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Common HVAC Issues in Commercial Buildings and How to Address Them in Cape Coral, FL

There are a staggering 2 billion air conditioning units currently in operation around the world. Sure, those who live in colder climates can go without them, but in Florida the summers can be incredibly warm and humid, making AC essential.

As a commercial building owner, you’re responsible for ensuring everyone inside is comfortable. When running a business, you’ll get the best results from happy workers, and ensuring the temperature is controlled will help with this.

Air conditioning is a great way to maintain a comfortable temperature in the warmer months, but only if it’s working properly. You may need to seek professional AC repair in Cape Coral from time to time to ensure this.

In this guide, we’ll look at some of the most common HVAC issues in commercial buildings that can occur, and how you can address them. Keep reading for more.

Lack of Regular Maintenance

One of the few downsides of AC is the associated costs. On top of the installation, you’ll have to pay for the monthly utility bills, but this is something that can’t be avoided.

In an effort to save money, many people neglect regular maintenance work. After all, if your AC system doesn’t have any obvious problems, why would you pay anyone to come and work on it?

Commercial AC units (like all other mechanical systems) can wear down and degrade with time. Even if there aren’t any clear issues, they slowly become less efficient.

As a result, your system won’t be able to maintain a stable temperature as easily as it should. It will use more energy, and therefore your energy bills will increase. Regular maintenance by a professional will keep your AC system in good order so it’s as efficient as it can be.

On top of this, a professional can tell when parts are getting lost to failure. They can then carry out any maintenance work that will prevent bigger (more expensive)issues from occurring, helping you to save on AC repair costs overall.

Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant is one of the most crucial elements of any AC system. It’s what absorbs the heat from indoor air and releases it outside. Without refrigerant, your AC unit will essentially become useless.

Leaks can appear in refrigerant lines, and the more that escapes, the less effective your system will become. If the performance of your system seems to drop, this could be the reason. You may also notice a hissing sound or frozen AC coils.

This isn’t something you’ll be able to deal with yourself. If you suspect you have a refrigerant leak, you’ll want to hire a professional technician to repair it as soon as you can.

Electrical Problems

There are various electrical problems that can cause your AC system to fail. Some common examples include worn-out capacitors, faulty wiring, or tripped circuit breakers. In some cases, these will cause malfunctions, but they may also stop your AC unit from turning on at all.

If you’re experiencing problems and you’re not sure what’s wrong, contact a professional to take a look at your system. They’ll be able to determine the cause of any electrical issues and fix them efficiently.

Note that you always want a fully qualified technician working on your AC. Someone who doesn’t have the right training or experience could easily make various AC repair mistakes. These may then lead to larger problems, so it’s always best to ensure you hire someone reliable.

Dirty or Blocked Condenser and Evaporator Coils

The heat exchange in an air conditioner only works if the condenser and evaporator are working properly. These parts will naturally accumulate dust, dirt, and debris over time, and this can cause a decrease in efficiency.

You want to keep these clean to ensure your AC system is always performing at its best. Most AC companies will offer professional cleaning, so you can get this done along with your routine maintenance.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

This isn’t something that always happens, but it becomes more likely under certain circumstances. If your AC air filter or vents are dirty/blocked, it can restrict the airflow, causing the coils to freeze.

When this happens, your AC might not blow any air out. If it does, it will likely be warm. Regularly changing your filters and ensuring there are no obstructions to the airflow will help prevent this. It will also help to stop the indoor air quality from dropping.

Compressor Problems

The compressor is another very important part of any AC unit. It’s the component that circulates refrigerant, allowing the heat exchange to take place.

Compressors can experience different issues, such as motor problems and electrical failures. These can result in warm air blowing through the vents if there’s no heat exchange. It may also cause your system to shut down completely.

Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent this from happening as a technician will be able to spot the signs of any issues. If it does occur, you’ll need to hire a professional as soon as you can to remedy the issue.

Thermostat Issues

If it’s been a while since you upgraded your thermostat, you’re more likely to experience problems with it. They can malfunction for various reasons, and some of these may require a simple repair job. If it’s a bigger issue, however, or you just want an upgrade, you should get a new thermostat.

Smart thermostats are ideal as they give you a lot more control over your system. This will make things easier, and you can improve efficiency to help you save on your energy bills. In a commercial environment, your usage could be quite high, so the savings that a smart thermostat may offer could be quite significant.

Professional AC Repair in Cape Coral

Florida can get very warm during the summer, so functional AC is essential. Various things can go wrong, but a skilled technician will be able to diagnose any problems and determine how to resolve them.

Florida Cooling Solutions offers professional AC repair in Cape Coral, along with a range of other services. Contact us today for an AC repair free estimate or to ask us any other questions.