What Are Common Signs Your Commercial AC Needs Repair?

Here at ACS Services, we take commercial HVAC repair seriously because we know what’s at stake—your building, your equipment, and your business. So today, we’re breaking down the signs that your system needs attention.

These are the problems we see most often during service calls, and they’re all signals to act before the issue gets worse.

Uneven Cooling or Hot Spots

If parts of your building feel noticeably warmer than others, it’s not something to ignore. Uneven cooling can point to a number of issues: clogged filters, obstructed ductwork, low refrigerant, or a failing thermostat. In buildings with integrated systems, it might also mean something is off in your building automation setup.

This isn’t just about comfort. When your system is forced to overcompensate for cooling gaps, it puts extra strain on every component. That leads to bigger problems later on—and more downtime.

Weak Airflow from Vents

Airflow that’s noticeably weaker than usual is one of the clearest signs you’re due for commercial HVAC repair. It often means something is blocking the system from pushing out air at full capacity. That could be a motor issue, a damaged fan, or a failing belt

In some cases, it also ties back to improper system settings. Our HVAC and building automation teams work together to identify what’s getting in the way and fix it the right way.

Loud or Unfamiliar Noises

Any equipment that’s humming louder than usual, rattling during startup, or producing clicking or grinding sounds needs to be checked. These noises don’t usually go away on their own. They often mean a loose part, failing bearings, or internal damage.

Our approach is direct. We don’t guess. We inspect the system, look at the equipment history, and find out why it’s happening. Then we solve it.

Increased Energy Bills

You know what your building’s utilities usually look like. So if those numbers start creeping up, it’s time to find out why. A commercial HVAC system that’s losing efficiency will work harder to meet demand. And that energy waste shows up quickly.

Many times, higher bills are tied to overlooked issues—dirty coils, aging motors, or short cycling. If your unit’s starting and stopping constantly, that’s a sign something deeper is wrong. Either way, if performance is down and costs are up, your system isn’t operating how it should.

Short Cycling or Extended Run Times

Systems that power on and off in rapid cycles are dealing with more than an inconvenience. Short cycling forces every part of your system to work harder than necessary. You also end up with less consistent temperatures and higher operating costs.

Long run times are another concern. If your system takes too long to cool down the building—or doesn’t stop running at all—it could mean the coils are clogged, failing, or possibly, the controls are off or not set to the correct occupancy patterns.

Our qualified team handles both. Whether the problem is mechanical or tied to smart building controls, we get to the cause and correct it.

Foul Odors or Air Quality Issues

Any time you notice strange smells coming from your vents, schedule a check. Musty odors can point to mold inside the ductwork or near the unit. Burnt smells might indicate electrical trouble or inefficient combustion. Either way, you don’t want to leave this alone.

Poor air quality doesn’t always show up as a smell. Sometimes it’s fatigue, frequent headaches, or complaints about air that feels too dry or humid.

These are signs your system isn’t ventilating or filtering correctly. In a commercial space, that affects comfort, health, and productivity.

Unusual Humidity Levels

When your system is running but the air still feels damp or sticky, something’s off. Commercial HVAC systems should be controlling humidity as they cool. If they aren’t, that could be from low refrigerant, faulty sensors, failed re-heats, or outdated equipment.

Over time, high humidity causes more than discomfort. It can lead to mold growth, warped materials, and damage to electronics and equipment. We look at your equipment and controls together to make sure everything is aligned and working as intended.

Leaks or Water Pooling Around Equipment

Any visible water around your AC unit should be investigated right away. Even small leaks can lead to big repair bills. You could be dealing with a clogged condensate line, a cracked drain pan, or frozen coils starting to thaw.

If you’re also seeing mold or rust near the system, that leak has probably been there longer than you think. Our technicians will identify the source, repair the damage, and make sure your equipment is protected moving forward.

Frequent Repairs or Ongoing Issues

If you’re calling for commercial HVAC repair multiple times a year, it’s not a fluke. Ongoing issues usually signal a deeper system problem—something that hasn’t been properly maintained, correctly diagnosed, or was only patched, not fixed.

Our service model is different because we take the time to look at the equipment, the environment, and the controls. We also coordinate across HVAC and building automation to ensure every part of your system works together, not against itself.

Your System Is Aging Out

Most commercial AC units last between 10 and 15 years with regular maintenance. But around the 10-year mark, even a well-maintained system can begin to lose performance.

If you’ve been noticing efficiency issues, inconsistent temperatures, or increased noise, your system could be reaching the end of its useful life. We don’t push replacements unless they make sense. But we do help our clients plan ahead. That includes looking at equipment age, usage, and repair history.

Is an upgrade or rehabilitation the better path? We’ll help you make the transition to a more energy-efficient HVAC solution one way or the other, in a way that works with your building’s control system—not against it.

The Next Step—Call ACS Services

If your system is showing any of these signs, now’s the time to act. Waiting will only increase the cost, risk unplanned downtime, and put more stress on your equipment. We’re here to help.

We offer full heating, ventilation, and air conditioning service, including repair, maintenance, and system performance evaluations. Our team also handles HVAC troubleshooting for complex issues that cross into control systems or critical environments.

When you work with ACS Services, you’re getting more than a vendor. You’re getting a partner who knows how to solve the problem the right way—and keep your system and your substantial investment running at its best.

Learn more about our approach or contact us today to schedule service. We’re ready when you are.