In a commercial facility, keeping commercial HVAC compressors in good working order can go a long way toward ensuring a comfortable and healthy indoor environment, increasing productivity and controlling operating costs. Failing to maintain commercial HVAC compressors regularly and make timely repairs can lead to a series of problems that might occur when least expected. Problems such as:
- Inconsistent Airflow
- Abnormal Noise During Operation
- Unexpected Shutdowns
- Leaking Refrigerant
- Spikes in Energy Usage
To understand the importance of proactive HVAC maintenance, let’s take a closer look at the most common problems with commercial HVAC systems.
Inconsistent Airflow
Inconsistent airflow manifests itself as intermittent temperature fluctuations and occurs due to the inability of an HVAC unit to properly heat or cool a commercial facility. As a result, temperature-controlled areas are either too hot or too cold.
Inconsistency in your cooling and heating can be a result of a variety of different issues. Possible issues include thermostat malfunction, frozen evaporator coils, clogged filters, and drain pan overflow. If left untreated, further complications like compressor malfunction and water leaks can occur.
Abnormal Noise During Operation
Unusual noises can be a sign of a critical issue, such as a broken fan, a fan belt that needs to be replaced, or a mechanical problem with the compressor. Sometimes, however, unexplained noises can be due to small problems, such as loose components or debris accumulated inside the system or ventilation ducts.
Unexpected Shutdowns
Sometimes, commercial HVAC systems shut down unexpectedly. That can happen because of a tripped circuit breaker, clogged air filters, blown fuses, broken capacitors, faulty start relays or a loose connection. If resetting the circuit breaker or replacing the air filters doesn’t resolve the issue, you might need to call an HVAC technician to inspect your system and diagnose the problem.
Leaking Refrigerant
Contained within the coils of the central cooling system included in the HVAC unit, the refrigerant makes air conditioning possible by cooling and dehumidifying the air. Refrigerant leaks can result in an undercharged HVAC system, which can no longer achieve its rated capacity. Furthermore, an undercharged system may cause the evaporator coil to freeze up and the compressor to work harder, potentially leading to water leaks and compressor failure.
Spikes in Energy Usage
Increased energy bills can indicate a problem with commercial HVAC compressors. Various factors, including “small” issues like malfunctioning fans or clogged filters, can make a commercial HVAC system less efficient. As a result, the system will have to work harder in order to meet the temperature, humidity, and air quality requirements in a commercial facility. Besides reduced efficiency and higher energy bills, too much strain on the HVAC system will accelerate the wear and tear on different components, reducing their service life.
Understanding where problems originate in commercial HVAC compressors allows building owners, managers and operators to take the necessary remedial measures in order to ensure optimal system performance, improved air quality and lower energy bills. Additionally, implementing a comprehensive HVAC maintenance program can help prevent small issues from escalating into major problems that can be time-consuming and expensive to fix.
If you’re experiencing any problems with your commercial HVAC compressors that indicate a defect, Compressors Unlimited has unparalleled levels of specialist knowledge and experience to provide you with the ideal compressor solutions for your business. For more details, please feel free to get in touch with our professionals by calling 972-826-2264.
