Cooling a commercial building can often be challenging. With numerous rooms and lengthy AC ductwork, it's not unusual to experience uneven cooling in some of the spaces within the building. A well-installed and maintained commercial air conditioner should do a great job of providing adequate cold air to the entire space. Thus, if this is not the case, it means something is wrong with the system. Below are the leading culprits of uneven cooling in a commercial facility.
Clogged or Leaking Ductwork
If your building uses a ducted air conditioning system, one of the key areas to check is the ductwork. Clogs in the ducts occur due to poor maintenance or buildup of dirt and debris. They can limit the amount of cold air that's supplied to some of the rooms. As a result, some rooms will not be adequately cooled. Similarly, if there are leaks due to poor installation of the ducts, they could also lead to uneven cooling in some of the rooms.
To solve this problem, conduct a thorough inspection of the ductwork in the building. Look for areas where there may be leaks due to poor design or wear. Also, clean the ducts to remove clogs and allow free flow of conditioned air. Remember to clean the vents and registers as well.
Refrigerant Leaks
The refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air and releases it into the atmosphere with the help of the outdoor unit. For the AC to function correctly, refrigerant levels should be high at all times. The coolant levels only drop when there is a leak in the system. As a result, the fluid won't be able to absorb all the heat from the air, and this will result in uneven cooling.
If left unrepaired, leaks along the refrigerant line can ultimately lead to the depletion of the coolant. With nothing to absorb heat from the air, the air conditioner will stop working altogether. However, before this happens, low refrigerant levels may damage components such as the compressor, condenser, and electrical parts of the unit. Thus, recharge the refrigerant immediately and fix underlying leaks.
Clogged Indoor Filters
The AC's indoor air handlers have filters that collect dust and debris from the air. These play a critical role in improving the air quality in your commercial building. However, the filters require regular cleaning and occasional replacement to function properly. If some of the air handlers have clogged filters, they will not be able to supply conditioned air to the rooms. As a result, there will be uneven cooling. Clean filters regularly and replace worn ones to improve the quality of air in the facility.
The performance of your commercial air conditioner depends on how diligent you are on maintenance and tune-ups. Create a schedule for regular duct and filter cleanings, tune-ups, and repairs to improve the efficiency of the unit.
For further tips on AC repair, reach out to a local HVAC contractor.
Share8 July 2020
Last summer, I began to get extremely hot in my home. My air conditioning system couldn’t adequately keep my home cool anymore. Therefore, I contacted an experienced HVAC contractor. This individual visited my home and thoroughly inspected my unit. If your air conditioner isn’t working like it once did, your air ducts may be clogged up. Thankfully, an expert HVAC contractor can determine if faulty air ducts are the cause of the hot temperatures inside your home. On this blog, you will discover how an HVAC contractor can properly inspect your air ducts. Stay cool and comfortable during the hot summer months!