Commercial heating systems need to be maintained and managed much differently from residential ones. Residential heating units are sometimes only being watched or attended to by a family of people, and the size is a lot smaller. It’s just easier to keep track of how efficient and effective it is when it’s a smaller unit that a tight-knit group of people depend on.
Commercial heaters can sometimes heat an entire warehouse of operations, with a thousand people going in and out who don’t have any real personal connection to the establishment itself. They’re less inclined to mention when an area is too cold or if something is making a strange noise, and instead they’ll just leave.
So, with your dedicated group of employees and a little bit of elbow grease, we’re going to give you some tips on noticing when your commercial heating in Hampton, NJ is on the fritz.
1. Strange and Uncomfortable Noises
Noises can be one of the most obvious and easy ways to detect something wrong with your commercial heating system. Not only will you be able to hear sounds coming from your commercial heating unit, but other employees, customers, and even tenants might be able to detect them.
Because industrial heaters are larger than residential ones (in most cases), they can make louder noises and groan in ways that alert people on different floors. This means that sounds can be easier to detect in commercial areas than in residential ones, and it’s one of the best tools you have to figure out if you need to get your system repaired.
Any sound that’s loud, uncomfortable, or that doesn’t seem right warrants calling a professional.
2. Foul Odors
If you have a gas-burning commercial heating system, then foul odors are also going to be a simple and effective method for determining if your system is on the fritz. Gas has a chemical in it called mercaptan, which is what gives it that “rotten egg” smell and makes it so detectable.
This is good because it makes it easy for your customers, employees, and tenants to discover that gas is leaking somewhere. If you notice gas leaking, turn your heating system off and call for support as quickly as possible.
3. Cold Spots and Weak Output
If there is a uniquely cold spot in your building, then something isn’t right. It’s important to keep in mind that commercial heaters are measured specifically to fit the air volume of your given building. If it can’t meet that requirement, then either it was installed incorrectly or there’s something wrong that needs to be fixed.
4. Inefficiency
Last but definitely not least, it’s important to check the utility bills that are paid at the end of each month. Most building and business owners have in-depth bookkeeping software, so it shouldn’t be difficult to see the trend of your bills. After a few months, years, or even a decade, you’ll get a lot of information by looking at your heating costs.
If things are sharply rising but there’s been no change in your heating over this timespan, then you might be encountering a problem that needs repairs.
Contact Schaible’s Mechanical for comprehensive commercial heating repairs.