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3 Common Problems with Older Commercial & Industrial HVAC Systems

Commercial Air Duct Cleaning Services

For commercial and industrial facilities, the importance of having an HVAC system that is running well and in good working order is important on several levels:

1)     It creates and maintains a comfortable and healthy indoor environment for your employees and your customers; 2)     It can help control your operational costs (a poorly running or malfunctions system can increase your utility bills and eventually result in a large expenditure to repair or replace old or broken units); 3)     A clean, efficient HVAC system can cut down on workplace absenteeism. If you have an older HVAC system, it is especially important to make sure you get it inspected and maintained on a regular basis. For most companies, it makes sense to schedule a check-up or service appointment twice a year, typically before winter months and before summer months, when temperatures are either drastically colder or warmer with higher humidity.

Common Problem #1 – Your A/C isn’t Blowing Cold Air

The dog days of summer are upon you. It’s time to turn the dial on the thermostats down. Problem is, the air coming out of the office vents is lukewarm, maybe even a bit on the muggy side, and your employees are starting to complain. What’s causing it?

In most instances, this problem is caused by low levels of refrigerant or a leak in the refrigerant line. If your HVAC system was built prior to 2010, it operated with a form of Freon – R-22 – that is no longer used in newer units. Because Freon is classified as ozone-depleting it is strictly regulated by the EPA.  Only licensed technicians can purchase Freon and it is highly advisable that you use a certified technician to re-charge your HVAC units with Freon. In some instances, your pre-2010 unit may need to be replaced entirely.

Common Problem #2 – Electrical Malfunctions

If your HVAC system is turned on and off frequently, it creates increased wear and tear on the individual components, causing them to break down prematurely and create additional repair expense. A knowledgeable expert HVAC maintenance and cleaning service will check your condensers, blower motors and compressors for signs of wear and tear as part of their semi-annual inspections.

Common Problem #3 – Employee Absenteeism

If you have an aging HVAC system and your employees complain of symptoms such as respiratory discomfort, allergic reactions, or frequent headaches, you may have indoor air quality issues. While “sick building syndrome” was – and still is – a controversial label, the concept of indoor air quality is one that any business owner should take seriously.

Indoor air quality issues can arise from something as simple as failure to replace air filters on a regular basis. Most filters should be changed every one to three months, depending on how much your fans and A/C units are turned on. Dirty coils, clogged drainage systems and mold or mildew in your ductwork are additional precipitators of less than optimal indoor air quality and, in some cases, can cause serious illnesses. Scheduling regular cleaning of your ductwork and inspection of your drainage lines and coils can reduce instances of respiratory or allergy-related absenteeism, while also improving your system’s efficiencies and cutting down on your operating costs. Call (518) 793-9274 or contact Performance Industrial online for more information on how our commercial air duct cleaning services can help you reduce equipment failure, malfunctions and maintain a healthy environment. Related Articles by Performance Industrial:   Save Save Save Save
Karen Miller