In the sunny climate of Brisbane, a well-functioning HVAC system isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Especially in the realm of business, commercial air conditioning plays a pivotal role in not only comfort but also productivity and customer satisfaction. But like any complex machinery, these systems require regular upkeep to remain efficient and effective. So how can you tell if it’s time to call for professional HVAC service?
Commercial air conditioning maintenance isn’t just about quick fixes. It’s about ensuring long-term reliability while minimising the risk of unexpected breakdowns. Whether you’ve just had a new commercial air conditioning installation or you’re working with an older system, it’s crucial to recognise the signs that it’s time for a check-up by a qualified technician.
Ignoring subtle warning signs can lead to bigger problems down the track, impacting both comfort and business operations. With Brisbane’s unforgiving heat, no one can afford to take that risk. Therefore, it’s essential to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to the health of HVAC in Brisbane. By knowing when to seek professional maintenance, you’ll save time, money, and a lot of discomfort in the long run.
No Cool Air
One of the most common signs that your aircon needs servicing is warm air coming from the vents, even when the device is set on cooling mode. Not being able to blow cold air out even at a maximum fan speed may be due to a damaged compressor or low refrigerant levels.
This is a malfunction that requires professional help which means it is not the time for a DIY project. If your device is still under warranty, fixing it will probably be free of charge. If you want to avoid high electricity bill, contact Air-Rite technicians.
Limited Airflow
The air from the AC is cold, but your room is not cooled down? This could be a classic issue of clogged filters or blocked ductwork. If the cold air from your AC fails to circulate throughout the room, it is very likely that dust and dirt may have accumulated causing an obstruction in the ducts. Another cause of poor airflow through the room might be a broken compressor.
Check if there are debris or dust in the listed parts of the device, and call a professional to remove them and fix the issue.
Unusual Sounds and Smells
If you start hearing weird noises of metal grinding or sense a burning smell, turn off your AC now! In cases like these, if you keep using the air conditioner, it might break completely. Call your trusted service to get it fixed straight away. If you notice other weird smells, check out this article to work out why that may be.
The burning smell is the indicator that the wires are burnt, while musty odor implies that there is a mould growing inside of your device. Act immediately to prevent health problems such as asthma attack or allergy symptoms.
Water Droplets under Your AC
Have you ever noticed drops of water on your wall under the AC? This is water that is being released from the unit which could be due to a clogged drain tube. Do not worry though, this is not a refrigerant leak and can be fixed.
Excess moisture is not good because it can cause mould to grow. If the refrigerant is leaking, it might indicate that a more serious problem. It requires professional repair because this liquid is toxic to people and animals.
Air Conditioner Coils
Check the evaporator coils for dust or dirt which might inhibit the way your aircon works.
Some of the most common problems revolve around evaporator and condenser coils that have blockages and leaks. These issues lead to high electricity bills, and improper functioning of the device, because it is not able to properly cool down the room.
Leaking Valves
If your commercial HVAC system is failing to properly produce the right temperature, it is possible you may have leaking valves. If there are leaks in your system’s heating and cooling valves, then your system will confuse the two and produce air that isn’t the right temperature. This will cost you a lot of unnecessary energy, and fixing this problem is a guaranteed way to improve the efficiency of your system. For more information on this topic, be sure to read our blog on “10 Ways Regular HVAC Maintenance Can Improve Energy Efficiency”.
Air Conditioner Filters
Dirty aircon filters are very common. They require regular cleaning and replacement according to the manufacturer’s recommendation, which is usually once a month. If you neglect it, various particles and other pathogens will accumulate in the air and circulate around your room, causing health problems and bad smells.
The Thermostat is not Working
If your air conditioner won’t turn on or the device cannot reach the temperature you have set, the problem might be a faulty thermostat. First, check the wiring or batteries. If the power is not the problem, contact a professional to identify the malfunction and fix the thermostat.
High Electricity Bill
Although it might be a result of leaving the lights on all the time, might be worth checking out if your aircon is working efficiently. The most probable cause is a dirty filter or clogged condenser coils. Not only this, you might be leaving a door opened or a window ajar, meaning the cold air from your AC is being let out. Closing all openings to your house will ensure the cold air stays inside and you won’t have to keep your AC on for long periods of time. If your utility bill is higher than usual, contact a professional service company to investigate your device.
How Old is Your Aircon?
You might not know, but central air conditioners typically have a lifespan of about 20 years. That is a long period, but the older the device the most likely something will eventually go wrong. That is why regular maintenance and check-up is a must.
Some of the problems with your air conditioner such as dirty filter, you can fix yourself. In most cases, especially if the device is still under warranty, you should contact a professional aircon service company. Air-rite specialises in various AC systems with exceptional on-time service. If you think your AC may need servicing, contact us today.