7 Reasons To Get Your Commercial HVAC System Inspected
Thursday, March 8th, 2018
Commercial HVAC systems are designed to be tougher, last longer, and work harder than residential systems. However, that doesn’t make them invulnerable and you still need to inspect them to keep them working regularly. Your commercial HVAC system is under different demands when it operates in winter and summer. As you transition between seasons, it is a good idea to check your HVAC for the following common issues.
Winter HVAC problems
Frozen pipes
Two of the things that can freeze in winter are your HVAC’s pipes and coils. As your pipes freeze, the heating system can fail because ice will block the water. Frozen pipes can sometimes burst and cause significant damage as well.
Keep in mind that even partial freezes will reduce the efficiency of your system or exert stress on the pipes. You should inspect your HVAC system for signs of freezing and carefully watch how it operates to catch any changes. The problem with commercial systems is that they are larger, so diagnosing frozen pipes is more difficult to do. When you shift from winter to summer operations, you should hire an expert to test pressure and air flow to determine if there are any blockages.
Inconsistent temperatures and air flow
Inconsistencies can happen during both summer and winter months. Inconsistent temperatures and air flow are typically caused by obstructions in your commercial HVAC. However, during the winter, these problems can also occur due to cracks, open windows, or other issues on the property. If you notice temperature or air flow issues, inspect your HVAC and the rooms that are affected as well. Keep even the simple solutions in mind when diagnosing your system.
Thermostat issues
The thermostat is under extreme pressure during winter. Your building is probably running many degrees hotter than the outdoor temperature. Additionally, depending on the size of your property, you could have multiple thermostats. It is critical that you inspect the thermostats at the beginning and end of winter to catch any issues before they cause any serious problems.
Summer HVAC issues
Inconsistent cooling and air flow
Similar to winter, your system can provide inconsistent service in the summer. Your HVAC system can get blocked or clogged by debris, especially during spring and winter. Debris and trash should be kept clear around the outside of your commercial HVAC system.
Additionally, if temperatures are inconsistent, then that likely means your system is working harder than it needs to. If you or your tenant notice issues, you should inspect the system as soon as possible to catch problems before it suffers serious damage.
Dirty air filters
A common issue associated with inconsistent air flow and temperature is having a dirty air filter. The air filter is the workhorse of any commercial HVAC system. During the winter it can get clogged, but blockages are far more frequent in the spring and summer. There are particulates in the air that build up and result in dirty air filters that are unique to spring and summer, many of which cause allergies.
Before spring and summer start, you should inspect and replace all air filters. Depending on where your commercial property is located, you may want to do this more frequently. Checking monthly can ensure that your air filters will not get clogged and prevent larger issues with your commercial HVAC.
Low refrigerant
Refrigerant is the substance that allows your HVAC system to keep you, your employees, and your customers cool. If you think your refrigerant levels are too low, you should contact a professional to inspect your system and add more if needed. Depending on the size of your commercial property, you could have multiple systems that need an inspection.
Poor drainage
As mentioned above, your commercial HVAC needs to be clear of debris, blockages, and other issues. Your system should be able to drain excess water (condensate) to stay operational. HVAC systems generate substantial amounts of water, which must be drained before it damages the coils or other components.
Commercial HVAC contractors in Amarillo, TX
It is best to hire a professional commercial HVAC contractor to diagnose and repair your building’s HVAC. At Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical Inc. in Amarillo, Texas, our experts can inspect, repair, and maintain your system throughout the year. If you would like to schedule one of our technicians, give us a call at (806) 376-8345 or Contact Us by email to learn more about our Commercial HVACR services.