With fall in full swing, you probably aren't giving your air conditioner much thought. Fall is a transitional season when facility managers stop using their building's air conditioner and start relying on the furnace for maximum comfort.
It can be tempting to put off any AC repairs that are needed in an attempt to save money, but investing in some end-of-season cooling repairs can help you avoid an air conditioner that is no longer functional once winter has concluded and the heat of summer arrives once again.
1. Refrigerant Leaks
Your building's AC system relies on liquid refrigerant to help generate cool air. The refrigerant stays inside of a closed system when the air conditioner is working properly. Leaks in the tubing and pipes that move liquid refrigerant could compromise the ability of your office AC to maintain a comfortable indoor air temperature.
Exposure to refrigerant can be dangerous to your employees and potentially cause damage to your AC components. Have an experienced technician repair any refrigerant leaks before winter to ensure your AC system maintains its structural integrity throughout the off-season.
2. Damaged Air Ducts
It can be beneficial to have a knowledgeable HVAC technician inspect the air ducts that run throughout your office space during the fall season. Damaged air ducts can significantly lower the efficiency of both your heating and cooling systems.
Air can escape the ducts through cracks or holes, causing your HVAC system to work harder than necessary to maintain a constant temperature within your office space. Since temperatures in the fall can be moderate, it's the perfect season to have your air ducts inspected, cleaned, and repaired in preparation for the transition from cooling to heating equipment.
3. Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat acts as a translator for you and your cooling system. You program your desired temperature into the thermostat, and the thermostat sends data back to the air conditioning unit. This data is used to determine if the air needs to be cooler inside your office.
Without a functional thermostat, it is almost impossible to achieve the right temperature balance inside your work space. If you decide to replace a faulty thermostat this fall, consider investing in a programmable model.
You can gain greater control over the ambient temperature inside your office at all times of the day or night when you have a thermostat you can program to meet your unique needs.
For more information, contact your local commercial HVAC contractor.
