Most people understand the need to replace filters in HVAC systems to maintain optimal heating, cooling, and ventilation. Commercial HVAC systems are much larger and more complicated than residential units, which means there's more maintenance that many don't realize gets done on commercial systems. According to Air Conditioning Contractors of America, the nation's HVAC services market is expected to reach nearly $36 billion in 2030. Here's a closer look at eight commercial HVAC services that you might not know about.

1. Tightening Electrical Connections

A commercial HVAC system has a lot of electrical connections that have to stay clean and make solid contact. One loose connection could cause a system failure or just affect the heating and cooling in one area of a commercial building. A technician can use the system schematics to identify where electrical connections are located and check each one to ensure it's making clean contact.

2. Replacing Worn Pulleys and Belts

HVAC systems for commercial buildings often require belts and pulleys to help produce the best airflow for heating and cooling systems. Those belts and pulleys suffer wear and tear and eventually fail if they're not maintained or replaced. Skilled commercial HVAC technicians can inspect your system's belts and pulleys and replace any that are nearing their service limits or otherwise damaged. The service helps your HVAC system to work at peak efficiency and move more air.

3. Removing Dust and Moisture

The evaporator coils and condensation lines within a commercial HVAC system can collect moisture and dust over time. The combination of the two could cause corrosion, leaks, and poor heating and cooling efficiency. Qualified technicians can inspect the coils and lines and ensure they're clean. If not, they can remove any dust buildup or moisture so that your system can work at its best again.

4. Cleaning and Unclogging Drains

Commercial HVAC systems can produce a lot of moisture that can create small amounts of water. That water needs to drain away from the system to prevent corrosion, electrical shorts, and mold or mildew from taking hold inside your system. Technicians can empty and clean the drains to help keep them free of mold and mildew. If any drains are clogged, then technicians can unclog them so that the drains work as intended.

5. Restoring Airflow

An HVAC system is useless if there's no airflow. A blocked air duct or a malfunctioning fan could cause a complete lack of airflow in parts of the system or possibly all of it. It also might cause the system to work harder until it malfunctions. A technician can diagnose the problem and apply a solution to restore the airflow as quickly as possible.

6. Recalibrating Thermostats

Thermostats are critically important for commercial HVAC systems to do their intended job. If a thermostat is not reading the room temperature correctly, then it won't heat or cool properly. A technician can locate a malfunctioning thermostat and recalibrate it so it works as it should. If not, they can replace the thermostat to ensure the HVAC unit will work well again.

7. Replacing Blown Fuses

Fuses can go bad for many reasons. Two of the most common reasons are when a circuit breaker is tripped or airflow becomes blocked. Instead of sending an electrical surge through the commercial HVAC system, a fuse will blow. A technician can diagnose the electrical problem and determine which circuit has a bad fuse. Once identified, the technician can replace the fuse and address any issues that might have caused it to go bad instead of letting the problem occur again.

8. Fixing Refrigerant Leaks

Leaking refrigerant is a potentially major problem with a commercial HVAC system. A refrigerant leak will cause the system to produce warm air instead of cold air, which could be a very serious problem. If you have heat-sensitive equipment, like computers or other delicate items, then lacking air conditioning on warm days might create even bigger problems. A technician can fix the leak and recharge the refrigerant so that the system will work once again. If the problem is likely to happen again soon, then the technician might install an entirely new unit at your request.

You can call or submit an online request to learn more about our commercial HVAC services and schedule a visit from one of our technicians. We'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. We have 30 years of experience at SBS-NC, LLC, so you can rest assured you're hiring the right team.