Commercial HVAC units tend to be heavy-duty machines that are installed in commercial spaces to keep them both cool and warm when the temperatures turn extreme. Although, these units are designed to be energy efficient as they will run throughout the season but will eventually lose their efficiency as well. This could be due to a variety of reasons ranging from a dirty air filter to the unit simply aging up. You need commercial AC repair services who can inspect the unit and find the cause. Below are some common causes contributing to reduced HVAC efficiency and how you can prevent them in the future.

Why Is Your Commercial HVAC Losing Efficiency?

Clogged Air Filters

Air filters inside a commercial HVAC unit are designed to purify the air before it is circulated inside the building. This is done by catching the contaminants that could lead to chronic respiratory issues. But, with time, the air filters tend to become clogged due to dirt and dust being trapped inside the filters.

You might think it is not that big of a deal but the fact of the matter is that it will not only reduce the efficiency of the HVAC unit but also affect its performance and lifespan. Clogged air filters tend to make it difficult for the unit to breathe. This forces the unit to work harder than usual to make up for the loss of cool or warm air.

As a result, the unit heats up and will eventually shut down as a safety feature. The majority of the owners assume that air filters are not capable of causing extreme damage until they have to pay for expensive repairs and replacements. This is why air filters need to be regularly inspected and cleaned.

And, if the unit happens to be old, you might have to replace the air filters if they are cracked or damaged due to wear and tear with time.

Low Refrigerant Level

The refrigerant gas plays a crucial role in converting normal air into cool or warm inside an HVAC unit. Every HVAC unit holds a specific amount of refrigerant gas to perform normally. With time, due to external factors such as dirt, dust, and moisture, rust and corrosion take place, which leads to leakages and cracks.

This causes the refrigerant to leak from areas that are usually not visible. If the refrigerant leakage is due to a tiny hole or crack, you may not even notice it at all. But, with time, the leakage will turn bigger and prevent the unit from cooling or warming up the air.

A tell-tale sign that your commercial HVAC unit is suffering from leakage is if it constantly trips or shuts down due to overheating. Low refrigerant level stresses out the compressor, which heats up only to shut down or become permanently damaged.

Since the compressor happens to be an expensive component, you should be vigilant with your inspections and maintenance regularly.

The Coils Are Dirty

HVAC units comprise several different components that work as a team to produce cool and warm air. The condenser unit consists of coils that dissipate heat produced as a byproduct of the cooling process. Since the outdoor unit is out in the open, it has to bear the brunt of external factors such as dirt, dust, and extreme weather conditions.

With time, dead leaves, branches, and shrubs tend to make their way inside the outdoor unit which could impede the performance. Plus, layers of dirt and dust tend to accumulate on the coils as well making heat dissipation difficult.

This could heat up the coils and permanently damage them. The best way to prevent this from happening is by regularly cleaning the condenser unit. Simply grab a cleaning agent and a soft brush to remove the accumulations.

Leaking Ductwork

Leaking ductwork has a direct impact the efficiency of the HVAC unit. During the summer and winter seasons, birds and other animals tend to take up accommodation in search of a cool or warm area, where human traffic is little to nothing.

These intruders can chew up the wires and ductwork causing leakage. As a result, the cool or warm air will escape before it reaches the building. This will cause the unit to work harder than usual and you will notice a gradual or sudden increase in the monthly bills.

The problem with leaking ductwork is they are not that easy to locate. If the leakage is minor, you can cover it up using commercial tape. But, as a general rule of thumb, you should always hire air conditioner repair services Smithtown to perform a thorough inspection and repair the leakages permanently.

Lack Of Maintenance

Lack of maintenance is another reason most commercial HVAC units lose out on their efficiency with time. Maintenance plays an important role in ensuring smooth running and longer lifespan of the unit. Unfortunately, the majority of business owners believe that if the unit is running without any problems, there is no problem.

While that might be true in some cases, that does not mean the unit should not be maintained. Professional maintenance goes deep inside the unit and allows the expert to identify even the smallest issues before they turn worse. This is a great way to keep problems at bay.

You may have trained employees for basic maintenance tasks but they do not have access to the other components inside. This is why it is important to schedule professional maintenance at least once or twice every year to ensure the smooth running of the unit.

The Unit Is Old

If nothing else works, you should know that your unit has neared its lifespan and needs replacement. Even if you look after the unit, there comes a time when the components weaken and the unit frequently starts to experience issues. At this point, spending on repairs and replacements will bring no benefit.

If the expense of the repairs or replacements reaches or crosses the original price of the unit, it is better to consider a new replacement. Commercial HVAC units can last a good 10 or more years. But, like other electronic appliances that simply give up with time, your HVAC unit will need to go as well.

And, when it is time to look for a new unit, check for SEER rating and consult an expert. Commercial HVAC units come in different sizes based on the requirements. Installing a unit that is smaller or bigger than required will be a waste of money.

A certified expert on your side will suggest the best type, variant, and size having considered the dimensions and requirements of the building.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned tips are tried and tested and even recommended by experts as well. So, make sure you follow the user manual and hire certified commercial HVAC companies Ronkonkoma for routine maintenance and urgent repairs.