Common Issues with Commercial Air Conditioning Units

Which option would you prefer between spending $30 for a coil change or $6000 for a new air conditioning unit? Most facility managers would go for the former. Proper maintenance of a commercial air conditioning unit is paramount for optimal performance. It might sound strange or far-fetched, but the productivity of staff and equipment depend on a facility's air quality. For facility managers, therefore, taking care of HVAC issues before they become significant is imperative, and it starts with a clear understanding of the most common types of AC problems. The knowledge will go a long way towards keeping the costs of operating an AC system at a minimum.

Frozen Coils

To some facility managers, the presence of ice on an AC unit's interiors is a sign of optimal performance. To the group, more ice only means colder air will be directed into a room. However, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, if there is one common problem that HVAC technicians get summoned to look at often, it is frozen coils. If you, therefore, notice ice forming on the coils, it is a sign that something is not right. One possible cause of frozen coils is leakage in the refrigerant reservoir. Another reason could be improper air flow along the return ductwork as a result of dust or other particulate matter. To sort the issue, call a certified technician to trace the root cause first.

Thermostat Malfunctions

Usually, when there is a problem with the air conditioning unit, it is easy to assume that the issue originates from the central unit. In some cases, however, this is not the case. The thermostat plays an integral role in the automatic regulation of air temperatures in a facility. If the thermostat develops a problem, then the quality of air will be affected due to improper control of heat. As such, do not be in a hurry to call for repairs on the AC unit itself. First, make sure that the thermostat is in good working condition before calling a technician. Since the thermostat is a mini-computer, you will be surprised to find out that a simple restart of the thermostat restores proper functionality of an AC unit.

Clogged Drain Line

As an AC system cools a room, it gets rid of ambient humidity in the air. In turn, the moisture condenses, and it is directed out of the unit via a drain line. If there is a clog in the drain line, then the water will return to the unit, which poses a threat to the proper functioning of an AC unit. If you notice little to no water at the end of the drain line, then there is a possibility of a clog. A technician should, however, be able to clear the clog and have the unit working optimally.