Commercial HVAC is not like residential HVAC. The systems have to be more robust because they are used in businesses with employees and customers. That means more things can go wrong, and more frequently. As a result, commercial HVAC problems can be expensive to fix, inconvenient for employees and customers, and a headache for building owners. However, there are some easy things property managers and building owners can do to prevent commercial HVAC problems from happening in the first place or at least detect them early on so that they can be addressed quickly and easily. Here are some of the most common commercial HVAC problems and tips on how to avoid them or solve them more effectively when they do occur.

Maintenance

Maintaining commercial HVAC systems is crucial for preventing both small problems and major breakdowns. While this is true for any type of HVAC system, it is particularly important for commercial HVAC. Commercial HVAC systems are generally more complex than residential HVAC systems and therefore more expensive to maintain. Additionally, commercial properties frequently have employees and customers who are sensitive to the way the HVAC system operates. For example, an employee who works in a warehouse full of machinery might not notice if the HVAC system is a few degrees warmer or cooler than it should be, but a customer who is buying expensive machinery at a warehouse sale might notice a difference of just a few degrees. This is why commercial properties should have a maintenance plan in place to keep the HVAC systems functioning properly.

Commercial HVAC systems are generally more complex than residential HVAC systems due to the large amount of machinery they have to control. They also have to be able to handle a wider range of weather conditions than residential HVAC systems do. As a result, commercial HVAC systems are often more difficult to maintain, especially if the property has a high occupancy or requires high-capacity cooling or heating. However, there are some easy things property managers and building owners can do to prevent commercial HVAC problems from happening in the first place or at least detect them early on so that they can be addressed quickly and easily.

Equipment breakdowns

Equipment breakdowns are among the most common commercial HVAC problems. Equipment breakdowns can result in unscheduled maintenance, unexpected repair costs, and reduced productivity. To prevent equipment breakdowns, make sure your commercial HVAC system is well-maintained. It is important to schedule regular maintenance, such as an annual tune-up, and to use the right tools for the job. For example, a power drill is not the best tool for adjusting the blades of a fan. Instead, a professional-grade fan blade adjustment tool is better suited for the task. It is also important to replace equipment before it breaks down to avoid unscheduled maintenance. You should replace any piece of equipment that is broken, worn, or otherwise not safe for use.

Equipment malfunctions

Another common commercial HVAC problem is an equipment malfunction. It is important to know the signs of an equipment malfunction so you can address the issue quickly and effectively. An equipment malfunction is when a piece of equipment stops working properly. It is common for commercial HVAC systems to experience an equipment malfunction at some point, especially if they are 10 or more years old. However, there are some easy things property managers and building owners can do to prevent equipment malfunctions or detect them early on so that they can be addressed quickly and easily.

Problems with sensors

Another common problem with commercial HVAC systems is sensor malfunctions. Sensors are an important part of commercial HVAC systems because they help the system respond quickly to changes in the building and its environment. They are particularly important in commercial properties where the HVAC system has to maintain a certain setpoint under all circumstances. For example, if the building is not occupied, the HVAC system should maintain a setpoint of 68F. However, if there is a sudden drop in the outdoor temperature, the HVAC system will try to reduce the setpoint to 59F to prevent the building from overheating. Sensors help the system detect changes in the building and its environment so that it can maintain the correct setpoint.

Problems with the thermostat and controls

Problems with the thermostat and controls are common commercial HVAC problems. The thermostat and the controls for regulating the HVAC system are usually in the same place, but they are two separate pieces of equipment. The thermostat is the component that controls the temperature in the building. The controls are used to regulate the fan speed, the air flow, and more. Problems with the thermostat and controls can be difficult to fix, but there are some easy things property managers and building owners can do to prevent problems or detect them early on so that they can be addressed quickly and easily.

Problems with the ductwork and cooling or heating coils

Problems with the ductwork and cooling or heating coils are another common commercial HVAC problem. The ductwork is responsible for bringing conditioned air into the various parts of the building. It is also responsible for removing excess heat (in the summer) and keeping the indoor air cool (in the winter). It is important to keep the ductwork clean and free from debris and dust. Debris and dust can create a blockage in the ductwork that could trap warm or cold air and cause the HVAC system to fail. It is important to schedule regular duct cleaning to keep the ductwork clean and unobstructed.

Conclusion

Commercial HVAC systems are complex and require a great deal of maintenance. However, there are some easy things property managers and building owners can do to prevent commercial HVAC problems from happening in the first place or at least detect them early on so that they can be addressed quickly and easily. It is important to schedule regular maintenance, such as an annual tune-up, and to use the right tools for the job. It is also important to replace equipment before it breaks down to avoid unscheduled maintenance. You should replace any piece of equipment that is broken, worn, or otherwise not safe for use.