As the owner of a commercial building, you rely on your tenants to pay their rent on time or on your workers to do their jobs. In return, they expect you to ensure that the building meets their needs.
One of the most common needs is a working HVAC system. HVAC provides the necessary heating or cooling to maintain stable temperatures in the building and excellent air quality.
When your HVAC system isn’t doing what it is supposed to, worker productivity can suffer, and expenses can increase rapidly. Both these scenarios result in a diminishing bottom line, so it is in your interest to make sure the system is running optimally.
The symptoms of a faulty HVAC system include strange noises, unpleasant odors, reduced air quality, uneven heating and cooling, and a loss of efficiency, which is indicated by higher utility bills. What could possibly be wrong?
The system needs maintenance
As with anything in life, prevention is better than cure. Repetitive, regular maintenance can save you a lot of money, especially when you compare them with the price of repairs or, worse still, replacement of the entire system.
Ensuring your HVAC system is maintained is a preventative measure that can lead to the early identification of problems. The sooner you know about the issue, the sooner you can arrange for HVAC repair services, thereby preventing a small problem from becoming a huge catastrophe.
The filters need cleaning
Although they might not seem to be that important, the filters in your HVAC system play a critical role. They are often the first part of the system to wear out or become blocked. The filters in the system should be cleaned regularly.
Filters have a lifespan, after which they need to be replaced. If you take care of the filters by keeping them clean, they will last a lot longer than if you don’t. Clogged filters lead to reduced air quality. They are meant to prevent organisms, such as bacteria, from entering the ventilation system. However, worn or damaged filters cannot do their job effectively, and should be replaced.
The thermostat isn’t working
While your HVAC system might be functioning in peak condition, the thermostat linked to it could be faulty. A lot of users complain that their thermostat is a bit temperamental. However, it’s more likely to be faulty. A thermostat is a sensitive piece of equipment, and a lot can go wrong with it.
The thermostat’s function is to regulate the temperature of the air the HVAC system produces. It also has settings to control the timing of the system’s activity. A troublesome thermostat can cause fluctuating temperatures.
The system is leaking
Another important component of your HVAC system is the coolant it uses to maintain a constant temperature. Otherwise known as refrigerant, this substance both cools and dehumidifies the air that is pumped through the system.
Leaking refrigerant compromises the system’s ability to cool the air. It also causes the condenser in the system to work harder, which will lead to unnecessary wear and tear, as well as a shorter lifespan.
The dampers are not balanced
Dampers have a vital role in the optimal functioning of your HVAC system. If they are not working as they should, you could experience fluctuating temperatures in different rooms in the building.
As the air flows through the ducts in the HVAC system, it gets routed to different rooms. The HVAC dampers control how much air flows in the ducts. Some ducts require more air than others as they are going to rooms that do not cool as quickly as others. Faulty dampeners can make the system seem as if it’s gone haywire.