Do you have an HVAC system that controls the temperature of your commercial or industrial space? These large heating and cooling units are essential to ensure your staff are comfortable and your work can continue normally — but like any other complex machine, they need regular maintenance to run safely and reliably. Read on to learn the top 7 signs you need a commercial HVAC system tune-up, explaining the importance of HVAC maintenance, and letting you know what to expect from the process.
Why Commercial HVAC Maintenance Matters
Some of the most common commercial HVAC problems can be prevented entirely with regular maintenance. Without the recommended annual tune-up, it’s really just a matter of time before your unit won’t heat your space, or you’re trying to find the HVAC reset button to desperately troubleshoot a problem.
By getting ahead of these problems with proactive maintenance, you not only avoid shutdowns and other issues, but you’ll also extend the lifespan of your rooftop HVAC system and help it run more efficiently. How’s that for a win-win?
In other words, you should have your commercial HVAC system professionally maintained at least once a year, whether you notice signs of HVAC problems or not. But if you spot any of the signs below, we strongly suggest making it a priority to get a full inspection and tune-up.
1. Uneven Temperatures Throughout the Building
A clear sign of an issue with your commercial HVAC system is if you notice warm and cold spots throughout the building. This indicates the airflow being interrupted, which can be caused by anything from a clogged air filter to obstructions in HVAC ducts. A commercial HVAC maintenance pro can inspect the entire system and quickly find the reason for the inconsistent temperature.
2. Rising Energy Bills
A subtle but important sign of an HVAC issue is rising energy bills with no change in usage. This will be slow at first, but the costs will gradually creep up until you’re paying far more per month than necessary. Poor efficiency can be caused by component wear, a dirty air filter, or just an aging system. A technician can find the source of the issue and let you know whether your system needs cleaning, repairs, or if it’s time for a new commercial HVAC system entirely.
3. Unusual Noises or Vibrations
It’s normal for your rooftop AC or heat pump to make some noise while it’s running. But if you notice scraping, grinding, screeching, or whining noises, or if it’s creating intense vibrations that rattle through your building, it’s a sure sign of an issue. If components become loose, damaged, or detached, and you continue to run the system, it will only make matters worse. Contact a commercial HVAC technician to inspect and repair the system.
4. Poor Air Quality or Increased Dust
Indoor air quality is an important commercial HVAC consideration. Keeping a clean environment is important for your staff, your products, and yourself, which is why it’s a big issue if your system is spewing dust into your building. This might simply be caused by a dirty air filter or a more serious problem in the ductwork.
5. Frequent HVAC Repairs
If it feels like your HVAC is always breaking down, it probably means you’re not keeping up with regular maintenance. While some people choose not to pay for professional HVAC systems until they’re in a real emergency, we’re here to remind you that it’s cheaper, easier, and far less stressful to keep your AC or heat pump from breaking down in the first place. Annual tune-ups don’t just clean the system and change the air filter — they give your technician the opportunity to find and fix small issues before they become major problems later.
6. Inconsistent System Cycling
HVAC systems are designed to cycle on and off intermittently to maintain a steady temperature in your space. However, if your system is powering on and off every few minutes (short-cycling) or starts to cycle and never seems to stop (long-cycling), it’s a sign of an issue. Issues with air filters, ductwork, frozen or dirty evaporator coils, or refrigerant can all lead to inconsistent system cycling. Because of the delicate (and in the case of refrigerant, dangerous) nature of these repair tasks, it’s best to leave them to an expert.
7. High Humidity or Dry Air
HVAC systems aren’t just designed to control temperature. Many also help maintain a steady humidity level inside your space. Not only is the proper humidity level important for comfort and respiratory health, but it can also play a role in the work of manufacturing companies and other industries, with overly dry or humid air having a negative effect on your process. If your rooftop HVAC system is causing your property to be too humid or too dry, contact a maintenance expert to solve the issue.
What’s Included in a Commercial HVAC System Tune-Up
What can you expect when you choose Sam’s Air Control for your New Jersey commercial HVAC maintenance? We make ourselves available for this service year-round, ensuring it’s easy for busy commercial clients to fit us into their schedule, not the other way around. When the day comes, we arrive on time with a van full of the tools and materials we need to address any HVAC issues we encounter.
From here, we inspect your outdoor HVAC unit (even if it’s on the roof), look at your entire building’s ductwork, and check every other component of your HVAC system. This includes checking every component for damage and wear, lubricating and cleaning moving parts, checking and refilling refrigerant, calibrating the thermostat, and replacing your air filters. Once we’re done, your system should be running reliably, efficiently, and safely once more, giving your business the peace of mind it deserves.
Benefits of Regular Commercial HVAC Maintenance
Regularly maintaining your system doesn’t just help avoid shutdowns; it saves you money, too. Running an unmaintained air conditioner or heat pump forces it to work harder for an increasingly lackluster result, meaning more money spent for less HVAC power. Plus, you run the risk of damaging the system over time, forcing you to pay for HVAC repairs or even full replacement far sooner than you would have otherwise.
For these reasons, we recommend signing up for an HVAC maintenance contract for your commercial property. This saves you money on every tune-up, removes the stress of scheduling annual appointments, and generally gives your HVAC a chance to reach its full lifespan without major issues or inefficiency.
Keep Your Commercial Space Comfy with Sam’s Air Control
Your building might be a place of work, but that’s no reason to let a neglected HVAC system make your space uncomfortable. At Sam’s Air Control, we have a team of highly skilled commercial HVAC technicians who bring the tools and experience to get your system up and running again. We’re proud to approach these projects with the integrity, honesty, and care they deserve, helping commercial clients rely on their HVAC systems to run smoothly and safely.
Ready to stop stressing about a worn-out commercial HVAC unit? Contact us today to schedule your next maintenance appointment!
