When your air conditioner fails to cool your business space during the hot and humid months, it can be incredibly frustrating – not to mention the impact it can have on overall comfort and productivity.
Here are seven common reasons why your AC might not be cooling your business like it should.
1. Frozen Evaporator Coil
A frozen evaporator coil is a frequent issue that directly affects the performance of a commercial property’s AC unit. The coil is designed to draw heat and moisture from indoor air when working correctly, but when it freezes, it means there may be a problem such as:
- Dirty air filters
- Malfunctioning fans
- Leaking refrigerant
Regular maintenance checks can prevent these issues from becoming worse and ensure that the HVAC system runs smoothly.
2. Clogged Air Filters
Air filters can quickly become clogged due to the high activity in a commercial building.
A dirty air filter restricts airflow, forcing your AC unit to work harder and less efficiently. Make sure that air filters are checked and replaced regularly to maintain top performance.
3. Refrigerant Leak
An AC with low refrigerant may run – but it won’t properly cool circulated air.
Refrigerant is necessary to absorb heat from indoor air; when levels are low, there is no effective heat transfer. Refrigerant leaks require professional help to find and fix the source of the leak.
4. Dirty Condenser Coils
Condenser coils release the heat absorbed from your indoor space to the outside air. Over time, these coils can accumulate dirt and debris, particularly in commercial environments where outdoor air quality might be compromised. This build up prevents the release of heat, causing the system to circulate warm air back into your business.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of condenser coils are crucial.
5. Improperly Sized Air Conditioner
The size of your commercial AC unit matters.
Sometimes the floor plans change in a space. Sometimes heat loads are more than what the original design planned for cooling. An undersized unit will struggle to cool your space, while an oversized unit will be more prone to short-cycling, which means turning on and off repeatedly — causing poor cooling, high humidity, and higher energy bills. Make sure your HVAC system is properly sized for your business’s square footage, heat loads*, and cooling needs by consulting with an HVAC professional.
*Heat load is the heat-making objects in a space, i.e. number of people, equipment like computers, lights, copiers, machines, new windows allowing sunlight, etc.
6. Thermostat Issues
A malfunctioning/incorrectly set thermostat CAN affect your air conditioner’s performance. Make sure your thermostat is set to “COOL” and is functioning correctly.
FAN set to “Auto” means the blower runs only while cooling or heating. When the thermostat setpoint is satisfied, the blower or fan shuts off.
FAN set to “On” runs the fan continuously to keep circulating air within the space. Air moving across your skin is a cooling effect. Personal preference for comfort but know what the settings mean.
Issues like incorrect temperature calibration or installation site can result in poor cooling performance. A thermostat installed on a wall where sunlight shines through a window onto a wall or has a heat load (ex. copier machine) nearby will influence the sensitivity of temperature in the space.
Regular maintenance should include checking your thermostat’s settings, calibration, and wiring.
7. Leaky Ductwork
Damaged or leaky ductwork can result in cool air escaping before it reaches your workspace. If your HVAC ductwork is compromised, your air conditioner will run, but the cool air you’re paying for will be lost.
Call On Us for Commercial HVAC Services
At Interstate AC, we understand the unique needs of commercial properties. With over 20 years of experience serving Middle Tennessee, we provide reliable HVAC solutions tailored to your needs.
Call (615) 802-COOL (2665) to schedule a service or consultation with our expert team, and keep your business cool and comfortable throughout the summer months.
FAQs
How Often Should Commercial AC Filters Be Changed?
Filters in a commercial setting should be checked monthly and replaced as needed, typically every 1-3 months.
How Does High Humidity Affect Air Conditioning?
High humidity levels can make your business feel warmer than it is, even if your AC is working properly. The cooling process by design removes the moisture from the air. This moisture runs off the cooling coil and into drain lines that travel to the outdoors or deposits into the building drains. During high humidity months, those drain lines should be cleared or water leaks occur, or backed up water will force the equipment to shut off. Outside air should be reduced or minimized during these months as it introduces high humidity to the space. Equipment with economizers installed will have outdoor sensors which detect outside air temps and humidity, and will automatically close down or reduce intake.
Can We Repair A Refrigerant Leak Ourselves?
No, refrigerant leaks should always be handled by professionals due to the complexities and regulations involved.
