SIGNS YOUR COMMERCIAL HVAC SYSTEM ISN’T OPERATING EFFICIENTLY

By Andy Sahadeo

Preparing your commercial HVAC system for the upcoming summer months is important — but so is knowing the signs of an inefficient commercial HVAC system. You may notice issues such as poor airflow or high energy costs, but tackling the problems before they spiral out of control can definitely save you a lot of money and headache in the long run.

Insufficient Airflow

If you begin noticing certain areas of your workplace are getting cooler or warmer than others (or even worse, no air), it may be a sign that your HVAC system is not working at maximum capacity.

Insufficient airflow is a major sign of an inefficient HVAC system. This may be caused by several factors. One big factor is dust build-up in your ductwork. As your ductwork represents the heart of your HVAC system, you’ll want to take extra precautions in preventing any irritants such as dust and dirt from infiltrating the system. This can be remediated by having an experienced technician inspect your system.

Critters like rodents and other insects can also take residence in your HVAC system. Nests and dead pests can also impede airflow — which an inspector can also catch and remove.

You may also want to consider taking a look at and possibly replacing your air filter. With your air filter acting as a safeguard against contaminants in your HVAC system, it will eventually wear off and not perform up to par — allowing for contaminants to eventually enter your system.

High Energy Bills

Have your energy bills been skyrocketing as of late? Are you finding yourself cranking that AC for longer periods of time than usual? Then perhaps it’s time to check in with your HVAC system.

High energy bills can be indicative of an underperforming and inefficient HVAC system. It can signify that your system may be clogged or have defective parts that need to be replaced. It can also mean that your thermostat may simply be out-of-date or broken.

You can save big by having an experienced HVAC technician surveying the system.

Poor Indoor Air Quality

Another glaring example of an inefficient HVAC system is poor indoor air quality. With this, you’ll want to take stock of not only how your HVAC system is operating, but also how your employees are feeling throughout the day.

Poor indoor air quality can stem from many reasons — mainly from microbial contaminants like bacteria, mold, and fungi. These contaminants spring up in the presence of standing water, which is often the result of condensation forming or a clogged drain pipe.

This water will pool up in your system’s drain pan, creating a perfect breeding ground for microbial growth. You can eradicate this by using a wet vac and by having a trained technician drained the standing water.

Signs of Leakage

You should also keep an eye out for potential leaks. Any sign of leaking water in the ceiling or walls can highlight serious internal damage of an inefficient HVAC system. It can also highlight that the drain pan is overflowing and needs to be cleaned immediately.

Other leakage concerns include refrigerant leaks and air leaks. Refrigerant, a chemical that helps convert warm air into cool, can potentially begin leaking in your system as a result of age. Air can also leak out of the system as a result of holes in your ductwork.

Having an HVAC technician remove the refrigerant and replacing the damaged parts will help remediate these problems.