Why Did My Commercial Furnace Stop Working?

Is your commercial furnace blowing cold air? If so, something is probably not working correctly. Aside from the fact that your tenants are likely going to be unhappy, you could also have furnace system problems like frozen pipes. The following will go over the reasons your furnace could be blowing cold air and what to do about it, including:

• Checking the basics of your system
• Calling an HVAC maintenance company
• Getting regular, or scheduled, maintenance and inspections

Check for the basics

First, check to make sure that your system is turned on. Yes, this is a basic thing to ask, but many problems can be traced to one small mistake. The first thing you should do is check all the switches and confirm they are turned on.

Second, check that your fuse box or circuit breaker are functioning properly. You can safely replace your fuses or reset your breaker once. But, if they keeps causing issues with your commercial furnace, that could be a sign that your building has an electrical issue. If this is the case, you should call a professional commercial HVAC company. If your system runs on propane or oil, then make sure there is enough fuel in the tank.

After you’ve confirmed that your commercial furnace is turned on and there is fuel to power it, check out your thermostat. The thermostat should be set on “heat.” This is another basic check, but you should always do this when diagnosing a problem. If your thermostat is set properly, try changing the batteries. Sometimes low batteries can cause this component to malfunction.

Fourth, check your air filters. A clogged air filter can interfere with airflow, which forces your furnace to shut down. Basically, the motor is working overtime to force the air through. This could cause it to overheat and even start a fire. Most of the time, your furnace will shut-off as a safety feature before this happens. If your filters are dirty or you can’t remember when you changed them, then switch them out to be safe.

When to call a professional HVAC company

If you are not able to fix the problem with your furnace after checking the above items, then you may need to call a professional. There are also some problems that should be left to experienced HVAC technicians in the first place. These issues could indicate that the thermocouple is broken. The thermocouple shuts off the fuel supply when the burner flame is snuffed (to stop a build-up of gas in your building). However, if the thermocouple is broken, it may not detect the flame is active, so it will keep shutting off the fuel supply. If this is happening, you should let a professional replace it.

Other issues that are best left to professionals include when the blower motor fan stops working, there are ignition or electrical issues, and when combustion is inadequate. Severe build-up of dust and gunk within the system can jam its components as well. This could require a complete shutdown to allow the professional to clear out your commercial furnace system.

Regular HVAC maintenance is important

Regular (or scheduled) maintenance is critical to keeping your costs down. The longer you go between regular cleanings, maintenance, and inspections, the more expensive repairs become. Proper upkeep ensures that you correct problems before they become major.

Scheduled maintenance also has long-term benefits, like keeping your furnace running longer. Regular upkeep like clearing debris, changing filters, flushing refrigerant, and other fixes ensures that your furnace continues to operate.

Schedules can be customized to fit your unique HVAC system. Every building is different, so it is important for your HVAC technician that understands yours. Maintenance schedules should be adjusted throughout the year, especially as seasons change.

Commercial HVAC maintenance in the Texas Panhandle

If you are having a problem with your furnace, call the experts at Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical Inc. in Amarillo, Texas. Our Commercial technicians serve a broad variety of clients including office buildings, hospitals, and factories. We also offer Residential HVAC services. If you would like to schedule maintenance or repairs on your HVAC system, give us a call at (806) 376-8345 or Contact Us by email today. You can also stop by our office at 404 S. Hayden St. in Amarillo to learn more.