February 12, 2024

6 Most Common Commercial HVAC Repairs

Running a commercial property or business is a lot of work, so the last problem you want to deal with is your heating and cooling system. When it’s operating well, the HVAC system is an excellent feat of engineering. But when an HVAC system is inoperable, it can be a source of frustration for you and the occupants. Workers cannot operate optimally when subjected to too cold or hot weather conditions.

No one plans for HVAC breakdowns, but when the system fails, Scott-Lee Heating Company is ready to repair with dependable, speedy service. Our courteous and trained electricians can troubleshoot the problems and restore comfort in your commercial property. Let’s dive and explore common commercial HVAC repairs.

1. Malfunctioning Thermostat Repair

A thermostat is like the engine oil of the HVAC system. It communicates about your commercial heating and cooling needs, with its components telling HVAC what to do. Several factors, such as faulty furnace switch, wrong programming, or installation, can cause thermostat malfunction.

A wrongly installed thermostat can sense the inaccuracy of the commercial setup needs. For example, a thermostat placed directly below or above a register will shut prematurely as it will sense the room is at a stable temperature. Removing it away from doors, registers, and windows is ideal.

A thermostat can malfunction when the furnace switch is on. There could be cycling or airflow issues causing the furnace switch to be off. You may want to consult a technician to check it and repair it. Like any other appliance, a thermostat will malfunction if it gets too dirty. Dust, debris, and dirt pose a problem for the mechanical and electrical elements, making your thermostat fail to work. Your HVAC repair expert can clear the housing of any debris and dust and replace the cover.

Loose connections are also another major cause of faulty thermostats. Thermostats are designed with cooling, fan, and heating connections. When the connections get compromised by loose wires or corrosion, thermostats will not communicate with the HVAC system. A qualified technician can troubleshoot the problem and offer repair services to reinstate your thermostat.

2. Clogged Air Filters Repair

If you’re you wondering why your commercial utility bills are skyrocketing, take a look at the HVAC system. This is because you might be dealing with dirty or clogged air filters. The air filter is your HVAC’s unsung hero. The component collects debris, dust, and dirt that would have otherwise entered your office through air vents. Air filters help with pollutants and allergens to keep occupants healthy and comfortable.

A blocked air filter restricts airflow into the air handler, making the system work harder than it was manufactured for. It brings unnecessary wear and tear, especially on the fan motor. Straining your HVAC makes that system overheat, causing significant wear and tear. Besides, most manufacturers provide a 10-year warranty, and the unit can last beyond 10 years.

However, its lifespan decreases once the system is pushed beyond its limit. Irregular maintenance routines, neglected air filters, or faulty connections can take a toll on the unit’s durability. Blocked air filters also make the system work ineffectively, meaning more money on bills.

HVAC repair providers will clean the air filters seasonally and offer maintenance services. This will also clear the stale smells in your business or office and prevent frequent breakdowns. Experts can also replace the air filters to enhance air indoor air quality.

3. Ignition or Pilot Light Issues

Going to the office on a chilly or hot day and discovering that the furnace isn’t working can be frustrating. This means the ignition isn’t working. The common cause of failed ignition is a faulty thermostat, which you can contact a reliable technician to replace or repair.

Whether the furnace is old or new, it has a built-in safety feature to protect occupants from fatal gas buildup. The old model furnaces have a pilot light called a thermocouple. This safety device shuts off the gas immediately when the thermocouple cannot feel the light. Modern furnaces have ignition sensors that promptly cut off the gas supply if the burners fail to ignite.

This is a common HVAC problem experienced by people in the hotelier industry. If you smell gas, get everyone outside and don’t start any electrical appliances or ignite a car. Make sure you don’t cut off the gas supply, as it can cause a spark. The best remedy is to hire licensed and professional technicians for a repair.

4. Blown Fuse Repairs

Blown fuses are common hitches with commercial HVAC systems. If left unaddressed, blown fuses lead to early replacements or costly repairs. The primary sign of a blown fuse is when your commercial HVAC unit fails to produce enough warm or cool air. This is majorly due to a malfunctioning compressor.

You can also tell if the fuse is blown when the indoor temperatures remain constant despite adjustments on the thermostat. An unresponsive HVAC system could also be caused by a blown fuse. When temperatures and fan modes or speed remain unresponsive, it indicates a blown fuse.

A tripped circuit breaker depicts a faulty system that needs to be addressed promptly. It could be due to an internal component in the system or defective electrical wiring. Besides, check if the fuse is burnt or has melted. When fuses get blown often, it indicates an underlying issue with electrical components.

Hire a technician to diagnose your system and provide professional help. Repaired or replaced fuses should restore the HVAC system to normal. Doing this keeps the working environment comfortable and healthy. Regular repair and maintenance will maintain optimal performance and enhance the unit’s longevity.

5. Refrigerant Leak Repairs

Refrigerant leaks can happen due to defects and wear and tear. These leaks put indoor comfort at risk and become a health hazard. A hissing sound from the AC unit indicates a refrigerant leak. Holes and cracks in the AC system distributing refrigerant cause the unit to hiss. Larger leaks have a bubbling liquid sound, allowing more refrigerant to escape.

Your AC cannot cool the air effectively with insufficient refrigerant. If the filters are okay and the air conditioner is still not cooling, then it means the refrigerant is leaking. This can be frustrating, especially during the summer months. Inefficient cooling at the office or in the industry prolongs the cooling cycle, making the indoor climate uncontrollable.

When refrigerant leaks, the AC works even harder to perform simple cooling operations. It inevitably pushes the energy costs up. If your energy bill is skyrocketing without extra use, you may need an electrician to check for a refrigerant leak.

6. Filthy Condenser

Condenser units are designed to sit outside, so debris and dust will accumulate over time. Airborne particles include cottonwood fuzz, fossil fuels, dirt, vehicle emissions, dust, and sand. Dirty condenser coils limit airflow, making cooling efficiency drop by 30%. This means your system will operate at 70% effectiveness. You will also notice that your energy consumption will increase significantly.

Get Reliable Commercial HVAC Repairs From the Best

There are several commercial HVAC repairs you can come across. These repairs arise when the system encounters hitches that diminish its efficiency. While some might seem straightforward to handle, hiring a qualified technician is always advisable. At Scott-Lee Heating Company, we provide solid HVAC maintenance and repair services.

We also provide other heating and cooling services, such as furnace replacement, AC maintenance, geothermal heating and cooling, and AC replacement. Our 24/7 emergency services ensure your system will get serviced anytime in St. Louis and the neighboring areas. Don’t hesitate to get in touch. Call today and learn more.