Commercial Furnace Repair Tips

VA Commercial Repair Solutions

If your commercial furnace is giving you trouble, it may be time for a repair. A proactive approach to repair is the best way to ensure that the system continues to work at optimum efficiency. To help you identify and fix small problems quickly, here are some helpful tips. Check the evaporator coils (the coil inside the furnace) and capacitors. Also, check the fuel delivery. These are the most important initial steps to determining the problem and repairing it before the problem escalates into a major one.

Commercial Furnace Repair Tips

Check evaporator coils

Commercial Furnace Repair Tips

If you suspect that your furnace may be suffering from overheating or has a leaking valve, you should check the evaporator coils. The fins on the evaporator are made of thin metal, and they can bend easily. To clean them properly, you should use hot soapy water, a plastic bristle brush and a shop vac. You may also use a commercial coil cleaning solution.

Before beginning, turn the air conditioner off at the thermostat or circuit breaker. Remove the panel and clean the evaporator coil with a plastic brush. Make sure that you direct the airflow in the opposite direction from the direction of the airflow. Be sure to wear eye protection while cleaning the coils. If you can't afford to pay a professional, use a shop vac to clean the evaporator coils yourself.

Another way to check the evaporator coils is by checking the static pressure drop across the coil. The static pressure drop is the same as the CFM of air flowing across the coil. If the pressure drop is lower than the set limit, it means the air supply to the evaporator coil is not sufficient. For example, a five-ton system should have about 2,000 CFM of air flowing across the coil, that is 400 CFM  & 12,000 BTUs per ton.

Check fan motor

Commercial Furnace Repair Tips

If your furnace is constantly running, the fan may be having problems. This may be a symptom of an electrical problem with the fan motor. If you're unable to determine the source of the problem, try determining how much voltage is dropped across the motor's contact points. You can also look for a loose wire or a corroded electrical connector. If the fan motor is not turning, it may be because it's overheating or there's a short in the motor's windings.


When performing a commercial furnace repair you'll need to check the fan motor. It is an industry-standard to inspect all components to determine whether it's operating correctly. This includes the blower motor. A properly functioning fan motor will allow the heating system to run more efficiently and save energy. If the fan motor is malfunctioning, the heater will stop working, resulting in higher energy bills. A technician can determine whether the blower motor needs to be replaced and replace it if necessary.


To test the fan motor, raise the thermostat to a higher temperature. Then, check the power switch to make sure it's set to the appropriate position. If it doesn't turn on, set the system switch to the "HEAT" or "AUTO" position. If you're experiencing an overheating problem, raise the thermostat to the highest setting. If it doesn't turn on, raise the thermostat and check the power switch.

Check capacitors

When doing commercial furnace repair, check the capacitors. These parts may be easy to overlook but are essential for heating and cooling your building. Capacitors hold a charge even when the unit is not powered on. You must discharge these capacitors according to the manufacturer's instructions. The voltage ratings for capacitors are usually listed on the side of the unit. If you find that the capacitors you have are not functioning at voltage and microfarad rating, they must be replaced.


You can test the blower motor for a bad capacitor to determine if you need to replace it. You may notice that the blower is running slowly or inconsistently. The blower motor may also be overheating and acting strangely. If you suspect a capacitor problem, you should contact a professional. You may not be aware that a bad capacitor is affecting your family's comfort. To ensure a safe and effective operation of your commercial furnace, inspect the blower motor's capacitors.


Another way to test the blower's capacitors is to turn on the furnace and listen closely for humming noises. You can hear these noises by turning up the blower or by opening the access panel. If you do hear humming noises, you should schedule a professional inspection. These components are easy to replace and are inexpensive. You can replace them yourself, but you should ensure you consult a professional before trying to perform the repair on your own.

Check fuel delivery

A company providing commercial furnace repair should be reliable. They should have trained, professional staff who are HAZMAT-certified. If you have a company vehicle, they should use trucks that have special fuel delivery systems. They should also have a trained driver who is able to fuel equipment safely and efficiently. This way, you can avoid the risk of spills and leaks. A service can check your tank to make sure it is working properly and inspect for damage. In case there is a leak in your furnace, they can replace the tank.

Check ductwork

Commercial Furnace Repair Tips

A leaking ductwork can be a serious problem. Not only does it pull in dust from the outside, but it also circulates it throughout the building. While dust is not harmful, it can negatively affect air quality, which can be problematic for people with respiratory problems and allergies. Therefore, a professional should check the ductwork before attempting any commercial furnace repair. Here are some of the common signs of leaking ductwork:


Older HVAC systems can be problematic. They lose up to 40% of their efficiency over time. Rusted ductwork may require replacing the whole ductwork system. The older the commercial property, the more likely the ductwork is to be damaged. It can be difficult to access and may cost more than you'd expect. If you're unsure whether your ductwork is damaged, you can always hire an HVAC specialist to check it for you.


Leaky ducts also cause uneven cooling in your home or business. The leaking air makes certain areas too hot, while others stay too cold. This can cause discomfort for residents and strain your HVAC unit. If left unchecked, it can also lead to a lower unit lifespan. For these reasons, you should check your ductwork if you need a commercial furnace repair. Consider contacting a professional HVAC specialist in your area.

Check the Electrical System

Commercial Furnace Repair Tips

Whether you're looking to upgrade an existing commercial HVAC system or install a new one, a proper evaluation of the electrical system is vital to the performance of your heating and cooling. Moreover, it will ensure that your electrical system can support the extra load that your new system puts on it. Checking the electrical system is a great way to optimize the value of your investment. Here are some tips to help you evaluate the system.


Before calling a commercial HVAC technician, make sure that the unit is powered on. A malfunctioning furnace can cause a series of problems, including frozen pipes or complaints from building occupants. Some problems can be easily resolved by the owner, but some require the assistance of a technician. Whenever you are looking for commercial HVAC repair, be sure to check the electrical system. Check to see if it's connected to the power supply and running.


If the power disconnect switch is turned off, check your electrical system. Some electrical equipment may be overloaded and lead to a power outage. Check the circuit breaker to ensure it's set in the "On" position. You may also need to open the valve for the gas supply. Once you're sure of this, you can call a commercial HVAC technician to inspect your equipment. They'll also check the fuel supply and test the electrical system to ensure that there's enough fuel in the tank.

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