The cold New Jersey winters require homes have effective and reliable heating systems so families stay warm. But for commercial buildings, heating systems are even more important, since they provide comfort not only for many more people than in a standard home, but they also provide conditions allowing for effective work and operation.

• Odd noises from the vents: Most commercial heating systems are located in rooftop units, which keep the sound of their operation from getting into the work areas. But this makes it harder to hear sounds of a malfunction. Instead, you’ll have to listen for sounds through the vent openings. Sounds such as clanging, screeching, and grinding noises that are warnings of mechanical failures.
• Uneven heating: Your building probably has multiple heating zones, such as different rooms and floors. If you’re hearing complaints that certain places are colder than they should be, such as upper floors receiving insufficient heat, then you could have major trouble brewing in the heater.
• Unusual odors from the vents: Issues with ductwork can lead to stale air getting into the ventilation system. Acrid smells could point toward motors that are running too hot and are about to burn out.
• Out of control utility bills: You check your bills regularly to balance the books, and you should never let a high energy bill go unquestioned. If you notice a steep rise in energy bills after the winter starts—at least steeper than usual compared to previous winters—it’s a red flag of trouble with the heater.
• Short cycling: This refers to when a heating system, whether a furnace or heat pump, begins to rapidly turn on and off over a short period of time. You shouldn’t hear the blower and heater system shut down and turn back on every 15 minutes. If this is happening, it could point to many problems, from leaking refrigerant to an incorrectly sized system. Call for professionals to diagnose the issue and fix it.