HVAC systems are at the center of a comfortable and healthy environment in commercial buildings. They control indoor temperature, air quality, and humidity, making them important to the well-being of employees, clients, and visitors. But just like any other complex machinery, HVAC systems and HVAC pumps are not immune to issues. Some of these issues are more common than others and can be diagnosed and fixed before they escalate into major complications. Here are some of the most common commercial HVAC problems and preventative measures for each.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
One of the common HVAC problems commercial buildings encounter is frozen evaporator coils. The evaporator coil is a key component of your HVAC system that absorbs heat from the air inside your building. When the evaporator coil gets too cold and moisture in the air condenses on it, the coil can freeze.
Several issues can lead to frozen evaporator coils, including low refrigerant levels, poor airflow, or a dirty coil. In such cases, you may notice a decrease in cooling efficiency or even a complete lack of cool air.
How to Address It
If your HVAC system’s evaporator coil is frozen, it’s important to first turn off your system to prevent further damage. Then, contact a certified HVAC professional who can diagnose the cause of the problem and fix it appropriately. Regular preventive maintenance can prevent such issues from occurring, including cleaning the evaporator coils, changing filters regularly, and ensuring the refrigerant levels are correct.
Thermostat Issues
The thermostat is the command center of your HVAC system. It tells the system when to cool, heat, or maintain the current temperature. If the thermostat isn’t working correctly, the HVAC system won’t be able to properly regulate the temperature in your building.
How to Address It
The first step to addressing a thermostat issue is to check if it’s properly calibrated and in the right location. If you have a smart thermostat, check for software updates or potential bugs. It’s also important to make sure the thermostat isn’t being affected by factors like direct sunlight or drafts.
Leaking Refrigerant
The refrigerant in your HVAC system absorbs heat from the air, cooling it down before it’s circulated back into your building. If your system is leaking refrigerant, it won’t be able to cool your building effectively. This issue is particularly common in older systems, but it can occur in any HVAC system.
If your HVAC system is leaking refrigerant, you may notice signs like a lack of cooling power, higher energy bills, or even a hissing sound from the refrigerant leaking out.
How to Address It
Fixing a refrigerant leak is not a DIY job. The refrigerant is a hazardous material that should only be handled by professionals. If you suspect a leak, turn off your HVAC system to prevent further loss of refrigerant and contact a professional immediately.
To prevent leaks, regular maintenance of your HVAC system is key. Regular inspections can help identify potential leaks before they become a major issue, saving you money and ensuring your system operates efficiently.
The Blower Doesn’t Stop Running
Occasionally, commercial HVAC systems encounter an issue where the blower doesn’t stop running, leading to excessive energy use and potential overheating. This issue often stems from a problem with the system’s limit switch or a faulty thermostat setting.
How to Address It
If the blower doesn’t stop running, the first step is to check your thermostat settings. Ensure it’s not set to ‘continuous’ or ‘fan always on’. If your thermostat settings are correct, the problem might lie in the limit switch, which needs professional attention. The limit switch controls the fan in the HVAC system, and if it’s faulty, the blower will continue running. HVAC professionals can replace a faulty limit switch, resolving the issue.
A Blown Fuse
Blown fuses in your HVAC system will usually act as a warning sign for bigger issues. They often signify an overloaded system or electrical problem. If your system isn’t running or responding to thermostat adjustments, it might be due to a blown fuse.
The Burner is Inefficient
An inefficient burner in your HVAC system can lead to inadequate heating. This could result from a dirty burner, a misadjusted burner, or issues with the gas supply.
How to Address It
Improving burner efficiency typically involves cleaning or adjusting the burner, which should be done by a professional to ensure safe and proper treatment. If the issue is related to the gas supply, it might be necessary to contact your utility company. Regular maintenance of your HVAC system will ensure the burner remains clean and efficient.
The Condenser Coil is Dirty
The condenser coil plays a vital role in your HVAC system, expelling the heat removed from the air outside your building. If the condenser coil is dirty, it can’t perform its function efficiently, leading to a less effective cooling system and increased energy consumption.
How to Address It
To address a dirty condenser coil, it needs to be cleaned professionally. Cleaning the condenser coil involves high-pressure air or specialized cleaning agents and should be handled by a professional to prevent damage. Regular HVAC system maintenance often includes condenser coil cleaning to prevent efficiency losses.
Contact North End Electric for HVAC Pumps and Pump Repair
When it comes to your commercial HVAC system’s health, professional help is often needed. Whether it’s an issue with the HVAC pumps, or you need repair and maintenance, North End Electric is your go-to solution.
Don’t wait until you’re in the middle of a complete system breakdown. Contact North End Electric for your HVAC pump and repair needs today, and experience the true peace of mind of a fully functional and stable HVAC system.