Have you ever been in a building where some rooms or hallways felt super warm while the rest were like an icebox? Or vice versa?
Temperature imbalances like these should be addressed as soon as possible. Unless you have a rogue employee or tenant messing with the thermostat, there’s usually something more serious going on with the HVAC system.
In this post, we’ll look at 8 of the most common causes for temperature inconsistency throughout a commercial space and what can be done to reverse the problem.
What Causes Temperature Imbalances in Commercial Spaces?
Temperature imbalances can lead to major problems over time. For starters, they’re going to make the people in your building very uncomfortable, which can impact their productivity and mood. Secondly, HVAC insufficiencies can cause your energy bills to skyrocket and put a serious strain on your equipment.
If you’re currently dealing with those random hot or cold pockets in an otherwise temperate setting, here are some of the things that might be going on:
Airflow Is Blocked
There are a number of reasons why the air isn’t coming out of your vents. For instance, it could be due to a:
- Clogged/dirty filter
- Blocked return vent
- Stuck damper
- Loose duct branch
- Dirty supply register
HVAC equipment that’s dirty, clogged, or obstructed in another way can easily prevent air from flowing properly. You should also confirm that there are no objects blocking your vents, like furniture, ceiling fixtures, or equipment.
HVAC System Isn’t Fit for the Job
The issue could be one of size or quantity. For instance, ducts that are too small or too far from the zone they’re supposed to heat or cool can struggle to produce the necessary temperature changes for a space. Another issue could be not having a sufficient number of vents to keep a given space cool or warm.
If you’re noticing these issues after moving into a new building or after a renovation, the design and setup of your HVAC system could be the culprit.
A Duct Is Leaking
Somewhere along the way, a duct may have sprung a leak. Having a duct that’s far from the vent could also exacerbate the issue, making it difficult to get sufficient airflow into the connected space.
Thermostat Is on the Fritz
A malfunctioning thermostat could be the source of your issue. The trouble with this is everything might look fine on the thermostat (i.e. there aren’t any errors). However, a bad calibration could have it detecting and showing the wrong temperature, leading to insufficient heating or cooling.
If you have a larger facility, your HVAC system may use temperature sensors instead of thermostats. Just as thermostats can become miscalibrated, so too can temperature sensors.
Thermostat Is in a Bad Spot
It’s not always the fault of the technology. Sometimes the location of the thermostat can cause it to work incorrectly.
For instance, if the thermostat is next to a heat source like a bunch of servers or sitting within direct sunlight, it might incorrectly interpret the temperature of the room. The same thing can happen if it’s placed near a cold source, like a drafty window or door.
Occupancy Levels Have Changed
There are different ways to configure your building’s temperature settings. For instance, a location with changing occupancy levels would greatly benefit from having a dynamic sensor that can automatically adjust the temperature based on occupancy.
If you don’t have this kind of sensor installed, your HVAC system may be struggling to keep up with the changing demands.
HVAC Isn’t Zoned Properly
This issue can arise over time if the building isn’t properly zoned. Increased occupancy as well as renovations and expansions can stress an HVAC system not originally set up with zones or not reconfigured for the changes.
If you don’t have a zone control system, that along with a variable refrigerant flow might be something to look into. If you do, then your HVAC technician should evaluate it to make sure it’s regulating airflow the way it should be.
HVAC System Hasn’t Been Maintained
Regular maintenance can help keep these sorts of temperature imbalance issues from happening with your HVAC system.
Without someone to check up on your equipment, performance will quickly deteriorate over time. In addition to creating an uncomfortable environment where airflow and air quality deteriorate in some spots, it can cause your bills to go up as well — that includes both your energy and equipment maintenance bills.
Conclusion
Each of the problems above has a unique solution, which is why inconsistent temperatures are rarely an easy fix for property and building owners to implement on their own.
The best solution? Get your HVAC partner to visit the site and find out what’s going on. Your existing system may need cleaning or some maintenance. You might benefit from upgraded HVAC equipment, like dynamic and smart climate controls. Or it could be something more extensive like a reworking of your ducts or implementing zoned heating and cooling.
If you’re currently struggling with inconsistent and uncomfortable temperatures in certain spots of your building, give us a call at 316-688-1901. We’ll schedule one of our technicians to head over, take a look at your issue, and give you an idea of what the next steps are.