Whether you manage an industrial warehouse facility, a data center, a food processing plant, an office building, or another commercial property, you know how important it is that the HVAC system functions properly. Without the necessary heating, cooling, humidity management, and ventilation, a business can suffer all kinds of issues, from loss of productivity, to product or equipment damage, and more.
It’s imperative that your system delivers on demand and performs as it should. That said, even well-maintained equipment can suffer wear, damage, and failure over time, necessitating repair or replacement. You need to catch warning signs as early as possible to avoid costly downtime that impacts operations. Here are just a few signs that your HVAC system needs repair.
Related: Industrial HVAC Operation Basics
Excessive Noise
It’s not unusual for HVAC equipment to make noise when it’s running, but you’ll want to keep an ear out for unusual sounds like loud clanking, grinding, and squealing. These noises could indicate a serious problem in the making. Excessive wear and damaged parts often clue you in to potential problems with significant noise, and it’s not likely to improve on its own.
Suspicious Smells
Any time you have employees complaining of bad odors in the building, it’s cause for concern, but if it happens to occur when the HVAC system is running, it could mean you’re due for HVAC emergency repair. This is especially true if you detect a burning smell, which could indicate machinery overheating or parts rubbing when they shouldn’t.
While it is normal to experience a mild dusty or acrid odor when you first fire up a furnace after months of summer dormancy, the smell should not persist. If you get complaints of a burning odor after the first use, turn off the system, perform diagnostics, and call in the professionals.
Lukewarm Air
Here’s one of the most common signs that your HVAC system is in trouble: If you set the thermostat for heating or cooling, but only lukewarm air issues forth, you have a problem. It is possible that your filters are fouled, or it’s time to replace a thermostat or sensors, but it could also be a symptom of serious problems within your HVAC system.
Your AC may have a refrigerant leak, or furnace mechanisms like a pilot light or electric ignition could be to blame. Alternatively, there might be a failing somewhere in the ductwork that’s causing heated or cooled air to leak into crawl spaces or wall cavities before it reaches vents and interior spaces. Whether the problem is large or small, you may need professional help to figure out why your HVAC system isn’t performing as it should.
Sky-High Utility Costs
HVAC operation is often responsible for a sizable chunk of operating costs in commercial facilities, but if your costs are rising to an unanticipated degree, it may be a sign of issues with the energy usage of your HVAC system, indicating possible issues with the equipment itself.
Now, it’s true that you can anticipate seasonal changes, when outdoor temperatures and weather can be extreme. Even slight changes in historical trends can be chalked up to different weather patterns from year to year,. However, what should catch your attention is costs that are significantly higher than normal, particularly if they carry from one season to the next.
Related: How Preventative Maintenance Can Save You Money
Addressing HVAC Emergency Repair Situations
Even if you’re not sure minor signs and symptoms are reason for concern, it’s always best to run diagnostics or utilize monitoring technologies to determine if something could be wrong with your system. If you’re unable to identify problems, or you’re simply not sure how to fix them, don’t hesitate to contact a professional HVAC service provider like Tate Engineering to inspect and repair your system before more damage is done.
