Common Air Duct Problems In Commercial Buildings

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The HVAC systems and air ducts of commercial buildings present a variety of unique problems that are not necessarily associated with their industrial and residential HVAC counterparts. Many of the problems that are native to the air ducts of commercial buildings are simply a result of being in a commercial building. However, with knowledge and planning, many of the common problems can be avoided. Of the problems that cannot be avoided entirely, many of the impacts of these problems can be lessened. As with any other issue, knowledge is key to prevention.

Clogs are common air duct problems, especially in commercial buildings. It is not uncommon for employees to feel cold, and try to stop the cold air from blowing through the air ducts when the air conditioning is running. Frequently, employees will do this through unsafe means, such as placing a sheet of cardboard up against the vent or stuffing a sweatshirt in the air duct. Employees that do these sorts of things usually have no idea that their actions are incredibly hazardous, so be sure to educate your employees on proper air duct usage to avoid any problems.

Not ...
... all clogs in commercial air ducts are the result of human misconduct. In many cases, clogs are the result of natural causes. It is not uncommon for birds to make nests in air conditioning ducts, especially during times when the air conditioning has not been used for a long period of time. This issue can be avoided by ensuring that your HVAC system and air ducts are inspected at least twice a year. Inspections should occur just before winter and just before summer to get the HVAC system and air ducts ready to be fired up for the upcoming season.

Cracks and breaks can sometimes occur in air ducts. Busy corporate buildings rarely have time to shut down to undergo a thorough inspection of the air ducts in and out of the building. Like any other structure, air ducts wear out over time. This can result in the air ducts breaking, rusting, or cracking. This makes it difficult, if not impossible, for the HVAC system to work properly. In many cases, the HVAC system will continue to function, though not at its most efficient level, up until the point that the air ducts actually crack or break. The time and money that is required to fix this particular issue can be exorbitant. This is definitely a case where prevention is the best medicine.

Proper maintenance can lengthen the life of an HVAC system’s air ducts. In addition to enabling the air ducts to last longer, proper maintenance allows air duct problems to be found when they are relatively minor. Like other types of problems, air duct problems are more easily rectified when they are minor. When the problems get worse, the cost and time required to repair the issue rises greatly. For these reasons, proper maintenance is imperative in lessening the incidence of air duct problems in commercial buildings.