The first thing we'll look at in regards to commercial cooling is the different types of systems that you have to choose from. While you may be familiar with many of them, several will likely be completely new and unknown options for you.
Rooftop Units
Rooftop units are far and away the most common type of commercial cooling and heating units. The reason business owners like them so much is because they're capable of heating and cooling a building with one piece of equipment. The air conditioner and furnace are held within the same piece of machinery mounted on top of your roof.
A pre-requisite for this type of commercial cooling unit is that you have a flat roof capable of supporting a ton of weight. This type of unit will have ductwork attached to it that goes inside your building into individual rooms.
Mini-Split Systems
Mini-split heat pump systems are slightly newer to the heating and cooling world, especially for commercial cooling purposes. These types of units don't have ductwork, but consist of an inside unit mounted on a wall and an outdoor condenser. They work similarly to traditional split cooling systems, but without the ductwork.
Mini-split systems are ideal for heating and cooling large rooms or spaces, and based on the layout of your commercial property, they might be ideal for you.
Traditional Cooling Systems
Traditional heating and cooling systems feature an outside air conditioner, an inside furnace or air handler, and duct work that disperses air throughout a building. While these types of systems have size limitations, it's possible to have several split systems installed in a single building. These systems are growing in popularity because they're easy to install and maintain, and operate very efficiently and problem-free.
No matter what type of system you're thinking about installing on your property, 1-800-Plumber + Air is the company for the job. We have experience with all types commercial cooling systems, as well as how to maintain them for peak performance.
Common Commercial Cooling Problems
Regardless of what type of commercial cooling system you choose, you should expect to have a few problems here and there. While certain problems are more specific to different systems, the following issues are common with all types of commercial cooling systems.
Air Conditioner Isn't Cooling
If your AC isn't cooling but you can hear it running, there's a good chance you're unit is out of refrigerant. Freon, the refrigerant used in commercial cooling systems, is flowing through your air conditioner and evaporator coils and is what turns air from lukewarm to cold. If there isn't any refrigerant in your system, air will continue to circulate but it will feel lukewarm or warm rather than cold.
Air Conditioner Won't Turn on
If your air conditioner doesn't turn on at all, you likely have an electrical, thermostat, or fault code problem. Mini-splits, in particular, have built-in fault code systems that shut down the mini-split when there's a problem. The other systems in question, rooftop and traditional, are more likely to have thermostat or electrical issues if the AC won't turn on.
Air Conditioner not Blowing Air
If you hear your air conditioner running but don't feel air coming out of your air vents, there are several things that could be happening. The air filter is the first thing you should check, as it will block the flow of air when it gets too dirty. The same concept is true for your evaporator coils and condenser coils.
Another possible issue is that the fan motor on your air handler has gone kaput. The fan motor is what propels conditioned air out of the furnace, air handler, or rooftop unit, and through your duct system and out the air vents. If the motor gives out, air will continue to be conditioned and generated, but it won't be able to move anywhere.
Some Rooms are Colder than Others
One of the most common problems on older buildings is to have an air imbalance. When you have an air imbalance, your commercial cooling system will seem to be working perfectly. However, you'll notice that certain rooms or areas are much cooler or warmer than others. The reason this happens, is because more air is getting poured into certain parts of your building than others.
Luckily, with modern technology such as multi-zoned systems and damper systems, you can control how much air goes to each part of your building. Contact us if you have an air imbalance and we'll see if damper installation or reworking your ductwork can fix the problem.
How to Protect Your Commercial Cooling System
While there are several things you can do on your own such as check and replace your air filters whenever necessary, there are limits to what you or your maintenance man can do. For maximum protection and performance on your commercial cooling system, contact us at 1-800-Plumber for regular maintenance visits. We'll be able to spot problems before they happen and fix any existing issues that you have.
Best Commercial Cooling Company in Texas
For any and all concerns and questions you have about commercial cooling, 1-800-Plumber + Air is the company for you. Whether it's repairing an existing system, replacing an old one, or if you have a new construction project that needs commercial cooling from scratch, we're the company for you.
We have the manpower, experience, tools, training, and licensing necessary to tackle all aspects of residential and commercial cooling. No job is too big, too small, or too complicated for us to handle. We also take a great deal of pride in our work, so your commercial cooling system won't just operate well, it will look good in the process.
