Preventative maintenance identifies problems quickly to improve the way your HVAC system performs. When an HVAC technician follows a planned maintenance on your system, they check every part for potential problems. When they find minor issues, your technician can correct the performance problems before they impact your entire system. What is commonly referred to as “problem diagnosis of HVAC systems” prevents minor operating issues from growing significantly enough to require emergency HVAC services.
Change Air Filters Regularly
A clogged furnace air filter can significantly reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system. When dust, dirt, and grime accumulate in the filter, your HVAC system has to work harder to move air through your facility. As a result, your energy bills increase, and your carbon footprint grows. By replacing your air filter regularly, you can help your system run more efficiently, saving both energy and money. A clean air filter allows for better airflow, ensuring that your HVAC system operates at optimal levels.
Dirty air filters can have a direct impact on your health? When a filter is clogged, it allows dust, dander, and even mold to circulate through your facility. Breathing in these contaminants can worsen asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions.as well as pollute the products you provide your customers.
While a clogged air filter may not always cause system failure, it can lead to expensive maintenance issues. A blower that stops working or ductwork that requires frequent cleaning due to dust buildup can be avoided with routine air filter replacement.
As a general guideline, it is recommended to change your air filter every month. However, it’s important to evaluate your specific needs and consult with professionals to determine the optimal replacement schedule for your commercial facility.
Keep the Coils Clean
When it’s hot and muggy outside, the last thing you want is for your air conditioner to stop working and prevent optimal indoor air quality for your employees and customers. Included in any commercial HVAC planned maintenance program is a thorough cleaning of A/C evaporator and condenser coils.
Your air conditioner works by removing heat from the air inside your facility and releasing it outdoors. Once the heat has been removed from the indoor air, it needs to be released outdoors. That’s where the condenser coils come in. The hot refrigerant from the evaporator coils passes through the condenser coils, which release the heat into the air outside.
If the evaporator coils on the inside are dirty, then they won’t do a great job of absorbing the heat and humidity in your facility. And if the condenser coils outside are dirty, they won’t be able to release heat out of your facility effectively. An air conditioner that’s overworked due to dirty AC coils can lead to a number of problems:
- Your AC unit will likely use more energy to perform at the same level, which can lead to higher energy bills.
- Your AC fan will run all of the time.
- The AC may not cool your facility efficiently.
- Dirty coils can, eventually, turn into frozen coils, a complete AC breakdown, and a costly repair or replacement.
Commercial HVAC preventive maintenance programs should always include consistent cleaning of evaporator and condenser coils.
Ensure Proper Insulation
Commercial properties tend to have much larger physical footprints than residential properties. As a result, commercial buildings generally require more powerful HVAC systems. In addition, commercial buildings also require more extensive duct and piping systems. These often play a large role in building-wide energy inefficiency. A duct system delivers both cold and hot air to the various rooms of your building. In some cases, ducts pass through the climate-conditioned portions of a building. In other cases, installation contractors route ducts through unconditioned spaces. This strategy allows designers to maximize the amount of usable space, while hiding unaesthetic ducts. Insulating sections of unconditioned ducts and pipes minimizes energy loss. Hot air stays hotter, and cold air stays colder enroute to the rooms of your building. As a result, you will likely notice significant reductions in your energy costs.
The efficiency loss of uninsulated ducts affects more than just your bottom line. The air that ends up in the rooms of your building has also lost much of its conditioning. That air simply isn’t as cold — or as hot — as intended. As a result, your HVAC equipment works overtime trying to make up the difference. Insulating your ducts and pipes cuts down on the rate of moisture formation by limiting heat transfer. The drier your ducts, the less likely you are to suffer from mold and mildew problems.
Ducts and pipes often act as unintended echo chambers. The stiff walls and empty interiors allow sound waves to bounce around your building. Noises created by your HVAC system often remain audible in rooms on the far side of your building. Insulating your ducts greatly reduces the transmission of sounds.
When selecting your insulation, pay close attention to its sound transmission coefficient — or STC rating, for short. The STC rating expresses how well a particular material insulates against sound waves. A higher rating indicates a greater ability to reduce unwanted noises.
Properly installed and well-maintained sheet metal, PVC, or insulated ducts and pipes can last 20 to 30 years, while flexible ducts have a shorter lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Regularly Check Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant serves as the lifeblood of HVAC systems, enabling the transfer of heat and facilitating the cooling process. Essentially, refrigerant is a substance that absorbs heat from indoor air, carries it to the outdoor unit, and releases it into the atmosphere. This cycle allows the HVAC system to regulate indoor temperatures and maintain a comfortable environment for occupants. In the cooling process, refrigerant undergoes phase changes from a liquid to a gas and back again. As it circulates through the HVAC system, refrigerant absorbs heat from indoor air, causing it to evaporate into a low-pressure vapor. This vapor is then compressed by the system’s compressor, which increases its temperature and pressure. Next, the hot, high-pressure vapor travels to the outdoor unit, where it releases heat into the surrounding air and condenses back into a liquid. Finally, the liquid refrigerant returns to the indoor unit, where the cycle begins anew.
Without refrigerant, the cooling process in HVAC systems would be impossible, and indoor comfort would be compromised. Proper refrigerant levels are essential for ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of HVAC systems, making refrigerant maintenance a critical aspect of system operation. When refrigerant levels in an HVAC system drop due to leaks, the system’s efficiency and performance are compromised. Low refrigerant levels can lead to several detrimental effects, including:
- Reduced cooling capacity
- Increase energy expense
- Compressor damage
Detecting refrigerant leaks in HVAC systems is crucial for maintaining system efficiency, preventing environmental harm, and ensuring occupant safety. Fortunately, there are several methods available for detecting refrigerant leaks, ranging from visual inspection to advanced electronic leak detection tools. Some common indicators of refrigerant leaks include:
- Decreased cooling performance
- Hissing or bubbling sounds
- Ice buildup on refrigerant lines
- Visible refrigerant leaking
Regular maintenance and leak inspections are essential for preventing refrigerant leaks and maintaining the efficiency of your HVAC system. Professional HVAC technicians can conduct comprehensive inspections, identify potential leak sources, and take corrective action to address issues before they escalate. By scheduling regular maintenance visits, you can ensure that your HVAC system remains in top condition and avoid costly repairs associated with refrigerant leaks.
Inspect Ductwork for Leaks
Leaky ducts are a problem because they reduce the efficiency of your air conditioning system. The leak will either pull conditioned air out of your ducts or pull unconditioned air in. Either way, it has one of two impacts:
- The air leak warms the temperature of the cool, conditioned air.
- The air leak reduces overall airflow throughout your ductwork.
Either of these issues will rob your air conditioner of energy by forcing it to work harder than it should have to in order to do its job. This increases your energy costs and your chance of a more serious breakdown if the issue isn’t resolved.
Signs of ductwork leaks can include:
- Hot Spots in Your Facility: (or cold spots, if it’s during the winter and you’re using your heating system).
- Strange Noises: This can include whistling, banging, or hissing.
- A Decline in Airflow: You’ll notice that one or more of your vents have air coming through it less powerfully than the others.
- Higher Energy Bills: This is caused by the loss of efficiency generated by the ductwork leak.
- Warmer Air Coming from Vents: This can be a sign of a problem with the air conditioner itself. However, if you’re only noticing it from one vent or a couple vents while other rooms are receiving the cool air they should be, then your ductwork could very well be to blame.
Check Thermostat Functionality
In any commercial setting, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature is crucial for productivity and customer satisfaction. A well-functioning thermostat is essential for controlling your HVAC system, but when it starts acting up, the effects can be felt throughout the entire building. If your thermostat is unresponsive, displaying errors, or simply not setting the right temperature, here are some common issues that you should be aware of:
- Display is Blank or Non-Responsive: Check if the thermostat has power and ensure the batteries, if any, are functioning. If your thermostat is hard-wired, inspect the circuit breaker panel for any tripped switches.
- Incorrect Temperature Readings: Does the thermostat display a temperature that feels completely off from the room’s actual temperature? This inconsistency can cause significant discomfort, as the HVAC system may overheat or overcool your space. Place a reliable thermometer near the thermostat to check if the reading aligns with the room’s actual temperature. If the readings vary greatly, it may be time to re-calibrate.
- HVAC System Doesn’t Respond: If your HVAC system doesn’t kick in when the thermostat is adjusted, the thermostat itself might be the issue. A lack of response may indicate communication problems within the HVAC control system or an internal thermostat fault. Check if there’s a delay in response from the HVAC system when you adjust the thermostat. If there’s no reaction, it may be a wiring or sensor problem.
HVAC professionals can run diagnostics on the control panel, wiring, and thermostat to locate performance issues and suggest necessary repairs or replacements. For large commercial spaces, upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat could offer improved control over multiple zones.
Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear
- Tips to Keep Your Outdoor AC Unit Clean Longer
- Remove debris regularly from the unit, especially in the spring and summer when loose foliage is more common.
- Hose down the unit frequently.
- Change air filters monthly.
- Cover the top of your unit when it’s not in use in the late fall and winter months. Covers should only shield the top of the unit and should be breathable. You don’t want to lock in moisture and damage the electrical components.
Have a professional inspect the system once a year to check for leaks and other potential damages.
Schedule Annual HVAC Inspections
Maintaining your HVAC system is crucial if you want to run a safe, efficient facility, whether you’re overseeing a manufacturing plant, an office building, or a school.
No comfortable space should have a failing HVAC unit, and to keep your equipment running as it should, you need to adhere to a proper maintenance schedule. Not every piece of equipment requires the same type of maintenance, and not every maintenance task needs to be performed at the same cadence. To keep everything in order and ensure you don’t miss any required maintenance, we recommend you follow an HVAC maintenance checklist to care for your commercial system.
Typically, the components checked in commercial HVAC maintenance include:
- Air conditioning system
- Heat pump
- Electric heater
- Gas furnace
- Dual fuel heat pump furnace
An HVAC maintenance checklist should follow a seasonal plan that focuses more heavily on readying the air conditioning components before summer and the heating system before winter.
Some HVAC parts and systems might require daily or weekly care, while others only require annual or periodic maintenance. That said, it is always best to read your equipment manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines.
Maintain Condensate Drain
Did you know that your air conditioner can make around 20 gallons of water each day while it is running? On especially hot days, your AC will work overtime to keep your employees and customers cool and comfortable. As it reduces the temperature it also pulls humidity from the indoor air in your building. Under normal circumstances, the water will drain out properly. However, if the drain (condensate) line is clogged, it can cause water build up and create a disaster and potential water damage.
Just like plumbing clogs, AC drain lines can also clog. Clogs are usually a result of growth and formation of bacteria in the drain line or a backup of debris such as leaves or other foliage from your backyard. Condensation can also lead your ac drain line to clog. As condensation drips off the evaporator coil, there is a possibility for it to mix with dust. As the dust combines with condensation it can turn into slime and sludge eventually forming a clog in the drain line. The buildup of sludge can also dry and solidify during the heating season when the drain line is not being used. Eventually it will become so clogged that it will prevent your unit from draining properly with possibility of water backing up into your building and causing costly water damage.
Signs you AC drain line is clogged include:
- Musty smell throughout your entire facility as air comes out from the registers/vents
- Standing water near the indoor unit
- Full condensate drain pan
- Water damage in areas near the indoor unit
- AC system is not cooling your facility
- AC system shuts down or does not turn on
One simple way to prevent your air conditioner from getting clogged would be to regularly replace the air filter. This will help limit the amount of debris and other particles that can make their way into the water that drains from your AC. It’s important to change the filters regularly or they will be ineffective. A good rule of thumb is to check it at least once a month and replace as needed at the very least once every 3 months. Another great way to help prevent an ac drain line clog is to have a planned maintenance schedule performed by a licensed contractor. At the very least have your AC unit inspected once a year. During maintenance they will clean the drain line and ensure it is properly draining. If you schedule routine maintenance for your HVAC system a technician will be able to spot any issues before they turn into costly repairs or replacement of this critical HVAC component.
Monitor System Performance Throughout the Year
Ensuring the smooth operation of your commercial HVAC system is vital for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment and maximizing energy efficiency. However, recognizing when your system is not operating at optimal performance levels can be challenging. If the following observations occur in your commercial facility, it’s time to contact a licensed mechanical contractor to inspect your HVAC system:
- Poor Air Quality: If you notice dust particles circulating throughout your commercial space, it could be a sign that your HVAC system’s air filters need replacing or cleaning. Neglecting a regular filter check can lead to respiratory problems among employees and customers.
- Inconsistent Temperatures: Are certain areas of your building consistently hotter or colder than others? Addressing these inconsistencies promptly can prevent further discomfort and ensure even temperature distribution. Potential air quality issues could be a result of poor airflow, malfunctioning thermostats, or separated ductwork.
- Unusual Noises: Strange sounds—banging, rattling, or squealing—coming from your HVAC system should not be ignored. These noises could indicate loose or damaged components. If left unattended, these issues may lead to costly repairs or system breakdowns.
- Increased Energy Bills: Have you noticed a sudden spike in your energy bills without a corresponding increase in usage? This spike could signal inefficiency within your HVAC system. A mechanical contractor can help optimize system performance and reduce energy consumption. Increased energy bills could be caused by clogged filters or old, worn-out system components.
It is a good practice to ask your facility manager to plan a visual observation weekly of your mechanical system to make certain there are no obvious operating problems needing attention. This combined with a planned maintenance program should keep your equipment operating at appropriate levers for many years.
Get Your HVAC System Checked Today
Don’t wait for a small issue to become a costly repair. With regular maintenance and professional inspections, you can ensure your HVAC system runs efficiently and reliably all year round.
Contact Unitemp today at 877.704.4822 and ask for a free assessment of your HVAC system. Our expert team is ready to help optimize your system and improve energy efficiency.
Contact Unitemp today at 877.704.4822 and ask for a free assessment of your HVAC system.