Managing a commercial space is no easy task – it requires monitoring many moving parts. Your commercial building depends on an efficient HVAC and Refrigeration system to keep employees and customers comfortable, store food safely, maintain healthy airflow, and ensure optimal productivity. 

Unlike residential systems, commercial HVAC and Refrigeration systems are complex and cater to the unique requirements of each building. Moreover, as these systems age, malfunctions become common despite regular maintenance. The system works harder, running more frequently, to compensate for this loss. Signs such as increasing energy bills, strange noises, and inconsistent temperature distribution indicate the need to examine your system’s performance.

Even with preventive maintenance, problems can still arise, making it crucial to understand these issues. Whether you’re running a bustling restaurant, or managing a facility or a convenience store, having this knowledge empowers you to maintain peak performance and create a comfortable and productive workplace environment.

In this article, we will explore common commercial HVAC and Refrigeration problems and the critical role of refrigeration, addressing disruptions, discomfort, and their impact on productivity, energy bills, and product safety.

Common commercial HVAC problems

Problem 1: Inefficient heating or cooling

A commercial HVAC system that doesn’t heat or cool a building properly can cause discomfort for both employees and occupants. The issue can stem from various sources:

• Thermostat malfunctions: Both traditional and smart thermostats may encounter problems, necessitating regular calibration and maintenance.
• Dirty air filters and/or condenser coils: Accumulated dirt and dust hinder airflow, affecting system efficiency. Regularly clean condenser coils and replace air filters.
• Refrigerant charge issues: Low refrigerant charge resulting from leaks in refrigerant flow can cause in-efficient cooling and may result in compressor failure

 Problem 2: Unusual noises from HVAC system

Strange and unfamiliar sounds coming from your commercial HVAC system can be worrisome. If you notice new or louder noises than usual, it could indicate serious issues that require attention. Specific noises can provide clues to the underlying problem:

• Squealing or screeching noises may indicate the need for lubrication of fans or other moving parts or the replacement of a fan belt.
• Internal popping or banging sounds in a gas furnace could indicate a gas buildup burning off internally, requiring immediate attention to prevent potential hazards.
• Banging or clanking noises indicate loose or broken components within the system.
• Hissing or whistling noises indicate potential air leaks in the ductwork, impacting system efficiency.

Problem 3: HVAC system won’t start up

It’s a straightforward issue – your HVAC system is refusing to start up when it should. Several factors might be causing the issue, requiring prompt attention:

• Thermostat troubles: Dead batteries are a common cause. If replacing them doesn’t work, a new thermostat may be necessary. A malfunctioning thermostat might miscommunicate with the HVAC system, rendering it inactive.
• Tripped circuit breaker: Resetting the breaker can often resolve the problem, but frequent tripping may indicate deeper electrical system issues. Power supply problems can hinder the system from receiving necessary electricity.
• Motor or capacitor problems: Mechanical issues within the HVAC unit can also lead to startup failures.

Problem 4: Inconsistent temperature distribution

Walking through your building, you may notice areas that are too warm while others feel chilly—a clear sign of inconsistent heating or cooling. Various factors contribute to this problem:

• Blocked vents or registers: Obstructed airflow can result from blocked vents or registers.
• Improper HVAC sizing: Units that are too small for a building may struggle to maintain a consistent temperature throughout.
• Ductwork leaks: Air escaping through leaks in the ductwork worsens uneven heating or cooling.

Problem 5: Rapid cycling of HVAC system

If your HVAC system is frequently turning on and off like a light switch, it’s experiencing “rapid cycling.” This quick cycling between modes can lead to inefficiencies and discomfort. Potential causes include:

• Air flow issues: Dirty air filters obstruct airflow, forcing the system to work harder and cycle more frequently. Over time, clogged filters not only fail to filter out particles but also increase wear and tear on your heating system, risking overheating and reduced lifespan.
• Thermostat location: An inaccurately placed thermostat may misread the overall temperature, causing unnecessary cycling. Consider relocating it for improved accuracy.
• Low refrigerant levels: Insufficient refrigerant levels can disrupt the cooling process, prompting your HVAC system to cycle more frequently to maintain the temperature.

 
Commercial refrigeration issues

Problem 1: Temperature troubles

Maintaining the right temperature in commercial refrigeration units can be challenging. Causes include dirty coils, undercharged refrigerant, faulty compressors, leaky valves, poor airflow, and blocked vents – all leading to fluctuating temperatures, impacting the freshness and quality of products.

• A malfunctioning compressor, indicated by the absence of a constant humming sound, can contribute to temperature fluctuations.
• High compressor discharge temperatures, often caused by dirty coils or refrigerant issues, can lead to overheating.
• Blocked vents also hinder proper air circulation, affecting temperature maintenance.

Problem 2: Unusual or unfamiliar noises 

Commercial refrigeration equipment, including compressors, fans, and motors, may produce various sounds during operation. However, unfamiliar or abnormal noise levels could indicate underlying problems, such as compressor failure or misaligned fan motors. Ignoring these noises can lead to costly downtime and disruptions to your business operations. 

Seeking professional evaluation and regular maintenance is crucial to identifying and addressing these issues promptly. Timely intervention prevents disruptions to daily business operations and potential temporary shutdowns. Regular maintenance by trained technicians not only extends the lifespan of the equipment but also reduces utility costs and the risk of unexpected breakdowns.

Problem 3: Ice buildup or frost accumulation inside the fridge

Ice or frost buildup inside a commercial refrigerator can result from various causes, but they all lead to potential problems for your business.

• Clogged drain line: This prevents proper water drainage, leading to ice formation. If neglected, it may result in overheating or water backup inside the unit.
• Poor air ventilation or refrigerant leaks: Issues such as faulty door gaskets, dirty fans or filters, and prolonged door openings can contribute to ice buildup.
• Evaporator fan issues: Freezing of the entire evaporator fan or just part of the coil may be due to a low refrigerant charge.

Problem 4: Power problems

If your commercial fridge fails to power up, start by checking if any switches are turned off and ensure the power cord is fully plugged into the outlet. But if everything seems fine and your fridge is still unresponsive, it’s time to call in the professionals for assistance.

For those equipped with a voltage detector, you can further investigate any potential issues with the wall outlet or ground wires. Any problems with the wiring should be addressed immediately to prevent further downtime. Avoid using extension cords as it could void your warranty in case of repair issues.

Problem 5: Lighting problems

Lighting problems in commercial refrigeration are often minor and easily fixable. If the lights in your system are not working, check for disconnected lights or a burnt-out bulb. When replacing the bulb, ensure it is manufacturer-approved to prevent damage to the light’s electrical sockets. Refer to your refrigerator’s manual for information on approved bulbs, ensuring a smooth and effective resolution to the lighting issue.

Partner with Monaire today for AI-powered HVAC and Refrigeration repair and maintenance

Dealing with HVAC and refrigeration problems is extremely stressful, but proactive measures can prevent most issues through regular maintenance. Our expert team is ready to provide personalized services for any challenges you may encounter—whether a simple fix or a complex issue, we have the expertise to address it! Additionally, our advanced sensors and AI proactively monitor systems, detecting issues before failure. Our service professionals then address these concerns without any intervention from you, ensuring a seamless and efficient resolution process.

To ensure your HVAC and refrigeration systems receive the attention they need and to prevent problems, establishing a predictive maintenance program is crucial. At Monaire, with extensive industry experience and AI-powered HVAC and refrigeration management services, we are dedicated to finding the right solutions for all your business needs. 

Our priority is maintaining a comfortable and productive environment for your occupants, customers, and employees. With Monaire, rest assured that you will save money in the long run by addressing small issues before they become significant problems, minimizing downtimes and avoiding expensive emergency HVAC repairs.

Contact us today to streamline your operations with Monaire’s HVAC and refrigeration management services.