As leaders in service for commercial HVAC in Toronto and throughout the Greater Toronto Area, we’ve encountered and resolved a vast range of HVAC issues that commercial facilities face during our sweltering and humid summers. Ensuring your HVAC system operates efficiently is crucial for maintaining a comfortable and productive environment and to protect process and equipment.
Here, we’ll highlight some of the most common summer HVAC problems and the importance of addressing them promptly with professional help.
Inadequate Cooling
One of the most frequent complaints we receive during summer is that the HVAC system is not providing adequate cooling. This can stem from several issues, including:
- Refrigerant Leaks: Low refrigerant levels can cause the system to struggle to cool the space effectively. Leaks not only reduce efficiency but can also damage the compressor, leading to costly repairs.
- Dirty Coils: Both evaporator and condenser coils can accumulate dirt and debris over time, blocking heat exchange and lowering cooling capacity.
- Blocked Airflow: Clogged filters or obstructed ducts can restrict airflow, preventing the system from distributing cool air properly.
Thermostat Issues
Thermostat problems can cause major disruptions in maintaining your target temperature. Common issues include:
- Faulty Calibration: A thermostat that is not calibrated correctly may read the wrong temperature, causing the HVAC system to overwork or underperform.
- Dead Batteries: Simple as it may seem, dead or weak batteries can render a thermostat ineffective.
- Placement Problems: Thermostats placed in direct sunlight or near heat-generating equipment can lead to inaccurate readings and inefficient cooling cycles.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Maintaining high indoor air quality is crucial, especially during the summer when energy efficiency is important and buildings are more sealed off from fresh air circulation. Common issues include:
- High Humidity Levels: Excess humidity can make a facility feel warmer than it is, leading to discomfort and potential mold growth.
- Dirty Filters: Filters that are not replaced regularly can become clogged with dust, pollen, and other contaminants, circulating poor-quality air throughout the facility.
- Ventilation Problems: Inadequate ventilation can trap pollutants indoors, causing health issues and reducing overall air quality.
Uneven Cooling
Many commercial facilities experience uneven cooling, where some areas are too cold while others remain warm. This problem can be due to:
- Imbalanced Air Distribution: Improperly balanced air ducts can lead to uneven distribution of cool air.
- Zoning Issues: Inadequate zoning or malfunctioning zone control systems can cause temperature discrepancies between different areas.
Strange Noises
Unusual noises like these coming from an HVAC system are often a sign of underlying issues that require immediate attention:
- Banging or Clanking: These noises can indicate loose or broken components within the system.
- Hissing: Hissing sounds may signal refrigerant leaks or ductwork issues.
- Grinding: Grinding noises often point to motor or bearing problems that need professional repair.
Increased Energy Bills
A spike in energy bills during the summer can point toward several issues:
- Lack of Maintenance: Systems that are not regularly maintained are more likely to consume excessive energy.
- Aging Equipment: Older HVAC units tend to be less efficient and may require replacement.
- Short Cycling: If the system frequently turns on and off, it can lead to higher energy consumption and increased wear and tear.
If you’re experiencing any of these HVAC problems, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is dedicated to providing top-notch service to commercial facilities of all sizes in the Greater Toronto Area.
Advantage Airtech Commercial Ltd. is the Double “A” Name with the Triple “A” Rating.
