The ventilation system is not something that should be on anyone’s mind when working in a building. That’s because if it’s doing its job correctly, it should go largely unnoticed. But sometimes there can be problems with commercial ventilation systems, and it’s important to know potential causes and solutions to get the air flowing right again.
Some of the things to keep an eye—and an ear—out for include strange sounds coming from the HVAC system, a drop in system efficiency, uneven heating or cooling in the building, unexpected increases in cooling and heating costs and unusual smells or poor air quality circulating throughout the building.
Here are some potential causes of common ventilation system issues. Reach out to your commercial HVAC technician for help with solving these problems and more.
Clogged filters
If your commercial ventilation system is working harder than usual, you’ll see an increase on the energy bill as evidence. This can be caused by dirty or clogged air filters not allowing air to pass through as freely as it should. This can not only raise your energy costs but can have a negative impact on the lifespan of the system. The best way to avoid a clogged filter is to perform regular checkups on the system and its air filters and replace them as necessary.
Leaking refrigerant
A vital part of cooling systems is refrigerant. This is the liquid that actually cools and dehumidifies the air that passes through the commercial ventilation system. Refrigerant is held in the coils of the cooling system, and if there’s not enough of it, the air will not get cool enough to keep the temperature down throughout the whole building. One of the most common causes of low refrigerant levels is that it is leaking out somewhere in the system. This will require immediate repair, or else it could lead to further ventilation system issues.
Broken thermostat
If you set the thermostat at a certain temperature but it consistently feels warmer or cooler than that in the building, there might be an issue with the thermostat itself. This could be anything from the timing of the thermostat malfunctioning to the actual temperature sensors inside the unit being to blame. The best solution for this problem is to call a professional to come out and take a look at it.
Poor air balance
If some areas feel warmer or cooler than others in the building, this is a sign of poor air balance. The dampers and ducts of a commercial ventilation system carry the air throughout a building, and if these are obstructed or not adjusted properly, sections of the building may feel off temperature-wise even if the rest of the system is working flawlessly.
If you’re experiencing ventilation system issues, contact the pros at Air Climate Control, Inc. today. As a full-service HVAC company keeping things cool since 1991, we’re your best bet for finding and fixing the problem right away. Get in touch to schedule an appointment and get your system working smoothly again!