Why Does My Commercial HVAC Unit Turns On And Off Right Away?

Commercial HVAC units are designed to be tough and rigid systems that can run all day providing comfort to busy commercial buildings. Because commercial HVAC systems are electronic appliances, they are vulnerable to complications just like other electronic appliances. One of the most common issues tends to be the system turning off and on repeatedly. Instead of panicking, you should be aware of how to tackle such issues. Let’s take a look at some potential reasons and what you can do to fix the issue on the spot. Some of them may require you to consult commercial air conditioning repair services.

The Thermostat Is Broken

A commercial HVAC system comprises several different components. While there are some mechanical components, others tend to be electronic. These components work as a team to ensure the entire unit performs smoothly. At the same time, there are some minor electronic components as well that are responsible for communication.

For instance, modern commercial HVAC systems come with thermostats that keep a record of the outdoor temperature and send signals to the ECU to adjust the settings accordingly. Thermostats are smart electronic appliances that serve as the brain of the AC system.

Although, thermostats rarely experience a problem if they are new but older versions can experience issues. If you have installed an aftermarket thermostat, it might be that the thermostat is not compatible with the unit and is causing it to shut down and turn on, regularly.

In this case, you cannot do anything but replace the thermostat. Moreover, you can also check the batteries of the thermostat, which might need replacement. One thing you need to keep in mind while replacing a thermostat is that you should opt for the exact replacement.

You might think thermostats all look the same but tend to have different specifications and features. So, either you should contact the manufacturer or consult an expert before purchasing a thermostat.

Your Air Filter Is Dirty

The air filter inside the indoor unit is another minor component but plays a crucial role in purifying the air. Your commercial HVAC unit grabs air from the outside and purifies it using air filters that trap contaminants and toxicants. This means the air filters can become dirty and clogged when dealing with air constantly.

If your commercial HVAC unit happens to be old, it might be that the air filter is cracked or damaged. In this case, replace the air filter. At the same time, if you have a new HVAC unit, you should inspect and clean it regularly especially if the unit is used almost throughout the year.

It is fairly easy for the air filters to become clogged if the area outside happens to be a bit dirty and dusty. If the air filters become clogged, the airflow will be affected and poor-quality air will be circulated inside the building.

That said, modern HVAC units are loaded with safety features that shut down the unit if they sense something is wrong. In this case, the unit will be stressed to push harder to make up for the loss. So, if you notice that the unit shuts down on its own and then turns on, it means the air filters might be dirty. Clean or replace the air filters to see if it solves the issue.

Your Air Conditioner Is Oversized

You might think that opting for a commercial HVAC unit bigger than your needs and preferences is going to be a smart choice. Not only is it a debunked myth but also does not carry any scientific explanation or logic. One of the most important things you need to consider is the fact that you should always buy a commercial HVAC unit having measured the dimensions and determining your needs and preferences.

Commercial HVAC units do not come cheap and buying an incorrectly size will cause you more issues. For instance, if the unit happens to be big, it will achieve the desired temperature in a relatively short amount of time than a smaller unit. As a result, the unit will trip or may shut down or turn on regularly.

On the other hand, if the unit happens to be small, it will have to struggle to achieve the desired temperature as the area is going to be bigger. That said, the unit can shut off if it heats up. Considering such factors, you should always consult an expert before purchasing an HVAC unit.

Dirty Coils

Your commercial HVAC unit comes with condenser and evaporator coils installed in the outdoor unit. These coils tend to dissipate heat that is produced as a byproduct of producing cool air. Since these coils are located in the outdoor unit, layers of dirt and dust accumulation likely take place on the coils.

This can make heat dissipation a bit complicated for the coils. If the issue remains ignored, the constant heat and temperature will damage the coils and will need replacement. In this case, too, it is highly likely that the safety feature shuts down the unit and turns it on automatically when the unit cools down.

This also means it is important to keep a check on the coils and ensure they are free of dust and dirt accumulation. It should also be made a part of annual inspection and maintenance by commercial AC repair services Ronkonkoma. Keep in mind that coils do not come cheap either.

So, you will have to be careful with their maintenance and ensure they are running smoothly. Otherwise, ignorance might lead you to expensive repairs and replacements.

Refrigerant Leakage

Refrigerant leakage is a common issue amongst commercial HVAC units and can take place due to a variety of reasons. Refrigerant leaks can take place due to cracks, rust, and other factors. This usually happens over time as the unit turns old. On the other hand, if it happens to be a new unit, it might be that recent service and maintenance did not ensure the unit was installed properly.

In older versions, refrigerant leakage might indicate that the unit is old and needs replacement. But, if the unit happens to be new, you might be able to get it checked under warranty. Sometimes, minor leaks could be issues that are easily fixable.

However, you should always be on the lookout for signs that indicate there is a refrigerant leakage. Compressors are highly dependent on refrigerants and work harder to compensate for the loss if there is a leak. This could be an expensive and troublesome issue if you are running a commercial business such as a restaurant.

Neither is a compressor cheap nor it is readily available. It takes time to uninstall and install a new piece. Therefore, this is yet another reason why you should schedule professional maintenance to prevent such situations from taking place.

Conclusion

Commercial HVAC units need proper and professional care to avoid the issues mentioned above. Plus, these are expensive investments that should make your money worth it in the long run. So, while you should keep the tips and information in mind, it is equally important to keep an eye out for signs & symptoms that might indicate an upcoming problem and get help from commercial HVAC companies Smithtown for maintenance and repairs.

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