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You wear a lot of hats as a business owner: supervisor, trainer, overlooking and approving projects, budgeting initiatives, networking, and much more. Though you’re a jack of all trades in the office, able to put out fires and resolve issues for your business, you probably aren’t an expert in commercial HVAC systems. Luckily, Cates Heating and Cooling is here to take all things HVAC off your plate so you can focus on what matters most to your business.
We’ve been serving businesses in and around the Kansas City metro for over 50 years, providing exceptional HVAC service, including maintenance, installation, and repair for commercial furnaces at various offices and businesses, including IT centers, hospitals, theaters, restaurants, shopping districts, and much more. Your HVAC system is crucial for boosting employee productivity and keeping customers and clients returning; you need your furnace to run optimally and efficiently.
Though most furnace issues need to be repaired by a professional heating and cooling company, there are some things you can troubleshoot on your own to determine whether you need to contact us. Below is a business owner’s guide to commercial furnace troubleshooting to help if you ever notice an issue with your commercial furnace.
1. Check Your Thermostat
Sometimes heat doesn’t kick on or maintain a set temperature for several reasons, like a system failure, but sometimes it’s as simple as a thermostat setting. Batteries power most thermostats and can malfunction or not work if they need to be replaced. If your thermostat is glitchy or won’t turn on, try replacing the batteries. If it works right after and there are no other issues, replacing batteries might be all it needs. If you replace the batteries and the thermostat still won’t work well, it’s time to contact a commercial heating and cooling company in Kansas City like Cates to take a look.
If your thermostat remains on and doesn’t appear to need replacement batteries, check that it is set to “heat.” Business owners often get so busy with other tasks that they forget to switch the thermostat from AC to heat when the weather gets chilly. If it is set to “heat” and you’re still experiencing issues, contact us to take a look.
2. Check/Replace Your Furnace Filter
When was the last time you replaced your furnace filter? If it’s been a while or you’re unsure, it’s probably time. Sometimes, commercial HVAC systems won’t work optimally or at all with a dirty filter. Replacing air filters is crucial to the system’s lifespan and air quality inside your building. Dirty air filters don’t allow clean air to be filtered through the vents; your system will disperse whatever particles are inside the filter. Dirty filters also impeded airflow, making it difficult for air to flow through the filter to the vents.
When replacing your air filter, you should choose the right type for your business needs. Air filters have a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values (MERV) rating, which rates how well they trap particles. Depending on the type of commercial HVAC system in your building, you may need to choose from HEPA, pleated, or fiberglass filters. We’re happy to help you choose the best filter for your system and office needs!
3. Check the Circuit Breaker
With all the electricity your business uses, the risk of a circuit breaker trip increases, potentially turning off your commercial HVAC system. If your system won’t turn on, check the circuit breaker to see if it was tripped. It could have easily turned off due to an electrical overload in the building. If the circuit breaks and it’s turned off, switch it back on. If it still won’t work, it could signify an issue with the system itself, and it’s time to contact a professional.
4. For Gas/Oil Furnaces, Check the Flame
Some businesses have a gas or oil furnace, and troubleshooting why your system isn’t working optimally should include checking the furnace flame. Every time your furnace is running and producing heat, a flame will be in the combustion chamber. Make sure there is a flame when the system kicks on. If so, pay attention to the color of the flame: blue means the furnace is safe and efficient, while other colors, like purple or red, need immediate repair.
Some business owners (and homeowners) are uncomfortable searching for their furnace flame. It’s completely understandable, and we’re happy to help you locate it and ensure the flame is on and the right color to indicate the system is functioning properly.
Schedule Your Commercial Furnace Troubleshooting and Repair Service with Cates Heating and Cooling
At Cates Heating and Cooling, we’ve been installing and repairing office HVAC systems, including furnaces, for over 50 years, making us one of the most dependable and trustworthy commercial HVAC companies in Kansas City! Scheduling a tune-up or furnace troubleshooting and repair service will keep your employees healthier, boost productivity, and decrease energy bills.
We’re family-owned and operated with expertly trained technicians who have provided exceptional service to all our customers for over 50 years. We service Kansas City and surrounding cities, including the following:
& more!
Contact Cates with any questions or concerns about your heating and cooling and how we can help!
