Every summer in Central Illinois businesses suffer through hot days with little cooling relief. One week it will be pleasant, the next it will be 95 degrees with high humidity and when you need it most your unit decides to give up the ghost. This is why commercial cooling in Central Illinois businesses is so vital to keeping operations running smoothly, as a broken system causes lost productivity, unhappy workers, and dissatisfied customers. I have seen it too many times to count where problems could have been easily solved had the owner or manager thought to address it in advance.

Why Commercial Units Fail Mid-Summer

Many commercial buildings owners never realize their system is giving them hints that a part is wearing down and will fail before the end of summer

Noises are heard coming from the unit, rooms are not cooling to the same degree, or a slight odor is present when the system is first turned on. Most people think little of it because the building is still cooling well enough and it is not apparent that the system is struggling to push out warm air. This is when the system is working the hardest all summer to try and keep up with the sweltering outdoor temperatures and humidity and finally gives out due to the extra strain.

Why Central Illinois Weather Causes Extra Strain on AC Systems

I am not going to lie; the weather here in Central Illinois is brutal on air conditioning units.

We have humid days that last for weeks at a time, and then we get cold snaps to rival the northern states, followed by hot days again. This fluctuation puts a strain on the compressors and coils that a more temperate climate would not be nearly as hard on. Air conditioning systems that are not made or maintained for this type of weather will falter faster than ones that are used to this type of climate. This is why it is always best to hire a local with the experience of keeping commercial units running smoothly in this part of the state.

Huge air conditioning unit on the roof of building A huge air conditioning unit on the roof of the building. In the background of blue sky with shining sun. Focus is at the front of the air conditioner, the other parts of image slightly blurred. Commercial Cooling stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

Commercial Unit Maintenance Costs Less Than Replacements

While most people will tell you how important maintenance is; the simple truth is a tune up costs less than an emergency service call

and much less than the price of a whole new system. Emergency service calls are not cheap either due to the expedited nature of the service and parts needed to get a system up and running again. Most system issues come from neglect that could have been avoided had the building managers simply said yes to a maintenance call. Having a unit professionally serviced twice a year in the spring and fall is always recommended to be sure things are running as they should.

What Is Done During a Commercial AC Tune Up

Many people are under the misconception that a commercial air conditioning tune up is as simple as a homeowner cleaning the filters and calling it a day. The reality is a professional will check:

  • refrigerant levels

  • clean the condenser coils

  • inspect all electrical connections

  • check the compressor

  • test the airflow within the building.

Larger buildings require technicians to check multiple areas if the building is split up as office space, retail, and warehouses all cool differently based off how many people are present and the square footage. If a professional only spends fifteen minutes inside your building they are likely not doing the thorough job you would expect from a licensed and insured company.

Signs A Commercial Cooling System Needs Help

The first sign that many businesses take notice of is a sudden increase in electric bills with no real change in business habits

Another sure sign is certain rooms not cooling to the same degree as the rest of the building or only certain areas of a larger space staying cool. Short cycling is another symptom that is easily ignored by building managers, this is when the system will power on and off more frequently than is typical for the unit. Lastly, if a building is having to call for service more than once a season it is a sure sign something is wearing down.

What To Look For When Hiring A Commercial HVAC Company

Most residential HVAC companies do not have the equipment or experience to work on commercial buildings. Commercial systems are generally larger than residential and have special needs depending on if they are a rooftop unit or need to be zoned to cool multiple structures. Hiring a company with the right tools and experience should be paramount when looking for a company to keep your employees and customers comfortable all year round. Ask around and find someone with references from local businesses that has been servicing commercial buildings in the area for years.

The Cost To Replace A Failed HVAC System

It is amazing how many business owners I meet that wait until the system fails to call anyone to come and do repairs. Not only are service calls typically more expensive to rectify the situation, it puts a strain on the building itself to stay cool with a broken unit. This also means higher electric bills and an irritated staff or customers that are uncomfortable in an overheated building.

How To Have A Better Summer With Your Business AC

The most important thing to do is treat your commercial air conditioning unit as another piece of machinery to keep your business running smoothly and do regular maintenance checks on it to be sure it is up to snuff. Plan out your summers ahead of time and schedule tune-ups so you are not caught with nothing in the event the unit fails. Businesses all over the state rely on properly functioning commercial air conditioning systems to keep everyone cool and happy

Final Thoughts

 

 
 

 

Keeping a building cool during the hottest days of the year does not have to be difficult as long as you have a reliable system in place to address small issues before they become major headaches and work with professionals who know what they are doing. A little planning and regular maintenance can go a long way toward ensuring summers spent at work are comfortable rather than spent sweating.

For businesses and property owners looking for plumbers in Central Illinois, experienced plumbing professionals can help with inspections, repairs, maintenance, and other essential plumbing needs. Addressing leaks, drainage problems, and other issues early can help reduce unexpected disruptions and costly repairs while keeping your building's plumbing system operating reliably throughout the year.

FAQs

Why does commercial cooling fail more often in summer?

Commercial air conditioning units run non-stop during the summer to keep buildings cool and comfortable, causing extra strain on the system in high humidity and temperatures.

How often should a business schedule HVAC maintenance?

It is recommended to have a commercial air conditioning unit tuned up twice a year, once in the early spring and again in the fall to be sure things are working as they should.

Is commercial cooling different from residential systems?

Yes, commercial air conditioning systems are usually larger to cool bigger buildings as well as sometimes be zoned to cool multiple structures.

What's the biggest sign a system needs repair?

Higher than normal electric bills paired with rooms that are not cooling to the same degree is usually the first real sign that a system may need some extra work.