Commercial HVAC units are rough and tough units that are designed to keep entire commercial buildings cozy and comfortable. These units work round the clock to ensure the working environment is perfect for employees to work efficiently. But, commercial HVAC units like residential units tend to run into problems as well. One of the worst problems a commercial HVAC can experience is a bad compressor. While it can be a tricky situation to get out of, if you are aware of the signs, you will be able to deal with it before it completely gives up if you look for these signs and consult a commercial air conditioning repair professional on time. Let’s take a look at the signs you need to consider along with some troubleshooting tips.
Signs Your Commercial HVAC Compressor Is Bad
Unusual Noises
One of the first signs that you will observe is if your commercial HVAC compressor has gone bad or is about to make unusual noises. Compressors consist of bearings that wear out with time. If you observe squeaking or banging noises, it means there is a problem with the compressor.
But you should know that the fan motor in the outdoor unit also contains bearings. It might be that they are at fault. That said, you should first identify the source of the problem and then proceed with getting it fixed. If the problem is with the compressor, you can try replacing the bearings.
However, if the unit is old, it might be that the compressor has turned weak with time as well. In this case, you will need to replace the entire compressor. But, if the unit happens to be new and is still covered under warranty, you will need to contact the manufacturer and get it replaced for free.
Circuit Breaker Problems
Circuit breaker problems are common with commercial HVAC units with troubling compressors. Because commercial HVAC units are heavier in terms of performance than regular ones, the utilization of electricity is a lot more as well.
So, this means the components inside the unit draw more power. If the compressor happens to be faulty, it might draw more power than usual, which could trip the circuit breaker. If that happens frequently, you might want to check the circuit breaker by turning the unit off.
If it still trips, the problem is with the circuit breaker but if it doesn’t, it means the unit was causing it. In this case, you will be needing a professional’s help for a commercial electrical inspection. It might be that there is power fluctuation in your area. You might also want to check the fuses inside the circuit breaker. If a fuse seems to be burnt, try replacing it.
But, if you do not know how to do it, you should contact a professional and prevent serious mishaps from taking place.
High Electricity Bills
As mentioned earlier, a commercial HVAC unit with a faulty compressor will draw more electricity than usual. This means that you observe a sudden hike in energy bills as well. In most cases, people tend to ignore the issue as they think it will rectify itself. But the fact is that a commercial HVAC unit with a faulty compressor will only become worse if you ignore it.
The best way to determine if the rise in electricity is unusual is by comparing the consumption of electricity with the bill. If the consumption increases without any settings or changes, it means the compressor is utilizing more electricity than usual.
Sometimes, you have to be a bit smart and keep a close eye to solve issues that are not so evident. If there aren’t any signs, you will need to look for them yourself or consult an expert. Make sure you do not access any areas that might risk injuries or damage to the unit.
If you have located or guessed the problematic component, turn the unit off and call a commercial AC repair service Ronkonkoma.
Leaking Refrigerant
A commercial HVAC unit with a faulty compressor might have leakage issues. Compressors are quite rigid components themselves but with time and due to external factors can develop cracks and leakages. These cracks and leakages result in the refrigerant leaking, which adds stress to the compressor.
The compressor on the other hand requires a certain refrigerant level to effectively and efficiently produce both cool and warm air. If the refrigerant is leaking, the compressor will work harder than usual, draw more electricity, and even heat up.
So, if there is refrigerant leakage, not only raises the consumption of electricity but also adds to the stress of the compressor resulting in malfunction. If you notice that the unit is frequently tripping, it may be a sign of a leakage.
Leakages could be very minor and hard to notice sometimes. You will have to purchase a special chemical and spray it to cover the pipes to see if there are any bubbles. If there are, it means the refrigerant is leaking.
In such a case, you should turn the unit off and consult an expert who will fix the leakage and refill the lost refrigerant.
How To Prevent Commercial HVAC Unit Compressor Issues?
The best way to prevent commercial HVAC unit compressor issues is to offer professional maintenance. Most people believe that professional maintenance is just an expense without realizing the importance and the problems it helps keep at bay.
Professional maintenance includes cleaning and inspection. If you regularly get the unit inspected by a professional, chances are that you will be able to catch the issue before it turns serious and harms the other components.
Professional HVAC inspections go deep inside the unit where accessibility is either risky or complicated. Once they have observed some unusual signs, they will fix them on the spot without you having to worry about them later on. That said, professional maintenance is an investment you make to keep your commercial HVAC unit running smoothly.
How To Find A Professional?
Hiring the right professional for commercial equipment repair is critical. You will find many services and professional claiming they are the best. But all of them can’t be the best. The difference lies in experience, skills, and technique. If possible, you should try to contact your manufacturer to suggest HVAC experts who are reliable.
If not, you should ask your friends or family members to recommend someone. Plus, research and try to find some options in your area and personally visit or interview them on call. A professional will explain the issue in detail and how they will approach it.
And, once you have multiple options in hand, cross-compare them and pick the one that offers the best package in terms of quotes, skills, and experience.
Conclusion
A commercial HVAC unit with compressor complications can both be easy and complicated to identify and fix. As a general rule of thumb, you should ensure the unit receives maintenance from the experts at commercial HVAC companies Stony Brook. This ensures your commercial HVAC system does not develop problems just when you least expect it to. And, since commercial HVAC units tend to be expensive, you should try to prolong their lifespan to make your money worth it.
