Common HVAC and Air Conditioner Problems

Temperature extremes in commercial spaces often have a detrimental impact on workers’ physical and mental health, leading to lower productivity. If the environment is too hot or cold, it’s difficult to focus on the task at hand. As a result, prioritizing a comfortable work environment is important to facilitate better efficiency and worker health.

Understanding common heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) issues can help you troubleshoot them and sustain a more comfortable indoor temperature for your employees.

Ineffective Cooling or Heating

As air conditioning and heating solutions age, they may become less effective in heating or cooling a commercial building, often due to:

• Insufficient refrigerant: All air conditioners require a liquid called refrigerant to facilitate the process that cools the air. If the system develops a leak, it may lose refrigerant, impacting cool air production.
• Faulty thermostat: The thermostat helps control a room’s temperature. If this component begins to malfunction, your system may not offer reliable heating or cooling.
• Dirty or clogged air filters: Dust in the air can clog air filters over time. Contaminated filters prevent the air from flowing through the system freely and heating or cooling the space.

Unusual Noises

Strange noises from your HVAC system are often a cause for concern. Here are some unusual sounds to listen for and what they indicate:

• Hissing or whistling sounds: Air leaks in a system’s pipes will produce a whistling sound. Older systems are more prone to this issue as the ductwork seals can become less efficient.
• Banging or clanking: Loose or broken mechanical elements may cause a thumping sound. It’s best to turn off the system and investigate the issue to prevent further damage.
• Squealing or screeching: Sounds that fit this description could mean the system’s components require more lubrication. It may also indicate a fan belt issue.

Unresponsive Systems

When you activate your thermostat, you expect your cooling or heating system to turn off or on. If the system is unresponsive, you may be encountering one of the following issues:

• Electrical problems: Power surges may cause breaks in the circuit. If this is a frequent problem, you will need to reset the breaker to improve HVAC performance.
• Malfunctioning thermostat: Thermostats operate on batteries, so your HVAC or air-conditioner may not turn on if the batteries are dead. If the problem persists after replacing the batteries, you may need to replace the thermostat.
• Faulty capacitator or motor: The capacitator provides the initial surge of electricity to the system while the motor facilitates the running of all mechanical components. Issues relating to these elements often result in your system failing to turn on.

Uneven Heating or Cooling

Aside from heating or cooling the air, HVAC systems need to circulate the air around the room. Irregular cold or warm spots in a commercial space mean the system is not working effectively. Some reasons behind this include:

• Inappropriate system size: The first thing you should check is how the system compares to the size of the room. If you’ve recently transitioned to a more open-plan design, you may need to install a system with a higher capacity.
• Ductwork leaks: As pipe or vent seals become less effective, air escapes, leading to inconsistent heating and cooling. It’s best to reseal these components to ensure better air circulation.
• Blocked vents: Pollen, dust, and other particles in the air may block the vents and hinder airflow. In addition, boxes or drapes may present external barriers that restrict proper air circulation.

Rapid Cycling

Heating and cooling systems go through cycles of operation. In other words, once the system has achieved the desired temperature in the room, it will go into resting mode. When the air temperature fluctuates, the system commences operation once again.

One of the most common HVAC problems is when your system goes between these stages too quickly, otherwise called rapid cycling. Clogged air filters or low refrigerant levels are common reasons behind rapid cycling. In addition, the position of your thermostat could be at fault. As the thermostat is responsible for reading the temperature in the room, technicians must take care to position it in an area that will produce accurate readings.

General HVAC Maintenance Tips

While having a good understanding of common HVAC issues can assist you in troubleshooting HVAC problems effectively, investing time into preventive maintenance can stop the concern from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to optimize your maintenance schedule:

• Create a routine: Regularly inspecting ductwork and refrigerant levels helps your system run more efficiently. Set dates and designate responsibility to a specific team member for greater accountability.
• Replace filters often: As a general rule, it’s good to replace system filters every 30 to 90 days. Regular filter replacement will ensure better air quality and equipment efficiency.
• Keep vents clear: Check that vents are free from obstructions such as equipment or furniture. Consider placing a sign near the heating or cooling unit to remind people to keep vents clear.
• Inspect thermostat settings: A malfunctioning thermostat results in higher power consumption. Check your thermostat periodically for optimal energy use and increased comfort.
• Schedule professional maintenance: Booking an annual service will enable a professional to thoroughly inspect your HVAC system and identify any problems. You can rent a temperature control system during this period to prevent any costly downtime.

Frequently Asked Questions

If your commercial building relies on the effective performance of a heating or cooling system, you may have further questions about how to keep it in great condition. Here are some FAQs to consider:

What Constitutes HVAC Emergencies?

An HVAC emergency is anything that impacts the health and safety of your workforce. For example, some heating solutions may leak carbon monoxide — an odorless and colorless gas — which is toxic to humans. Any HVAC system issue that could impact the safety of your workplace can be considered an emergency.

How Do You Know When Something Is Wrong With Your HVAC System?

Strange odors, unexplained sounds, or inefficient temperature control are signs that your HVAC system is malfunctioning. Specifically, one of the most obvious signs of a faulty system is an uncommonly high energy bill.

HVAC systems experiencing problems will often use more power to achieve the desired output. If you’re paying more for your energy than expected, consider scheduling a professional service — it may save you money in the long run.

How Long Does an HVAC System Last?

Heating and cooling solutions generally last between 15 and 20 years, though they can last longer with diligent maintenance and upkeep. As they become older, they may experience more problems, making it worthwhile to replace the unit.

If it’s time to upgrade your HVAC system, you may want to consider renting a system to ensure your workers can continue working in comfort while it’s being replaced.

Choose HVAC System Preventive Maintenance From Thompson Power Systems

HVAC systems are vital for commercial spaces, creating a comfortable, safe working environment. However, these systems may encounter occasional problems, leading to costly downtime.

Thompson Power Systems offers a range of temperature control systems for rent, allowing you to continue your operations while your current system undergoes maintenance. Whether you need a system for a day or a month, we’re happy to set up a rental arrangement that works for you.

We’re proud to be your local power systems service provider in Alabama and Northwest Florida. Contact our professional team today for more information.