What are the common AC Issues in Commercial Buildings and how to address them?

If you own a commercial building then you cannot ignore the importance of AC, furnaces, and other HVAC systems required to keep the occupants comfortable. It becomes your top most priority to keep your employees and customers comfortable. Therefore, you must be aware about some common types of AC issues in Commercial Buildings that can ruin the comfort in your commercial space.

We, at Everest Mechanical provide all kinds of HVAC and plumbing services in various parts of Colorado including Denver, Estes Park, Boulder, Arvada, Fort Collins, and nearby region. Having a long term experience in providing the best HVAC services for commercial building in Colorado, we understand what the most common air conditioning issues you can face.

Whether it is poor airflow or problem with your smart thermostats, there could be several reasons that can cause your air conditioning systems to not function properly. 

So, let us check out some of these common issues and understand how to solve them for maximum comfort.

1. Insufficient cooling and heating

Reasons:

• Clogged air filters 

Clogged filters are the most common reason that leads to insufficient cooling. You must regularly check and replace filters as per the recommended schedule. Also, always take help from professional HVAC service companies for commercial buildings to avoid any mistake and ensure proper replacement of filter.

• Low refrigerant levels

Normally, leaks and regular usage of air conditioning systems lead to depletion of refrigerant levels. And if you are experiencing lower cooling, then it may be a sign that your refrigerant level is reducing. So, contact professionals to check for a refrigerant leak detection and top-up if necessary.

• Faulty thermostat

Often thermostats are improperly configured that can send incorrect signals to the AC unit. It leads to improper temperature regulation, and therefore regularly check for thermostat settings and ensure they are functioning correctly.

• Blocked vents

In commercial buildings there are several stuffs such as furniture's, boxes, or other kinds of obstructions near vents that may hinder airflow and prevent proper cooling in specific areas. So, check there are no obstructions and they are clear.

• Improper system sizing

If you opt for AC unit with smaller size than as required for your commercial space, then its definitely not going to help you cool properly. Consult professional HVAC service companies like Everest Mechanical to find out the best AC configuration for your building.

2. Uneven Temperatures Throughout the building

Reasons:

• Blocked vents and registers

As discussed earlier, blocked vents can disrupt airflow and cause temperature inconsistencies in different areas.

• Duct Leaks

If there are leaks in the ductwork, then the conditioned air can escape before reaching the designated area. This is another cause of uneven cooling. Consult professionals to inspect thoroughly and identify areas that must be sealed.

• Improper zoning controls

Commercial buildings have multiple zones that might have malfunctioning zoning controls. And therefore, you might be experiencing uneven cooling at various areas of your commercial building. So, ensure that zoning systems are working properly as intended.

3. Reduced Indoor Air Quality

Reasons:

• Dirty air filters

Clogged filters are the main reason for reduced air flow. They trap dusts, allergens, and other contaminants, that may impact the indoor air quality.

• Clogged condensate drain lines

If there are clogged drain line, then they can prevent the AC from properly disposing of condensate (moisture), which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality.

• Lack of ventilation

If your building has inadequate ventilation, then it can trap stale air and pollutants that also leads to poor air quality. In such cases, schedule regular maintenance to check and clean condensate drain lines, as well as ensure proper ventilation throughout the building.

4. Unusual Noises

Reasons:

• Worn out bearings

Over time, bearings in the AC unit can wear out that may cause grinding or squeaking noises. This issue requires professional repair or replacement of the worn out components.

• Loose components

If there are loose screws, bolts, and other parts within the AC unit, then it can vibrate and create rattling noises. Contact qualified technicians to find out such components and fix them before it becomes major issue.

• Refrigerant Leaks

This leads to hissing or bubbling sound. It is a serious issue that can lead to safety and hazardous issues. Therefore, it requires professional address.

5. Unresponsive Systems

Reasons:

• Power outages

Power outage may lead to unresponsive AC system as the entire unit relies on electricity to function. If there are power cuts, then it will obviously prevent it from turning on, and running on inverter may lead to abnormal functioning.

• Tripped circuit breakers

AC units are usually connected to dedicated circuit breakers in the building’s electrical panel. If these breakers trip for any reason, then the AC unit will lose power and stop functioning.

• Faulty controls

The AC unit’s controls, including the thermostat and internal control boards, can malfunction and prevent the system from responding to commands. This could be due to electrical issues, damaged components, or communication problems within the system. 

Do you need to call professionals for these issues?

Well, the most of the issues are common, and can be addressed without needing professionals, and can be done with inhouse staffs. However, it is important to know when you should call professionals for help. Here are some situations that must be addressed by professional HVAC service companies:

• Complex issues: If troubleshooting steps fail to resolve the problem, or if the issue seems complex (e.g., refrigerant leaks, electrical problems), it’s best to call a professional for proper diagnosis and repair.
• Strange noises: Unusual noises like grinding, screeching, or loud vibrations can indicate serious problems. Don’t ignore these and call a technician for immediate inspection.
• Safety concerns: A suspected refrigerant leak poses a safety hazard. Refrigerant is a harmful substance, and leaks require professional attention to avoid health risks.
• Frequent breakdowns: Frequent breakdowns are a sign of underlying issues within the AC system. A professional can diagnose the root cause and prevent further problems

Professionals don’t just fix these issues in AC unit in your commercial building but with their expertise and tools, they can diagnose the problem more accurately, find the right parts to repair, and prevent any accidental consequences. Thus they help to minimize downtime and disruptions.

Contact Everest Mechanical

Everest Mechanical is a professional HVAC service company that can help address common to serious issues in your air conditioning system installed in the commercial building. We have a team of experienced, trained, and certified technicians that do their job efficiently without getting heavy on your pocket. So, if you are looking for a trusted and reliable HVAC service company for commercial buildings in Colorado, then contact Everest Mechanical now.

To sum up!

A well-functioning AC system is important to maintain comfortable and productive work environment in commercial buildings. So, address these issues properly, contact professionals if needed, and ensure the employees and customers get the maximum comfort they deserve, in your space.

Original Blog Source:

https://everestmechanical.com/what-are-the-common-ac-issues-in-commercial-buildings-and-how-to-address-them/

Benefits of Smart Thermostats For Commercial Buildings In Colorado

We cannot underestimate the importance of a comfortable and energy-efficient environment especially when it comes to commercial buildings. In Colorado, this task is even more challenging because of the highly fluctuating climate in the state. Therefore, smart thermostats come in very handy for this purpose. In this article, let us explore why the HVAC service companies recommend using smart thermostats for commercial buildings in colorado and see the benefits they offer.

An overview of Colorado’s challenging climate

Before we understand why smart thermostats are beneficial in Colorado commercial buildings, it’s better to understand their unique climate challenges. Though Colorado has stunning landscapes consisting of rocky mountains and vast plains, it also has a wide range of climate zones. 

Mountainous regions especially experience significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year with extreme summers and winters. Similarly, the eastern plains also have hot summers and mild winters. This diverse climate requires modern HVAC solutions.

Importance of Thermostats in Colorado’s Diverse Climate

Modern thermostats are loaded with features that present sophisticated solutions to Colorado’s unique climate challenges.

Three important types of thermostats with specific functionalities used across commercial facilities in Colorado are explained below:

1. Programmable Thermostats

These thermostats help buildings managers to set temperatures automatically and adjust them based on the time of day as well as the occupancy of the building. For example, during nights and weekends, when the building is mostly unoccupied, the system can automatically adjust to a more energy-efficient temperature. This in turn will help reduce heating and cooling costs significantly. 

A recent study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) found that programmable thermostats can help save up to 15% for heating and 10% for cooling energy requirements.

2. Smart Thermostats

They are advanced forms of programmable thermostats and provide features like remote access and inbuilt learning capabilities. They can be integrated with the building’s HVAC systems easily. They learn occupancy patterns and adjust temperatures accordingly.

Not just that, these smart thermostats are also excellent devices that can access real-time weather data and provide heating and cooling based on the weather forecast. This level of automation helps to optimize energy usage throughout the year irrespective of Colorado’s unpredictable climate.

3. Occupancy sensors

They are not specifically types of thermostats but can be used in conjunction with thermostats to further enhance their efficiency and make your HVAC system more energy-efficient. These sensors are used to detect human presence in an area and automatically adjust temperatures when no one is around. This feature is very useful in areas like conference rooms and restrooms that are not constantly occupied by a fixed number of occupants.

Benefits of Smart Thermostats in Colorado

Some of the prominent advantages of using smart thermostats for your HVAC system in Colorado include:

• Reduction in energy cost

Programmable thermostats are very helpful in reducing energy costs. As mentioned by the Department of Energy, programmable thermostats can save an average of $181 per year on energy bills for a single-family home. And when it comes to commercial buildings, these savings can be even greater. As per HVAC contractors in Colorado, using smart thermostats will help commercial buildings save at least 20-30% on their energy bills.

• Rebates and Incentives

Some Colorado utilities also offer rebates and incentives to promote the usage and adoption of energy-efficient technologies such as smart thermostats.

• Better employee comfort and productivity

By providing optimum temperature in the office and creating a comfortable work environment, it can indirectly help increase employee well-being and productivity. 

• Increased building value 

Commercial buildings that use smart thermostats can make their building more attractive to potential tenants. Displaying energy efficiency and commitment to sustainability is an important selling point.

Things to consider while choosing smart thermostats

If you feel tempted to use a smart thermostat for your commercial space, then it is recommended to consult HVAC service companies in Colorado for a better picture. Also, some of the important things to consider are:

• Size and type of building

Commercial buildings can be of various types including large offices, retail spaces, or warehouses, and all of them have different needs. So, choose a thermostat that will offer features as required for your specific size, layout, and occupancy.

For example, a large office can divide its space into multiple zones and use multiple thermostats to control each specific zone separately.

• Integration with existing systems

Check whether the smart thermostat you are looking for is compatible with your existing HVAC systems or not. Ensure the thermostat you are choosing can be seamlessly integrated with the existing system without any compatibility issues and affecting normal functionality.

• User-friendliness

If the thermostat has a user-friendly interface, then building managers can easily program and adjust the settings without getting confused. Thermostats should offer clear displays and intuitive controls. Moreover, remote control systems through smartphones can be an added advantage.

Everest Mechanicals – Your HVAC Partner in Colorado

Everest Mechanical is a renowned and trusted HVAC service company in Colorado. We offer all types of HVAC services including installation, repair, and maintenance of HVAC systems. We provide services in all major locations in Colorado like Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Estes Park, Arvada, and nearby regions. 

We have trained, certified, and experienced technicians who demonstrate the highest level of professionalism in providing you with the required service. We can help you provide consultation regarding the best type of thermostat for your commercial building, and offer installation, maintenance, and programming services. 

Our technicians will properly assess the building’s needs and recommend the most suitable thermostats and installation zones to ensure the occupants get maximum comfort as well as maximize efficiency. So, for all your HVAC and thermostat needs, call Everest Mechanical now.

Thermostats are a powerful tool for managing temperature control and energy use in commercial buildings across Colorado. By addressing the state’s diverse climate challenges, thermostats offer significant financial benefits through reduced energy costs and utility incentives. Additionally, they contribute to improved employee comfort, enhanced building sustainability, and increased property value.

Looking towards the future, thermostat technology is constantly evolving.  We can expect to see even more advanced features like:

• Self-learning algorithms: These algorithms will continuously learn usage patterns and further optimize energy savings.
• Integration with other building automation systems: Thermostats will become part of a larger network, working seamlessly with lighting and ventilation systems for even more efficient operation.
• Voice control capabilities: Thermostats with voice control will offer hands-free operation, improving user convenience.

By embracing these advancements, Colorado’s commercial buildings can further enhance their energy efficiency, creating a win-win situation for building owners, employees, and the environment.

Original Source: https://everestmechanical.com/benefits-of-smart-thermostats-for-commercial-buildings-in-colorado/