Common Reasons for Airflow Problems in Commercial HVAC Systems

HVAC systems are used in almost every commercial building to manage the indoor temperature, remove contaminated air through an exhaust or filtration system, and manage energy consumption. It is estimated that the global HVAC market will reach about 367.5 billion U.S. dollars by 2030, based on a compound annual growth rate of 3.9% between 2020 and 2030, according to the data published by Statista.

However, maintaining an HVAC system requires year-round preventive maintenance. These systems should be regularly checked and repaired to ensure environmental comfort and keep a check on the utility bills.

Among other factors, airflow problems are quite common in commercial HVAC systems. Here are some of these problems and their effective solutions:

Blocked Filters

Filters keep dust and debris out of ducts and HVAC equipment and restrict clogging. But, these filters may get overloaded at times and that can impede airflow inside your building. That is why you should regularly change these filters, ideally once in every couple of months or as per the manufacturer’s guide.

Additionally, you should avoid using filters that are too dense for your system, or else it could also impede airflow. You can contact HVAC professionals to regularly fix dirty and clogged filters. It will not only ensure sufficient airflow in each room but will also reduce energy consumption, according to a blog published by Total Comfort Group.

Clogged/Damaged Ducts

Another common problem causing airflow loss is any obstruction within the ductwork that runs through the building. Dust often builds up over time and forms blockages, especially in the narrow ducts. This blockage could also be due to birds, insects, or rodents building nests within the ducts. It may result in cracks or leaks in the ducts that could divert airflow.

These problems should be immediately resolved by professionals. If these ducts are properly sealed and insulated, it may enhance the efficiency of HCAV systems by almost 20% (or even more), according to an article published by Energy Star.

Dirty Condenser Coils

If the condenser coils are not maintained properly, they could also create problems in airflow. These coils usually disperse heat taken from circulating air into the outdoor environment. With regular exposure to open air, dirt and debris (including air pollution from automobiles) often accumulate on them.

As the coils are coated, they require even more power to properly vent heat that hampers the airflow inside. That is why it is important to clean these coils regularly, at least once a year.

These common airflow problems can be easily avoided if you regularly inspect your HVAC systems. You should resolve such problems at the earliest or else they could become more damaging and expensive in the future.