4 common HVAC problems you can fix with smarter servicing

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems should maximise indoor air quality (IAQ) and comfort. Units can also help to maintain the safety of those in internal environments by reducing pollutant build ups that can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues.

However, as with all mechanical devices, IAQ and safety from pollutants only works with regular servicing and maintenance. Without this critical data measurement and gathering process, technicians would be unable to prevent these four common HVAC problems.

1) Poor air quality

Oxygen levels, humidity, differential pressure – these factors and more affect overall air quality of indoor environments. The maintenance of good indoor air quality is pivotal to maintaining energy levels. Over a long enough time, poor indoor air quality can result in symptoms that can even cause nausea or fainting. Humidity and differential air pressure changing indoor airflow can also affect how individuals feel. Poor air quality can stem from issues including blocked air filters.

Testo Smart Probes Probe technology is critical to gathering more accurate data on indoor environments.

2) Uneven airflow and temperature

Airflow and temperature control are central to maintaining indoor comfort. While an airless room isn't a health hazard, it can lower concentration levels and affect people's mood. Similarly, low temperatures can compromise building integrity by creating an atmosphere in which dampness can damage walls or floors. Airflow issues can be caused by pressure changes from a lack of adequate ventilation, while uneven temperature control can mean your HVAC system needs more regular and accurate servicing measures.

3) Pollutant or odour buildup

Pollutants can include:

Pollen or other biological particles.
Chemical fumes from paint or other materials.
Unnaturally high levels of ambient gases like carbon dioxide.

These build ups, alongside unpleasant odours from food, nearby buildings or other factors can compromise indoor comfort and potentially affect individuals' health over time. A simple blocked air duct or poorly maintained HVAC units can cause this pollutant build up.

4) System inefficiencies and high HVAC costs

Whether a combination of the above factors or from a poorly insulated or designed building, HVAC system inefficiency is common across Australia. Minor issues such as heat leaking from a room or airflow being restricted in one section of a building can lead to units working harder to compensate for wastage. This leads to higher operating costs and an increased likelihood of breakdowns, regardless of maintenance or servicing frequency.

Using Testo's Smart Probes for smarter servicing

Tackling common HVAC system problems starts with reliable measurements. If you can't trust the accuracy of recorded data, how can you take the most effective action possible?

Testo's Smart Probes offer HVAC technicians an array of digital solutions to suit any testing need. From checking ambient gas levels to room temperature to differential pressure, operators can now be smarter about recording the performance of key HVAC systems. This can help to improve long term maintenance and servicing schedules as well as reduce the risk of immediate unit breakdowns and improve IAQ and comfort.

All of this is done simply and easily by connecting probe technology through Testo's state of the art mobile app for on-the-go control. Your phone can be now be your measurement centre, putting efficiency and accuracy at the heart of all servicing work.