It goes without saying that the main purpose for Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems is to maximise comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ). These units are also responsible for maintaining the safety of internal environments by reducing pollutant build up that can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues. Regular servicing and maintenance is a necessity to make sure that IAQ and safety from pollutants are kept in check. Servicing and maintenance allows technicians to gather and process crucial data to help them prevent these four common HVAC problems:
1) Poor air quality
There are many factors that affect overall air quality of indoor environments. Some of these factors include oxygen levels, humidity, differential pressure, and more. It is vital to maintain good indoor air quality to maintain energy levels of personal within an indoor environment. Over a long enough period of time, poor indoor air quality can result in even more drastic symptoms, such as nausea and fainting. Inconsistent humidity and differential air pressure within an indoor airflow can also affect how individuals feel. Poor air quality can stem from issues such as blocked filters.
2) Uneven airflow and temperature
When it comes to maintaining indoor comfort, airflow and temperature are key. Whilst an airless room isn’t a health hazard per se, it can lower concentration levels and affect people’s mood. Furthermore, low temperatures can compromise a buildings integrity by creating an atmosphere that fosters dampness, which can damage walls or floors. A lack of adequate ventilation can cause pressure changes, while uneven temperature control can mean your HVAC system requires more regular and accurate servicing measures.
3) Pollutant or odour buildup
Some examples of pollutants include:
- Pollen or other biological particles
- Chemical fumes from materials such as paint
- Naturally high levels of gas such as carbon monoxide
Combining a build up of these alongside unpleasant odours from food, nearby buildings or other factors can severely compromise indoor comfort, and over a period of time may even affect individuals health. A simple blocked air duct or poorly maintained HVAC system may be responsible for this pollutant build up.
4) System inefficiencies and high HVAC costs
Whether a combination of the factors listed above or from a poorly designed building, HVAC system inefficiency is common across New Zealand. Minor issues such as airflow being restricted in one part of a building or heat leaking form a room can lead to HVAC systems working harder to compensate for the wastage. This leads to an increase in operating costs and an increased likelihood of equipment malfunction or breakdown, regardless of the maintenance and servicing frequency.
Using Testo's Smart Probes for smarter servicing
Reliable measurements are vital in tackling common HVAC system problems. How are you supposed to take efficient action if you are unable to trust the accuracy of the recorded data?
Testo Smart Probes offer HVAC technicians a wide array of digital solutions that are suited to any testing need. Whether it be checking ambient gas levels, measuring room temperature, or measuring differential pressure, operators can now be smarter about understanding and recording the performance of key HVAC systems. This improves long term servicing and maintenance schedules, as well as reducing the risk of immediate unit break downs, improve IAQ and comfort.
This is all achieved simply by connecting probe technology through Testo’s state of the art mobile app for on-the-go control. Your smart phone can now be the command centre for all HVAC data and measurements, putting efficiency and accuracy at the forefront of all servicing work.
For more information on Testo’s range of Smart Probes, contact the Testo team today!