Recognize When Your Commercial A/C Needs Your Attention
Posted on: 11 July 2018
If customers keep complaining that your building is too hot — they're not making up the claim. Your air conditioner might be beyond the point of repair. To keep your customers comfortable, and most importantly, to keep them coming back, learn about commercial A/C red flags you should not look past.
Age
If you get frequent complaints about temperature issues and your HVAC system is old, you may want to start researching replacement options. Commercial A/C units are designed with longevity in mind, but over time, the internal parts do start to wear. The wearing effects can lead to significant problems, such as a lack of cold air, or more subtle problems, such as declined energy efficiency.
Whatever the outward sign, an old and outdated A/C should be replaced. An HVAC technician can help you gauge the age of your unit if you're unsure. Keep in mind that maintenance effects age. Even a newer unit that is poorly cared for can age fast. If you have neglected maintenance, your system may function more like an older system and need to be replaced.
Airflow Inconsistencies
No matter the temperature reading, the airflow output from your system should remain consistent. Variances in the airflow rate is another cause for concern. If you have parts of the building that are cooler than others, this imbalance is a sign of an airflow inconsistency. A minor problem like a clogged filter could be the culprit.
However, the problem could also be a sign that the system is not sized to meet the demands of your space. If you have made additions to the building over the years but did not replace the A/C unit, sizing is the source of the problem.
Refrigerant Leak
The refrigerant is the liquid solution that makes the air that flows throughout your building cool. As air enters the intake portal on your outside unit, the warm and humid air passes over a set of coils. The refrigerant works to remove the moisture and excess heat from the air. The cooled air then flows throughout the building.
A lack of refrigerant means that the air won't cool as necessary. Refrigerant can leak for many different reasons, including excess wear and tear. However, no matter the cause, a leak can lead to significant damage to the A/C system due to the system working harder to compensate for the low level of refrigerant. A leak also produces dangers since the solution is full of harsh chemicals.
When the need for repairs or a complete replacement of your A/C unit is clear — don't ignore the issue. Have your system serviced by a commercial air conditioning technician.
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