Commercial AC

Commercial AC Repair and Maintenance

Commercial AC systems present unique challenges that are distinct from those posed by residential units.

• Commercial AC is essential to doing business in the deep South, for both the health and comfort of anyone who frequents commercial spaces. For all but a few businesses, opening the door and letting an occasional breeze cool a space is not an option.
• Commercial spaces are often much larger and open than homes, requiring larger and, sometimes, more complex systems.
• Successful businesses often experience a lot of foot traffic; doors open and close frequently, allowing hot, humid air from the outside to enter the space.
• Commercial spaces often include large glass surfaces. Glass is a very good conductor of heat and very poor insulation.
• Commercial AC systems must handle both seasonal and internally generated temperatures in spaces such as restaurants and manufacturing facilities. Computers and other electronics also contribute to indoor heat.
• The key to a successful business enterprise is people, who act as 98.6⁰ The more people in a commercial space, the greater the need for air conditioning.

For these reasons and more, AC in commercial spaces is extremely important.

Another difference between residential and commercial air conditioning is the impact of poor efficiency in AC function. The efficient performance of a residential air conditioning system is noticed primarily with the comfort of the family, and secondarily with the family budget. However, the efficient performance of a commercial air conditioning system often has a bigger impact on a business budget and secondarily on occupant comfort.

According to the US Department of Energy, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning accounts for between 40 and 50% of commercial energy use; when AC systems perform poorly, the cost of business simply goes up.

For this reason, the line item for regular maintenance of commercial air conditioning systems should not be skipped, since this will negatively impact the overall budget. Regular maintenance ensures that:

• Components function within design efficiency, keeping energy costs down
• Minor problems are caught before they become major problems
• Major problems are caught before they become systemic failures
• Owners and managers are kept apprised of long-term AC needs to allow for budgetary planning for major repairs or replacement

The size of AC equipment increases with the size of a facility and therefore the equipment and training to maintain large building systems also increases. However, the steps in maintenance remain the same no matter the size of the equipment.

• The size of air-handling equipment can fill a room for large structures. The air filters can be quite different; some filters can be cleaned rather than replaced and some commercial filters must remove pathogens, such as viruses. This part of the system also is responsible for removing humidity; maintenance requires keeping drain lines clear and clean.
• Refrigerant levels. Refrigerants are chemical formulas designed to transfer heat and cold. The loss of refrigerant slows efficiency, so finding the source of the leak and replacing it is essential for performance.
• Check electronics. The whole system functions with a series of electrical sensors, switches, and controls, each relying on input and movement from other components. When a weakness develops in one electronic part, it often puts stress on other parts, and eventually, the stress creates a cascade of problems. Testing various electronic parts can identify weaknesses and stress points and prevent the problem from spreading.
• Thorough cleaning. Airborne particles are the nemesis of mechanical systems; that is certainly true of AC systems. Maintenance will include a systematic cleaning of vulnerable components.

Let Us Help with Your Commercial AC Repair and Maintenance

Northwind Air Conditioning and Heat can help answer your Commercial AC questions. Contact us and get the help you need.