Maintaining a comfortable and productive work environment is essential for any business, and a reliable air conditioning system is a critical component of achieving this goal. A properly functioning commercial HVAC system keeps the indoor temperature at a comfortable level and also helps to maintain healthy indoor air quality.
However, just like any other mechanical system, your HVAC can experience problems that require immediate attention. In this article, we will explore some common signs that your air conditioning may need repairs to prevent further damage and ensure that your workplace remains comfortable and productive for your employees and clients.
- Unusual or loud noises coming from the system.
- Decreased cooling or heating output.
- Poor airflow from the vents.
- Foul smells or odours coming from the system.
- Leaks or moisture around the system.
- High humidity levels inside the building.
- Increased energy bills without a corresponding increase in usage.
- The system constantly turns on and off or short-cycling.
- Inconsistent temperatures throughout the building.
- The system is more than 10 years old and hasn’t been properly maintained.
Unusual or loud noises coming from the system
Unusual or loud noises coming from your commercial air conditioning system could indicate a variety of issues that require immediate attention. If you hear banging, clanging, rattling, or grinding sounds, it’s important to call us at Airmaster to inspect the system as soon as possible.
Banging or clanging sounds could be a sign of a loose or broken component, such as a fan blade, compressor, or motor mount. If left unchecked, this could cause further (more costly) damage to the system.
Rattling sounds could indicate loose screws or bolts, or even a failing compressor. This can also lead to more serious problems if not addressed promptly.
Grinding noises may be a sign of worn bearings, which will cause damage to other parts of the system if not replaced. These types of sounds often signal that the system is struggling to function properly and should be inspected by a qualified technician immediately.
Decreased cooling or heating output
Decreased cooling or heating output is one of the most common signs that your HVAC system may need repairs. If you notice that your commercial space is not reaching the desired temperature or if the air is not as cold or warm as it should be, it’s a clear indication that something is not working correctly.
There are several reasons why you may be experiencing decreased cooling or heating output. A dirty air filter is one of the most common reasons for poor airflow and reduced cooling or heating output. Dirty air filters restrict airflow, making your aircon system work harder than it should, which can lead to decreased output and higher energy bills.
Another reason for temperature issues could be a refrigerant leak. If your HVAC is low on refrigerant, the system will have to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Low refrigerant levels can also cause it to freeze up and stop functioning entirely.
A faulty compressor, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a broken fan could also cause cooling or heating problems.
Poor airflow from the vents
Poor airflow from the vents is another common sign that your air conditioning system may need repairs. Low airflow can cause uneven cooling or heating throughout your commercial space, leading to discomfort for your employees and customers.
It can be caused by several factors, including clogged air filters, blocked or dirty air ducts, or a malfunctioning blower fan. A dirty or clogged air filter restricts the flow of air into your air conditioning system, making it harder for your system to circulate cool or warm air throughout your building.
Blocked or dirty air ducts can also cause issues. Over time, dirt, dust, and other debris can accumulate inside the air ducts, restricting the flow of air through the ducts and into your work areas. This can result in poor, low-quality airflow and uneven temperatures throughout your building.
A malfunctioning blower fan can also cause poor air flow from your vents. The blower fan is responsible for circulating air throughout your air conditioning system. If the blower fan is not working correctly, it can reduce airflow, leading to uneven cooling or heating.
Foul smells or odours coming from the system
Foul smells or odours coming from your air conditioning are not only unpleasant but can also indicate a serious issue that requires immediate attention. Smells can be caused by a variety of factors, including mould, mildew, or even dead animals inside the ventilation system.
Mould and mildew can grow inside when there is excessive moisture or when the system is not properly maintained. These organisms produce a distinct, musty odour that can be circulated throughout your space, affecting indoor air quality and potentially causing health problems for your employees and customers.
Another common cause of bad smells is dead animals. Small animals like rodents or birds can sometimes find their way into the air ducts or the outdoor unit of your system and can become trapped or stuck, leading to unpleasant odours.
An unpleasant odour coming from your air conditioning system can also be a sign of a refrigerant leak or an electrical issue.
Leaks or moisture around the system
Leaks or moisture around your commercial HVAC system is a clear indication that something is not working correctly and requires immediate attention. Moisture can cause a wide range of problems, including damage to your building’s structure, equipment, and even the health of your employees.
One of the most common causes of leaks or moisture in your system is a clogged condensate drain line. As your system cools the air, it also removes humidity from the indoor air, which is then drained outside through the condensate drain line. If the drain line becomes clogged with dirt, debris, or algae growth, water can back up and leak out around the system, potentially causing water damage to your building.
Another common cause of leaks or moisture around your air conditioning system is a refrigerant leak. If your system is leaking refrigerant, it can cause the evaporator coil to freeze, leading to a buildup of ice around the system. As the ice melts, it can create pools of water around the system, which can damage your building’s structure and pose a safety risk to your employees.
Leaks or moisture issues around your system can also be caused by a faulty condenser pump, a malfunctioning humidifier, or even a broken drain pan.
High humidity levels inside the building
High humidity levels inside your building can be uncomfortable for your employees and customers, and can also lead to a range of problems, including mould growth, water damage, and health issues. This is often caused by an issue with your HVAC system.
When your air conditioning system is working correctly, it removes excess humidity from the indoor air, creating a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. However, if it is not functioning correctly, it can lead to high humidity levels inside your building.
One of the most common causes of high humidity is an oversized or undersized air conditioning system. An oversized air conditioning system cools the indoor air too quickly, which can cause the system to cycle on and off frequently, while an undersized air conditioning system may not be able to remove enough humidity from the indoor air – both issues resulting in high humidity levels.
Another common cause of high humidity is a malfunctioning thermostat. If your thermostat is not functioning correctly, it can cause your air conditioning system to run longer than necessary.
High humidity can also be caused by clogged air filters, dirty evaporator coils, or a malfunctioning blower fan. These issues can restrict the flow of air through your air conditioning system, leading to inefficient cooling.
Increased energy bills without a corresponding increase in usage
One of the tell-tale signs that your commercial air conditioning may need repairs is an unexpected increase in your energy bills without a corresponding increase in usage. If you’ve noticed that your energy bills have spiked, but your building’s usage hasn’t changed, it’s possible that your system is not running efficiently.
Many of the other issues we’ve mentioned can lead to higher power usage, including;
- Dirt and debris restrict the airflow, which can cause the system to work harder.
- Low refrigerant levels in your air conditioning system.
- A malfunctioning thermostat. If your thermostat is not functioning correctly, it can cause your system to run longer than necessary.
- Short-cycling (see next section).
An old or outdated air conditioning system can also contribute to increased power bills. Older systems are often less efficient than newer models and may require more energy to cool the indoor air.
The system constantly turns on and off or short-cycling
Short-cycling, or the constant turning on and off of your air conditioning system, is a sign that your system may need repairs. This issue can be caused by several factors, including a malfunctioning compressor, a dirty air filter, or a refrigerant leak.
If your HVAC system is short-cycling, it can lead to several issues. For one, it can cause your energy bills to skyrocket, as the system is using more energy than necessary to cool the indoor air. Short-cycling can also cause unnecessary wear and tear on your air conditioning system, leading to costly repairs and a shorter lifespan for your system.
A dirty air filter is one of the most common causes of short-cycling. When the air filter in your air conditioning system is clogged with dirt and debris, it can restrict the airflow, causing the system to overheat and shut down. Regularly changing or cleaning your air filter can help prevent this issue.
Another common cause of short-cycling is a malfunctioning compressor. The compressor is the part of your air conditioning system that compresses the refrigerant and circulates it through the system to cool the indoor air. If the compressor is not functioning correctly, it can cause the system to short-cycle.
A refrigerant leak is another potential cause of short-cycling. If your air conditioning system has a refrigerant leak, it can cause the system to overheat and shut down to prevent damage. Our professional HVAC technicians can diagnose and fix any refrigerant leaks and recharge your system with the correct amount of refrigerant.
Inconsistent temperatures throughout the building.
If you’ve noticed that the temperature in your building is inconsistent, with some areas feeling too warm and others too cold, it’s a sign that your air conditioning system may need repairs. Inconsistent temperatures can be caused by several factors, including a malfunctioning thermostat, clogged air filters, or dirty evaporator coils.
A malfunctioning thermostat is one of the most common causes of temperature issues in a commercial building. If your thermostat is not functioning correctly, it can cause the aircon system to run longer than necessary or not turn on at all, resulting in inconsistent temperatures throughout the building.
Clogged air filters can also cause temperature problems. When the air filter in your air conditioning system is clogged with dirt and debris, it can restrict airflow, causing some areas of the building to feel warmer than others. Regularly changing or cleaning your air filter can help prevent this issue.
Dirty evaporator coils are another potential cause of inconsistent temperatures. When the evaporator coils in your air conditioning system are dirty, it can affect the system’s ability to cool the indoor air evenly, resulting in some areas feeling too warm and others too cold.
The system is more than 10 years old and hasn’t been properly maintained
If your commercial air conditioning system is more than 10 years old and hasn’t been properly maintained, it’s likely that it’s not running as efficiently as it should be. As air conditioning systems age, their efficiency decreases, and they require more repairs to keep them running smoothly.
Proper maintenance is essential to keep your system running efficiently and extend its lifespan. Regular maintenance includes cleaning the air filters, checking the refrigerant levels, inspecting the electrical connections, and lubricating the moving parts. If your HVAC system hasn’t been properly maintained, it’s likely that it’s not running as efficiently as it could be, which can lead to higher energy bills and costly repairs down the road.
An older air conditioning system that hasn’t been properly maintained is more susceptible to breakdowns and malfunctions. This can be especially problematic during summer when your system is working harder to cool the indoor air. A breakdown during a heatwave can not only be uncomfortable for your employees or customers but also result in lost revenue and productivity.
Proper maintenance will save you money on energy bills and reduce the risk of breakdowns and malfunctions.
Conclusion
An HVAC system is a vital component of any business, keeping the indoor environment cool, comfortable, safe, and conducive to productivity. However, a malfunctioning HVAC can result in problems that can be costly, uncomfortable, and even dangerous.
It’s essential to address any of the above problems immediately by contacting us at Airmaster. Ignoring these issues can lead to more significant problems, higher energy bills, and costly repairs. Our professional HVAC technicians can diagnose the underlying problem, and make the necessary repairs or replacements. This will ensure that your air conditioning system runs safely and efficiently to extend its lifespan, ultimately saving you money on energy bills and reducing the risk of breakdowns and malfunctions.
