Modern technologies certainly have made commercial and industrial ACs more reliable and durable than ever. However, one thing they didn’t do (and most likely never will) is make them indestructible.
Sooner or later, your AC will break down, necessitating comprehensive repair or a complete replacement. The question is, can you predict when this will happen, so you can rent air conditioning units in San Diego to keep the work going? Yes, there is!
How do I know if my outside AC unit is bad?
Commercial and industrial ACs are robust and built to withstand harsh operating conditions on a daily basis. As such, it seldom (if ever) happens that they just stop working out of the blue, bar the outside influences.
Typically, the deterioration is gradual and followed by visual and audible signs, as well as performance- or operation-related indicators of malfunctioning. Let’s break them down by category, for a more structured approach to problem identification.
Visual indicators
In many cases, a defective AC will show some observable signs of malfunction. These indicators are relatively easy to spot, even without using any specialized equipment, and may include:
- Rust or corrosion on the unit’s body or components is a common sign of deterioration, especially in humid or coastal areas (think: Barrio Logan, Port of San Diego, etc.)
- Fluid leaks or discharge, indicated by water or refrigerant pooling around the unit may signal condensate drain blockages, refrigerant leaks, or frozen evaporator coils.
- Frost buildup on evaporator coils is most commonly caused by restricted airflow (dirty filters or blocked vents), but it may also be caused by refrigerant leaks or even insufficient refrigerant (in some cases).
- Dirt accumulation around the vents is a sign of insufficient upkeep, but it can cause a lot of issues (as noted above).
Audible indicators
While commercial/industrial AC can’t exactly be called “quiet”, the sounds they produce during nominal operations are uniform and consistent. Therefore, noises that deviate from the “norm” can be considered signs of malfunctioning:
- Grinding, banging, squealing, or clanking can all be signs of worn-out components, including things such as bearings, compressor, or motor.
- Hissing, bubbling, or gurgling noises are usually connected to leaks or internal pressure problems.
- Clicking or buzzing noises are indicators of electrical issues, such as faulty wiring, blown relays, or worn-out capacitors (among other things).
Performance-related indicators
Performance-related indicatorsWhen an outdoor AC unit is malfunctioning, in most cases there’s a drop in performance. The drop severity can range from subtle to extreme, but the important thing is that it is notable. Here’s what to look for:
- Inconsistent temperatures can be indicative of a variety of issues, ranging from blocked coils to inadequate airflow.
- Inconsistent airflow (i.e., weak or no airflow), can point to a number of problems, such as a failing fan motor, blocked ductwork, or a clogged air filter.
- Increased energy consumption, signaled by a higher utility bill without an apparent increase in usage, showcases that the unit is not operating optimally.
Where can I rent air conditioning units near me in San Diego?
To ensure your operation maintains optimal working conditions, all you need to do is reach out to Aerco Systems. For 40+ years, we’ve been the leading provider of portable AC rentals in the San Diego region, catering to properties in diverse commercial and industrial settings.
Our state-of-the-art, energy-efficient equipment is designed to provide reliable and effective heating/cooling solutions, no matter the size of your facilities. Whether your outdoor unit is experiencing an unexpected breakdown, undergoing scheduled maintenance, or reaching the end of its life and needs a boost while you find a replacement, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today!