While your HVAC system is supported by reliable and high performing equipment, now and then your A/C will need some TLC. Maintaining your air conditioning units ensures not only that they perform at their best; it also reduces operating costs and keeps your team safe and healthy.
But A/C maintenance isn’t always a straightforward process. Issues do arise and for different reasons. Below are several maintenance best practices that ensure your A/C, like our temporary space solutions, is Ready to Work.
We emphasize that any maintenance or repairs should be carried out by trained and qualified HVAC technicians. Professional work translates to fewer emergency system breakdowns, better safety for your workers and cost savings down the road. With that, let’s explore some A/C issues and solutions.
Clogged Air Filters and Dirty Coils
The Problem
Your air filters play a vital role in capturing dust particles and protecting your workers from various allergens. Over time these particles accumulate and begin to congest the filters. When that happens, you risk allowing particulate matter (PM) to circulate throughout your temporary space.
The Solution
We encourage you to replace your A/C filters every thirty days. Any longer and they can quickly turn against you. It’s also worth keeping an eye on other various air conditioning components and cleaning them as needed.
For example, the evaporator and condenser coils in A/C units can collect dirt over time, which could affect the heat transfer that takes place within them. We recommend checking and filling the refrigerant within these coils to ensure that heat is properly transferred.
Malfunctioning Central Air Conditioner
The Problem
Mounted on the front of your temporary building, the central A/C will generally experience one of two issues. The first is when your unit doesn’t operate at all; the second is that it runs but no air comes out of the diffusers.
The Solution
In the first scenario, the reason your A/C isn’t operating usually relates to an issue in the setup of your HVAC system. It could be something as simple as loose wires or an incorrect hookup, in which case it’s simply a matter of adjustment.
But there are other possibilities. Is the voltage set correctly at 220V? Maybe you need to visit the panel box and reset the A/C’s circuit breaker?
There are other things you might need to check beyond the panel box. These include the safety switch outside next to the A/C, the external disconnect (also located next to the A/C) and even the fuses within the external disconnect.
If your central A/C is running but no air exits the diffusers, then you’ll need to open the diffusers and registers. You’ll also want to make sure the air louvers or grilles (located on the front wall inside) are not clogged or congested, and check that the filter is clean.
Malfunctioning Room Air Conditioner
The Problem
Mounted on the roof or installed through the wall of your temporary building, the room A/C might fail to operate or not cool as it should.
The Solution
Much like the central air conditioner, if the room A/C isn’t running, you might need to ensure that the voltage is correct at 220V, check for a faulty hookup or see if a circuit breaker was tripped.
In the event that the A/C isn’t cooling like it’s supposed to, there are a couple of things you can do to fix this problem. First, make sure you’re using the thermostat correctly. This seems trivial, but programming your thermostat properly is important. Temperature control might not be set low enough, which means it’s simply a matter of turning the knob to a lower setting.
Second, the room could have been very hot when the A/C was first turned on. In this case, all you need to do is give it some time to cool down.
A Well-Maintained A/C Means a Well-Cared-For Workforce
Every temporary space solution at WillScot is Ready to Work, and so is our team. We are committed to supporting our clients beyond installation and throughout the life cycle of your project.
Clean air circulation and cooling are critical to both the health and safety of your workforce. The better their wellbeing, the more productive they are across their day to day tasks.
For more information on how to clean your filters, please check out our Service Guide. You can also find a detailed summary of maintenance best practices.