6 Things to Scare You About Michigan HVAC this Halloween

We tend to take out HVAC systems for granted, but they’re hardly indestructible. Just like any other piece of machinery they can fail due to misuse or neglect. Today we’ll be taking a look at some common—and scary—commercial HVAC issues that can come up at almost any time. These problems can be positively spooky, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a fix for a lot of them.

Strange smells and poor air quality

This is, of course, one of the first things you’ll notice when there’s something wrong with your HVAC system. You might notice an unpleasant odor coming from the vents, or the air may even feel dirty somehow. This is a serious problem. Odors may emanate from overheating parts, condensed stagnant water, debris in the system, or dirty filters.

Cold and hot spots

In most haunted house stories this is taken as a sign that there’s some kind of presence around! Different areas of the workplace might be freezing cold or swelteringly hot. All that means is really one thing: your airflow isn’t even across the entire office. Our best guess without seeing the system is that you have leaks somewhere. Easily fixed, but can go unattended for months or even years. We’ve even heard of people fighting to have the desk that gets the most even amount of cooling!

Weird noises and banging

Relax, it’s probably not a ghost or some other creepy crawlies. If you or your employees have been hearing strange noises coming from your HVAC system, it’s just one of the signs that you need to have it checked out by an actual professional. There are a ton of reasons for this: ductwork may have rattled loose over time, fans may be broken or misaligned, or there may even be some sort of animal living in the ductwork! No matter what the case may be, this is a job for a professional.

Improper equipment choices

It’s pretty common to err on the side of cost when choosing a new commercial HVAC unit for your business. Conversely, it also happens that businesses will end up getting a unit that’s way too powerful for their needs. When your HVAC systems and units are insufficient to heat or cool your workplace, office productivity can take a nosedive. In the other scenario, using a system that’s too big for your needs can mean that you’re wasting money and power.

Poor operational quality

Do you think that your HVAC unit has already lost its oomph? If so, it’s time for repairs. The condenser coils and the evaporator likely need cleaning. If the dampers are dirty, they can prevent the system from using outside air to cool down the interior. Also, too much hot outside air can overload the cooling oil.

Shortened lifespans

Just like most cars, your HVAC system needs regular maintenance. A well-made HVAC unit should last between 10-20 years on average, though we service some 40-plus year old ones that are still going strong. Manufacturers calculate the average unit lifespan based on the unit running within specified temperatures and pressures, and assuming regular maintenance is being done. When maintenance is not done, the unit runs outside of acceptable temperatures and pressures, which causes additional wear and tear on the unit, shortening its overall lifespan and causing premature failure of its components.

Preventative maintenance programs can go a long way to spare you from costly repairs. When you sign up for a professional maintenance program, your HVAC technicians will detect small issues before they become serious problems. Keep in mind that most HVAC problems are attributed to negligence, and they can be prevented through routine HVAC maintenance diagnosis.

Level One HVAC is ready to respond to all your HVAC needs. Give us a call at (248) 486-6500 if you’d like to know more. If you don’t have time to call, you can fill in our online contact form and someone from our staff will be in touch with you shortly.

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