For businesses that operate 24/7 such as hospitals, power plants, and manufacturing facilities, an HVAC system shutdown can bring everything to a standstill. These system shutdowns aren’t just an inconvenience, but they can lead to serious costly consequences like lost productivity, damages to temperature-sensitive products, major code violations, and it can even endanger the safety of people working in your facility. That’s why any facility manager in charge of large, high-demand systems should make preventing HVAC shutdowns their primary priority.
Fortunately, many shutdowns can be avoided by detecting early indicators of HVAC failure before they become entire system breakdowns. Here are five critical signs that your HVAC system is about to break down, and how you can spot them before it’s too late.
HVAC Shutdown Warning Sign 1: Inconsistent Temperature and Airflow
When some rooms are excessively cold while others seem warm and stuffy, the problem is usually more than just the thermostat. Uneven temperature and airflow can indicate blocked ducts, broken dampers, or a malfunctioning air handler unit. These flaws impose strain on the overall system, which can eventually lead to a shutdown. When commercial HVAC systems are not working evenly and at peak efficiency, it could be an indicator of a coming system breakdown.
HVAC Shutdown Warning Sign 2: Unusual Humidity Levels Or Moisture Buildup
Pooling water around HVAC equipment or increased indoor humidity are often tied to issues with the drain pan, coils, or condensate lines. Not only does this degrade indoor air quality and encourage mold growth, but it also puts additional strain on the unit. If left uncontrolled, this moisture buildup can result in an abrupt HVAC system shutdown, taking days or even weeks to resolve.
HVAC Shutdown Warning Sign 3: Frequent Breaker Trips Or Short Cycling
When an HVAC system switches on and off repeatedly or trips the breaker without explanation, it is a clear indication that something is wrong. A blocked filter, broken thermostat, or a more serious electrical or mechanical breakdown can all contribute to constant breaker trips. Each time this happens, the system struggles to resume, and it may finally shut down completely. These are definite indications that HVAC failure is approaching, and that something has to be done to prevent it.
HVAC Shutdown Warning Sign 4: Strange Noises Or Vibrations
No HVAC system is completely silent, and most produce a steady hum as it runs in the background. However, noises like squealing, rattling, or grinding usually mean that something is broken or has been knocked out of alignment. System components wear over time, but this wear can cause parts to get knocked loose and might create internal damage. If you hear louder or unusual noises coming from your HVAC system, you should get it checked on to prevent a shutdown.
HVAC Shutdown Warning Sign 5: Higher Utility Bills & Reduced Efficiency
If your energy bills seem to increase dramatically for no reason, then it could be a clear sign that your HVAC system is working extra hard, likely to compensate for an internal issue that is reducing its efficiency. Whether its dirty coils or blocked airflow, this extra hard work can be too much for your system to handle, leading to a complete shutdown. If your system seems to be losing efficiency or having to work extra hard to do the same amount of work, then it might be a warning that it is about to break down.
How To Prevent These HVAC System Breakdowns
Whether you saw the signs ahead of time or weren’t as lucky and did have to deal with a system shut down, next time there are things you can do to not have to deal with this problem again. If your facility runs 24/7 and relies on its HVAC system to keep operations running, then you need preventative HVAC maintenance. Preventive maintenance for your commercial HVAC system spots problems before they happen, and keeps your equipment running and peak efficiency without any drops in quality or signs of trouble. By investing in the continuous care of your HVAC system, you can rest assured that your hospital, manufacturing building, power plant, or other facility will be set up for success.
Contact PROAC Corp to handle your facility’s preventative HVAC maintenance. With over 25 years of experience in the HVAC industry, we have helped countless businesses make their facility a resource that works for them. Whether you need commercial duct cleaning, cooling tower refurbishment, air quality testing, mold remediation, or HVAC repairs, we are the building maintenance professionals you can rely on.
Keep your facility running well and breakdown-free. Reach out to PROAC today to see how we can help.