Owners of businesses or commercial buildings, you know that upkeep of your space is essential. Making sure the people who rent, work in, or visit your property have a pleasant time and are safe and comfortable means that they’ll stay longer, be more productive, spend more money, and recommend your business to others. And this time of year, keeping your heating system running is the most critical part!
Commercial heating isn’t quite the same as what you have in your home, but there are a lot of similarities. The most important thing is realizing as quickly as possible when something is going wrong, so you can address it promptly. Here are the common signs of trouble with a commercial heating system. If you spot these, schedule repair right away.
Noises
Banging, clattering, shrieking, or groaning should not be coming from your HVAC system! While heating and air conditioning a large commercial space will make some amount of noise, the sounds should be consistent and routine. If you hear anything loud or unexpected, it’s a sign of a problem: a loose component, a tearing belt, a struggling motor, worn-out bearings, or something else.
Odors
A burning smell could just be last year’s dust scorching off, if it’s the first time you’ve turned on the heat this fall. But a continued burning smell, especially if it’s acrid and unpleasant, like metal or plastic, is a sign of something overheating. A fishy smell can indicate an electrical fire, which is a serious hazard. And if you smell eggs, it could be a natural gas leak. Evacuate the building and get emergency assistance!
Uneven Temperatures
Does your building have cold spots? Hot spots? Heat coming out of some of your vents, but not all? That’s no fun for your tenants, employees, or customers. It’s likely that something is wrong with the blower fan or within the system of ductwork itself. This can also be the result of short cycling. Don’t let it continue, as it will only get worse. Have it checked out by a qualified commercial HVAC technician.
Short Cycling
A heating system runs in cycles, bringing the temperature of the building up and then letting it coast a little bit down before starting up again. These should only be happening a handful of times per hour. When it happens every few minutes, something is causing the heating system to keep shutting down. Repairs are necessary! Short cycling can cause damage to components, and it drives energy use way up.
Increased Energy Bills
If you’re using your heat the same amount, and finding that you’re paying more for energy, it’s likely that heating repairs could resolve the issue. Many problems with heating systems can cause excessive, wasteful energy use. Don’t keep paying extra when you’re not getting any more out of it! Get prompt help with your commercial heating in Washington, DC.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or ask any questions you have about your commercial heating system.