Commercial HVAC systems are mostly installed in commercial settings such as restaurants, offices, and hospitals etc. These units are designed to be rough and tough and offer optimal efficiency in terms of both cooling and power usage. With time, commercial HVAC units tend to run into problems as they experience wear and tear. HVAC units facing refrigerant leakage is a serious problem and could occur due to a variety of reasons. You should call in commercial AC repair services if you notice these symptoms.

HVAC Refrigerant Leakage Signs

Your Electric Bill Is High

An HVAC unit uses refrigerant gas to produce both cool and warm air. This refrigerant is stored in a protected compartment where leakage is less likely. But, with time due to external factors and wear and tear, the gas tends to leak due to the formation of cracks or damage.

Initially, the leakage might be small, and you will not be able to notice it. But a sudden surge in the monthly electricity bills will assure you that something is wrong. Such leaks tend to grow bigger with time and need immediate fixing. In fact, you might not be able to spot the leakage yourself as it can take place both outside and inside the outdoor unit.

That said, as soon as you notice the bills going up, you should inspect the unit. Make sure you are not using or have installed a similar unit that consumes more or less the same amount of electricity. Try to contact a professional who will perform a thorough inspection using their skills and tools to detect the leakage.

Spotting and fixing these leakages on time helps prevent serious and expensive issues down the road.

Frozen Coils

The outdoor or rooftop unit consists of the condenser coil. Some units also include the evaporator coil in the outdoor unit. The heat produced as a byproduct of the cooling process is dispersed by these coils. If the HVAC unit happens to be leaking, the coils will freeze as well. Although it is normal for the coils to freeze in below-zero temperatures, modern systems tend to engage the defrost feature automatically.

Upon accessing the coils, you notice they are frozen. Then, you should know there is most likely some leakage. This will prevent the HVAC unit from producing cool air as the coils will not be able to disperse heat and function normally.

At first, a frozen AC condenser coils may seem trivial, but they can cause numerous issues down the road and demand costly repairs. But coil issues are relatively easier to identify, considering ice crystals are formed and typically drip from the unit. In such cases, you should shut down the unit and consult an expert.

The HVAC Unit Stops Producing Cool Or Hot Air

If the HVAC unit is not producing cool air, it is a tell-tale sign that something is seriously wrong. Leakages are meant to be taken seriously as they can damage other expensive components as well. If there is no cool air coming from the unit, it means it has lost all the refrigerant gas.

Furthermore, if you observe the HVAC unit constantly tripping, it also means there is a leak. In such a case, you will need to shut down the unit as it can heat up the compressor and cause issues. Call in an expert who can check the refrigerant level. If the level is low, you will need to refill the refrigerant.

Your commercial HVAC system may have a furnace. So, ask the expert to inspect the furnace as well if the HVAC system is not heating.

Increased Humidity

Air conditioners not only produce chilled air but also remove hot, dense air from the building. If there is some type of leakage in the unit, it will not be able to withdraw warm, muggy air from the indoors. As a result, you will notice a significant increase in the humidity levels.

The problem with humidity is that it can promote mold growth. Because these living things thrive in hot and humid areas, resulting in serious health concerns. That said, if the people or residents inside the building experience wheezing, coughing, fatigue, or headache, it most likely means there is a humidity problem and the HVAC system is not working the way it should.

Improper Maintenance

Commercial air conditioning units are similar to household air conditioners when it comes to maintenance. To improve the lifespan of the unit and prevent issues down the road, scheduling professional maintenance is necessary. But, the problem does not lie with the scheduling but the decision-making process of the building or business owners.

While hunting for the right air conditioner repair service Huntington, they stumble upon someone willing to offer their services at cheaper rates. Such individuals do not carry a license or certification from the state to perform repair or inspection tasks. Such decisions can also lead to serious accidents and injuries.

This is why you should always hire someone who has experience and is authorized by the state to perform thorough maintenance. These individuals charge relatively higher than the others, but also do a much better job, backed by a guarantee.

How To Find The Right Expert?

Finding the right expert is no rocket science if you know what you are doing. The first thing you need to do is ask your social circle for any referrals. This way, you might come in contact with someone who is already tried and tested. If not, you should research your area and gather multiple options.

Try to personally visit the experts or interview them over a phone call. This will give you a better idea of how well-trained they are to perform repairs. An experienced individual will share the causes and fixes in detail without dodging the questions.

You should only consider individuals who are certified by the state. And, once you are done interviewing each one, cross-compare the options and pick the one that offers the best overall package.

How To Prevent HVAC Leaks?

HVAC maintenance is key to ensuring a longer lifespan and reduced technical issues. Most people tend to avoid professional maintenance as they consider it an expense. But what they do not realize is the fact that professional maintenance goes deep inside the unit and prevents serious malfunctions from taking place.

Since commercial HVAC units are used 24/7 on a daily basis, it is important that a professional shows up and checks the unit inside and out frequently. A professional will not only clean the unit and replace the filters but also check for potential issues.

This allows them to fix the issues on the spot before they turn serious. Instead of considering it an expense, you should count it as an investment. Professional maintenance goes a long way in terms of ensuring the unit runs smoothly without any unexpected complications and serious expenses.

Conclusion

Commercial HVAC leakage issues are easy to fix if spotted at their early stage. But you can avoid them as well by scheduling professional maintenance. Make sure you take your time and hire someone reliable commercial HVAC companies Ronkonkoma.