Your commercial property’s HVAC system is kind of like your car’s engine: out of sight, out of mind. People only start to think about theirs when they notice a problem. For your car, you’ll typically figure out something’s wrong when the “check engine” light starts flashing, but your HVAC doesn’t have any direct method for alerting you to an issue. Instead, you need to be vigilant and keep an eye out for these warning signs:

1. Higher-Than-Normal Electric Bills

While your commercial property’s electricity bill can fluctuate month to month based on the temperature outside and other factors, if your electricity usage skyrockets suddenly, this can be a sign there’s a problem with your HVAC system. Track your monthly usage and bills to keep an eye on your HVAC system’s health.

And if you notice a sudden uptick in your electricity usage month over month, schedule a deep cleaning for your HVAC and air ducts to ensure they’re working as efficiently as possible.

2. Burning Smell in Your Commercial Property

If you or your team notice a burning smell when you turn on the heat, this can be a sign that air isn’t flowing properly and it’s causing your system to overheat. Typically, swapping the air filter to improve air flow can help with this problem, but it’s also a good idea to get your HVAC and air ducts cleaned to ensure all buildup is removed.

A burning smell when you use your HVAC system can also stem from broken or damaged elements, so it’s best to call a professional for an inspection if you notice unusual smells when using your a/c or heat.

3. A/C Is Shutting Off Too Soon

The average air conditioning cycle for a commercial building is anywhere from 15-20 minutes. When an a/c unit shuts off before this mark and your building isn’t cooling or heating enough, this is called short cycling.

If you notice your HVAC system is short cycling, contact a trusted HVAC maintenance team immediately. There are multiple reasons why this may occur, which can range from having dirty air ducts and filters to having an improperly sized unit for your building.

4. Water Pooling Around HVAC System

Water accumulating around your HVAC system is never normal. Clogged drain lines can cause water to build up in your drain pan or drip around your system. If you notice water around your HVAC, seek immediate help to avoid water damage and mold growth.

The restoration experts at Cotton GDS have experience cleaning HVAC units and air ducts as part of routine maintenance or after a disaster, like a fire or water damage. If you notice issues with your commercial property’s HVAC unit, contact our team for a no-obligation inspection.