Commercial Air Conditioning Warning Signs

Is it Time to Replace your Commercial AC System?

Making a good impression and keeping your customers comfortable is essential to your business. We understand that you don’t have time for AC breakdowns, nor care to spend your hard-earned money on expensive, emergency repairs. That’s why we take preventative measures to make sure your commercial AC system operating efficiently and is reliable at all times, we even have remote monitoring features available that alert us if there’s an issue with your businesses HVAC system BEFORE your system breaks down. Because of your commercial HVAC system’s complexity, you need a trusted and experienced commercial HVAC contractor to trust.  Our commercial technicians are experts in commercial maintenance, repairs, and installation of commercial heating, cooling, and refrigeration equipment.  It’s part of our job to advise our customers when it’s time to consider replacing their commercial HVAC equipment.

When to Replace your Commercial AC System?

In general, a rooftop unit will last roughly 8 to 10 years before you start experiencing problems like poor air flow, a bad blower motor or a failed compressor unit. Signs that it’s time to consider replacing your commercial AC rooftop units include:

1. Breakdowns. If they happen more often that consistent cooling of your business.

2. AC constantly cycles on and off. This can mean condenser, evaporator unit, or fan just needs to be cleaned – or it could mean you have the wrong size AC for your business.  If the wrong size AC equipment is trying to keep your business cool, this could mean sky high bills for you and an annoyingly uncomfortable environment for your customers and employees.

3. Your business just isn’t staying cool.  This could be something simple like replacing or cleaning the air filters, or it could mean you have the wrong size equipment.  Capital Heating & Cooling specializes in installing commercial AC equipment for businesses of all sizes, we’d be happy to send a commercial estimator to you for a free consultation.

4. High energy bills.  As equipment ages it becomes less efficient to operate, which means it costs more money to run.  Consider replacing your AC equipment with high efficient units to save money on operating costs.  Federal tax credits are available to encourage installing energy efficient equipment.

5. Weird noises.  If you hear buzzing, banging or other unusual sounds during startup or operation it could mean a bad blower motor or bent fan blade.  This can be an expensive AC repair, so you may consider replacement options depending on how old your rooftop units already are.

Tips And Tricks For Your Commercial AC System

Commercial AC equipment, like any other mechanical equipment, doesn’t last forever and eventually it will make sense to replace it altogether. However, here are some possible situations which could be solved with simple solutions:

PROBLEM	POSSIBLE CAUSES	SOLUTIONS
Your Commercial AC system won’t turn on.	The thermostat or lack of power.	If the thermostat is good, check the circuit breaker, as it could simply be a tripped fuse. If these don’t do the trick, then you may have a burnt out compressor, which means the unit won’t run at all.  In this case, the only fix is a replacement…but we suggest that you try the other solutions first.
Customers or employees complain that it’s not a comfortable temperature in your business.	Improper airflow or a clogged filter.	Take a look around to make sure there’s nothing blocking the cold air returns and registers in your place of business. If you don’t see anything, then we recommend changing, or calling a professional to change, your air filters.
A spike in your utility bill.	A dirty air filter or a choked condensing coil.	If you don’t see any dirt in, or around, your air filters and if the condensing coil isn’t kinked, then we suggest that you schedule a maintenance appointment with trained technicians.
Strange noises are coming from your AC System.	Buzzing, ticking, or rattling when you start or run your AC System.	Most noises caused by air conditioning systems mean that the equipment is loose. If possible, use the proper tools to tighter any loose ends and secure any moving parts.
Cold air isn’t coming out of the vents.	The refrigerant lines may not be insulated.	The rooftop units are connected to the indoor system by copper refrigerant lines, which should be covered with insulating sleeves. If it’s not the refrigerant lines, then your system may need the refrigerant re-charged.

Should I Get A Plan, Or Is That Just For My Cell Phone?

Commercial maintenance plans are the best way to avoid HVAC related interruptions in your business. Most plans include annual maintenance, equipment cleaning, repair warranties, preferred pricing and priority service. Capital Heating & Cooling’s commercial maintenance even includes an aerial schematic of your businesses HVAC system, and a consultation to help you understand your system and make smart decisions about your HVAC needs. Let us help your business stay cool…literally!