Common Commercial HVAC Problems To Be Aware Of

Even though some businesses value it more than others, air quality is an important factor to consider in any enclosed environment. Neither customers nor employees want to breathe in dust all day. Plus, some important machinery could malfunction if debris clogs it up. That’s why having a properly working HVAC system is essential in all business areas.

Of course, given enough time, even the best HVACs will begin to fail. However, if you know which signs to look for, you can catch issues before they worsen. You can avoid any significant difficulties with this list of common commercial HVAC problems to be aware of.

Strange Noises

The first common commercial HVAC problem you may run into is strange noises. Even though an HVAC system can be quite loud and constantly makes noise, there are bad noises that it could be making that you’ll want to investigate. The first thing to listen for is popping sounds. These are generally fine since they happen when the metal expands or contracts due to the amount of heat it’s putting off. If those sounds become abnormally loud, your system could be getting too hot.

Another sound to listen for is rattling. This sound usually occurs when a part inside the machine breaks off, or some bolts came loose. Regardless of the severity of the rattling, you’ll want to make sure you get the problem fixed sooner rather than later.

Refrigerant Leaks

If you’ve noticed any leaking occurring around your commercial system, it’s likely a refrigerant leak. While a leak isn’t too detrimental to your HVAC system, you’ll want to address the leak quickly if you want it to continue pumping cool air into your building. The refrigerant is the main component that helps with cooling, so finding the source of the leak and patching it up will be your main priority. Leaking refridgerant is another common commercial HVAC problem.

Reduced Airflow

Another common commercial HVAC problem that’s important to be aware of is if there’s a reduction in airflow when your system is running. If your unit must work harder to output the same amount of fresh air, it’ll lead to increased electricity costs.

Fortunately, when this happens, it’s usually due to a clogged filter. Keeping up with your replacements should fix this issue. However, if the filter is clean, it could indicate that your HVAC is on its last leg. Fixing it might be possible, but you’ll need to consult with an HVAC professional to find out for sure.

Dust Still in the Air

The final common commercial HVAC problem you might run into is dust floating through the air no matter how much you run your system. If this is the case, it’s because your HVAC is pushing the dust and debris back into your building. Sometimes, this occurs because the filter is dirty, but often, it’s due to the filter being the wrong size.

If the filter doesn’t fit properly, dust will find a way past it, forcing it back into your air supply. This is one of the main reasons to buy a custom HVAC filter. Doing so ensures a tight seal for your filter.