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Installing, repairing, and maintaining a commercial HVAC system might seem like a daunting task at first glance, but with a bit of basic knowledge, tools, and practical know-how, you might just be able to pull it off.
In today’s blog post, Air Authority gives a beginner’s guide to installing, repairing, and maintaining commercial heating and air conditioning systems. Let’s get started!
Commercial HVAC systems are broadly classified into two groups: simple and complex. They’re differentiated by how heating and cooling are applied.
Simple systems use direct expansion coils or heat from a gas, electric, or oil-run furnace to service one zone or area.
Complex systems, on the other hand, heat and cool multiple zones, using a chilled refrigerant to cool coils and a boiler to generate hot water or steam that’s piped through to the coils.
Among simple and complex, there are numerous types of commercial HVAC systems. The most common, as well as most affordable, is a single-split system, which is often used by small commercial buildings, and a multi-split system, which allows for individuals to regulate temperature controls in each room or unit.
Commercial HVAC system repairs can be quite similar to residential repairs, albeit far larger in scale and a bit more convoluted. Before you get into it, you’ll need the right tools.
Alongside good tools, you’ll need to know which HVAC parts can be replaced easily, and which ones take a bit more work. Some HVAC components are more easily replaced than others, both in terms of know-how and in terms of cost.
With that out of the way, here are some key tips for repairing beginner-level HVAC issues.
Repairing holes or a tear in the air duct’s seam is something a beginner can do with relative ease. Find where the hole is by feeling for drafts of escaped air. Apply a metallic foil tape, specifically for ductwork. Then use a sealant, duct mastic, to hold it in place.
This one is too easy. Just remove the bottom two screws to the AC unit. It typically will have four filters. Remove them and replace them with new ones, making sure you keep the gray mesh facing the compressor so that airflow moves correctly. Then place the door back on by lining it up and putting the screws back in. That’s it!
Replacing a broken or worn-down fan belt or on your AC exhaust system is pretty straightforward. Once turned off, grab the belt and push up while pulling it towards you. Then take your new belt and put it on the pulley, take the other end and put it on the flywheel, slowly spin it and set it. Check the belt tension, just to be sure.
There you have it.
But what about common maintenance tips so that you can avoid costly repairs?
It’s good to always have a basic maintenance check on your HVAC system. Don’t wait for unexpected surprises to hit you, your customers, and your pocketbook.
Here are a few beginner’s tips for an HVAC maintenance check.
Are there any leaks — oil-leaks or otherwise — on the coils of the condenser, evaporator, ports, or heat exchanger? If so, clean it. Also, check your refrigerant charge and see if there’s any kind of leak.
Give a quick, light pull on the wires. Check the belts and make sure they’re not cracked, tight, or loosened. Look at the contractors, microprocessor, and terminal board. Make sure they are all tight and well connected.
Moisture builds up in your HVAC system and causes corrosion of wires or evaporator coils. This impairs performance. Finding any corrosion and cleaning it is paramount.
Take a quick look at the airflow, the fan, and the blower motor to see if they’re working properly. Any mold, dust, or debris in the HVAC system can impede proper airflow. Get energy-efficient air filters and change them out regularly.
Make sure the belts and pulleys are tight, not cracked or loose. Lubricate moving parts, like the motor. If a belt is cracked or loose, change it out immediately. A loose belt can become cracked if left unattended.
Service the drain and the pan. Make sure these are clean. Add a time-release pad for the drain, which is usually changed out quarterly, three to four months.
This is not an easy D.I.Y. task. If you’re a business owner looking to get your HVAC system installed at your brick and mortar location, you’ll need to call in the professionals and set aside a chunk of time to get it done.
A full-scale commercial HVAC installation normally takes three to five days —that’s time you probably don’t have. Finding a helpful contractor from Air Authority can ease the process.
Installing your commercial HVAC system involves a number of steps.
You’ll need to determine the building’s load capacity. A contractor can determine what the needs of the building are, depending on its location, layout, and various factors that dictate external and internal temperature levels.
There are plenty of options to choose from. Our commercial HVAC experts at Air Authority can help you choose what’s best for you. These are quite common.
You’ll need to find a place to install the condenser, whether that’s outside, in the attic, on the roof, or near a window ledge. Choose what’s best for you. For a brand new installation, you’ll need to decide on a location for the vents or indoor air handling units.
An HVAC technician will have to analyze the building’s ductwork. It might require cleaning, repair, or an adjustment to the dampers. If there’s no pre-existing structure or if you want to get rid of an aging one, bypass it all and install a ductless system.
Installing an HVAC system for a business isn’t cheap. Take a look at what your budget is and compare price quotes on services. Talk with a contractor and see if there are any rebaits, special offers, or low-interest loans for the installation procedure.
If you’re getting new ductwork, it might take days or weeks to get it up and running. That’s before any HVAC installation can take place. Zoned ductless systems, for example, allow you to continue working in certain areas that aren’t affected by the ventilation system while stopping work in other areas.
If you’re in need of any repair, maintenance, or installation service for your commercial HVAC system, Air Authority is here to help. We love helping business owners get back to doing what they do best. Call us today for a quote at 513-229-0789, or submit a contact us form online.
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