maintenance. Investing in an all-encompassing and detailed preventative maintenance program allows you to catch problems before they turn into costly repairs. Technicians, while on-site, give your unit a thorough once over to identify and repair any issues.
Your preventative maintenance should occur a minimum of twice a year. However, your schedule will be dependent on where you are geographical.
Faulty Thermostat
A thermostat seems like a simple piece of equipment. It appears incredibly simple when compared to the complexity of your HVAC unit. Yet your HVAC needs your thermostat as it regulates the amount of hot or cold air it produces. Without it in working order, it can cause the temperature of your facility to fluctuate. Thankfully, most thermostat problems are solved relatively quickly and inexpensively. Sometimes it’s as quick as changing the batteries.
Note! Location, location, location. It is not only relevant in real estate but also in the placement of your thermostat. If located in a spot where the sunlight shines directly on it or even close to a vent, it can read temperature improperly. In turn, your HVAC unit may not respond as it should.
Poor Air Quality and Odors
While air quality can be affected by many factors. From a gas leak to a dirty air filter, it is still important to pay attention. Your unit may stop working efficiently, or you may begin to start noticing odd smells. Odors can start as light and become quite pungent over time. Some culprits include dirty air filters, water, debris stuck on the heat exchanger or in the vents, parts overheating, and more. Poor air quality can cause simple headaches to sickness. It is essential to do your due diligence to catch these odors early before it begins to affect your sales. Customers will leave as soon as they catch a whiff.
Dirty or Clogged Filters
Filters are a critical part of your HVAC unit. Their job is to remove dust, allergens, and other air pollutants at bay. If they are dirty or worn, your unit will need to function harder thus increasing energy costs and reducing its life. Setting up a schedule for filter changes will assist in keeping your system in optimal order. However, consistent checking during peak times is important as the filter may need to be changed sooner than your schedule originally suggested.
Refrigerant Leaking
The liquid contained within the coils of your unit is refrigerant. Its primary purpose is to cool and dehumidify the air within your facility. Without refrigerant your HVAC works overtime to cool your facility causing it to wear down faster. It’s more common than not that a leak may occur, and you’ll lose refrigerant without even knowing it.
Thankfully, a HVAC professional is able to add more by a process called recharging once the leak is found and repaired.
Minimize HVAC Issues Moving Forward
While these are several common HVAC issues, they are not the only ones. It’s crucial to notice when your unit begins to falter. The longer it goes unattended, the larger the expense which ultimately affects your bottom line. By partnering with a strong facility maintenance company, such as SLM Facility Solutions, you will have access to a nationwide network of service suppliers to meet your HVAC needs from preventative maintenance, emergency services, repairs, or replacements. SLM Facility Solutions Nationwide is committed to meeting your needs while exceeding your expectations. Contact SLM Facility Solutions to learn how we assist companies like yours with HVAC services and receive a free facility assessment.
