6 Common Commercial HVAC Issues and Solutions

A commercial HVAC system—heating, ventilation, and air conditioning—maintains a comfortable and conducive indoor environment, which is essential for the success of your business. These systems deliver warm or cool air and superb air quality to keep your employees and customers happy, no matter the season.

However, even the most robust HVAC system can encounter issues over time, leading to disruptions in your daily operations and potentially causing you significant energy expenses. Understanding the common challenges that industrial HVAC systems face and having a grasp of the solutions is key to keeping your business running smoothly.

Being proactive is the best way to avert heating and cooling nightmares. Keep reading to learn the top six common HVAC issues and along with expert-recommended HVAC solutions!

Issue 1: Unresponsive Thermostat

Incorrect thermostat settings or malfunctioning thermostats can lead to temperature inconsistencies, making some areas too hot or too cold. Usually, its leading cause is dead batteries. If you have a programmable smart thermostat, the issue could also be due to faulty wiring.

→ What You Can Do

Replace the batteries first and foremost. However, if this doesn’t fix the issue, we recommend contacting a professional. You may be tempted to push all the buttons and hope for the best, but you may risk breaking something in the process.

Issue 2: Airflow Problems

Poor airflow due to blocked ducts, dirty filters, or damaged fans can strain your industrial HVAC system. Insufficient airflow can lead to uneven heating or cooling and overwork the system, potentially causing parts to wear out permanently.

→ What You Can Do

Regularly inspect and clean air ducts, vents, and filters to ensure unobstructed airflow. Replace damaged or blocked ductwork as needed. You can also consider installing variable speed fans to improve airflow efficiency, however, this should be done by a licensed HVAC technician.

Issue 3: Strange Noises

During a quiet day in the office you hear a loud noise from the vents and ducts. Strange noises are how HVAC systems communicate if something is wrong. Screeching, banging, and tapping are all signs of a broken or loose component.

→ What You Can Do

When you hear something strange, trust your instincts and call your trusted HVAC technician. They’re experts in identifying what the cause is using a complete diagnostic tool set. You’ll be surprised with what they might find!

Issue 4: Dirty Coils

There are two types of coils you need to constantly maintain in commercial HVAC systems: evaporator and condenser coils. The former collects all heat indoors, and then the latter expels this heat outdoors. These coils get clogged and dirty over time, which forces your system to work harder and therefore reduces efficiency.

→ What You Can Do

This is a job requiring the attention of a trained service technician. They’ll safely remove the condenser and evaporator coils and clean them with precision tools.

Issue 5: Refrigerant Leaks

A refrigerant leak is often the cause when an air conditioner isn’t delivering cool air as it should inside a commercial building. Water puddles, elevated energy costs, and frozen evaporator coils are dead giveaways of this HVAC issue.

→ What You Can Do

Refrigerant leaks happen due to normal wear and tear along with missing regularly scheduled maintenance. It’s best to turn this over to HVAC professionals due to its hazardous nature rather than risking it yourself. They’ll also be able to properly dispose of old refrigerants.

Issue 6: Nasty Smells

Stay alert if you suddenly smell something out of the ordinary inside commercial buildings. A burning smell is a warning sign that a vital component has broken or an electrical short-circuit has happened. A musty smell signals mildew and mould build-up!

→ What You Can Do

Waste no time and call a professional to check on the condition of your commercial HVAC unit. They will ensure that all connections are secure and that damaged wiring is replaced promptly. Regular maintenance will prevent any component breakdowns from happening, and it’ll also keep the heating and cooling systems clean.

Expert HVAC Solutions at LG Home Comfort

Don’t let these common HVAC issues disrupt your operations or inflate your energy bills.

Schedule a comprehensive HVAC assessment tailored to your commercial space. LG Home Comfort’s team of skilled technicians will identify potential problems, provide effective solutions, and optimize your system’s performance for maximum efficiency.

Elevate your business environment and enhance your bottom line. Book your consultation online or give us a call at 1-866-438-5442. Let us help you achieve a climate-controlled workspace that fosters productivity and customer satisfaction.