Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have HVAC inquiries? Read some of our frequently asked questions to see if we can answer yours. If we didn’t, reach out to us and ask.
HVAC solutions can be tricky for the untrained eye. If you have an HVAC project on the horizon, reach out to Service Unlimited. We can consult you over any concerns while demonstrating solutions for HVAC repair, replacements, or maintenance.
How Does an HVAC System Work?
Commercial HVAC systems have several moving parts that can be confusing to understand. We’ll break down these parts one by one to give you a better perspective of the anatomy behind commercial HVAC equipment.
Mechanical Components to Commercial HVAC Systems
Thermostat
Thermostats are the most obvious component of commercial HVAC systems. You likely interact with this piece the most, as it’s used in the regulation of cooling your business. You can manually adjust the temperature to your liking. In some cases, you may have a smart thermostat system, which is a fancy way of saying your thermostat is automatically programmed to maintain ideal temperatures and triggers your system to circulate air as needed.
Furnace
The furnace is often the largest component of your system. It’s designed to warm air and evenly distribute it to different parts of your facility. Furnaces can be powered by various heat sources, including solar energy, heat pumps, combustion, and electric resistance.
Evaporator Coil
The purpose of evaporator coils is to cool down air and funnel it throughout your building. If your system has trouble consistently producing cold air, it’s often due to faulty coils.
Condensing Unit
Condensing units are frequently found outside your facility and filled with refrigerant gas. When the refrigerant is cooled, the condensing unit pumps this liquid back into your evaporator coils to be transformed into gas again.
Chiller
The chiller cools down the liquid that runs through an HVAC system. Some HVAC systems use water-cooled chillers, while others use air-cooled chillers.
Compressor
The compressor starts the system’s cooling cycle and allows you to control your facility’s temperature. It compresses the refrigerant, raising its temperature before moving to the condenser.
How Long Do Commercial HVAC Systems Last?
Generally speaking, a commercial HVAC system will last 10-20 years. This isn’t a set-in-stone number, as several factors can increase or decrease your system’s lifespan. To fully maximize your system’s potential, you want to invest in preventative maintenance. Preventative maintenance is an effective way to ensure minor problems don’t become major ones. With regular maintenance, the longevity of your air conditioning system can be improved by up to 33%.
Common Questions Regarding Indoor Air Quality
Why Does Indoor Air Quality Matter?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) matters because it describes how the air conditioning system in your building affects occupants’ health, comfort, and ability to work. If your building has good air quality, the occupants will be healthy and comfortable. Poor indoor air quality can cause breathing problems and discomfort for building occupants.
Which HVAC Factors Contribute to Good IAQ?
Your commercial HVAC system should control inside and outside pollutants, have a good fresh outdoor air supply, and maintain comfortable temperatures and humidity levels. If it meets all these requirements, your HVAC system helps your building maintain good indoor air quality.
What Are Indicators of Poor Air Quality?
Signs of poor indoor air quality include:
- Poor building ventilation
- Excessive dust
- Dampness as a result of building or HVAC system leaks
- Contaminated air inside your building
- Occupants exhibit shortness of breath, headaches, fatigue, cough, or dry eyes
How Can You Tell if the IAQ Causes Health Problems?
Ask your facility’s occupants when their symptoms occur. Do the symptoms go away when occupants go home? If they do, then your air conditioning system might need improvement.
How Can You Tell if There’s an IAQ Problem in My Building?
Keep an eye out for the signs listed above. If your building and its occupants exhibit those symptoms, reach out to us. While no single test can diagnose poor air quality in a building, Service Unlimited can perform a walkthrough to examine your commercial HVAC system’s condition. Then we can determine whether your system is contributing to poor air quality in your facility.
Additional HVAC Service Questions
Does Service Unlimited Do Residential Work?
No. We are a commercial, industrial, and institutional mechanical firm. Our focus is on businesses, offices, schools, medical facilities, and churches throughout the tri-state area.
Who Do I Contact if I Am Interested in Finding Out About Service Agreements?
Ryan O’Hara is our technical sales associate, and he’s happy to give you information regarding our service agreements. Feel free to reach Ryan directly at (302) 356-1264 or call our main office at (302) 326-COOL.
Can I Place a Service Call if I Am Not Under Contract With Your Firm?
Yes. At Service Unlimited, we’re happy to service non-contract customers. However, emergency services are reserved for contract customers outside of regular business hours. SUI encourages first-time customers to schedule a follow-up visit. We’ll provide free evaluations on preventative maintenance agreements to help you avoid unnecessary breakdowns and expenses in the future.
Is Service Unlimited Hiring?
Please refer to our employment page to view open positions or submit an application.
