Categories:
Pelican Connect app
Notifications
Understanding a “Cool Failure” Notification
A “Cool Failure” notification indicates that your HVAC system is unable to meet the cooling demand requested by the thermostat. This means your thermostat has requested for your cooling system to be turned on but your equipment is not effectively lowering the room temperature as expected.
This issue can be caused by the following factors, each of which can impact room cooling effectiveness in different ways:
A malfunction in the HVAC equipment.
Improper wiring during installation between Pelican and the mechanical equipment, preventing operation.
Issues with airflow or refrigerant levels, which can reduce cooling efficiency.
Why Did You Receive This Notification?
Your Pelican thermostat continuously monitors HVAC performance in relation to the desired room temperature. When the system detects that cooling is active but the temperature is not decreasing as expected within a specific timeframe, it triggers a “Cool Failure” alert.
This alert helps you proactively identify and resolve HVAC issues before they escalate into larger problems, such as excessive energy consumption, equipment wear, or complete system failure.
The sensitivity level of the triggered alert is configurable to fit your specific needs.
To learn more about customizing thermostat notifications, click here.
How to Troubleshoot a “Cool Failure” Notification
1
Check Basic System Functions
Analyzing thermostat history graphs:
Did the room temperature decrease, during a cooling cycle, at any other times of the day?
Potential Issue: If the room was able to cool down at other times of the day, this could indicate:
The unit may have hit an equipment safety limit and locked out mechanical cooling during this cycle.
See if the next cooling cycle reduced the room temperature.
The unit could be restricted from providing mechanical cooling due to low outdoor temperatures, but the economizer controller may not be functioning properly.
If the equipment has a 3rd party economizer, contact an HVAC professional for assistance.
If using a Pelican PEARL economizer controller, contact Pelican technical support for assistance.
Has the room temperature successfully cooled on previous days?
Potential Issue: If the unit was cooling before but is no longer cooling:
The unit may be in a hard safety lock-out due to a mechanical failure.
There could be an equipment malfunction preventing proper operation.
If you have a supply temperature sensor, is the unit outputting cold air (between 50°F and 60°F) when a cooling call is active?
Potential Issues:
If the unit is producing cold air but the space is not cooling, there may be an issue with the supply fan speed, a closed balancing damper, or a shut fire dampers restricting airflow into the room.
If the unit is not producing cold air, refer back to the potential issues outlined in points 1 and 2.
Does the unit provide heat when a heating call is made?
Potential Issue: If the unit provides heat, then the fan is functioning properly.
If the unit does not provide heat, this could indicate an issue with the fan, which may be preventing both heating and cooling
2
Inspect the HVAC System
Do you hear the fan running when the equipment is being called for?
Potential Issues: If you don’t hear the fan running:
There may be a wiring issue between the thermostat and the HVAC equipment.
The fan may not be functioning and could require maintenance.
The equipment may be locked out due to a mechanical issue.
If this is a zoned system, where the thermostat is controlling a zone damper:
The damper may not be opening due to either wiring or because of temporary reduction sequencing.
The central air handler that supplies cooling to this zone could be temporarily preventing the thermostat from getting air due to sequence of operation limitations or some other issue might be detected at the central equipment not allowing air to get to this zone.
For either of the above issues, referencing and evaluating the thermostat history data can provide greater insight.
Check Airflow and Temperature:
If you can, verify airflow at the supply register or use a hand laser thermometer to detect cold air.
If airflow and cold air are detected:
Ensure airflow is appropriate for the room size.
Check that dampers, vents and air filters are not blocked or clogged, as restricted airflow can hinder cooling.
If airflow is present but no cold air is detected:
There could be a wiring issue between the thermostat and the HVAC equipment.
The equipment may be locked out due to a mechanical issue.
The equipment may be in an economizer cycle because of cold outdoor temperatures, but the economizer might not be functioning correctly.
If this is a zoned system, where the thermostat is controlling a zone damper:
The central air handler that supplies cooling to this zone could be temporarily preventing the thermostat from getting cold air due to sequence of operation limitations or some other issue might be detected at the central equipment not allowing cold air to get to this zone.
Directly Examine the HVAC Equipment
If the unit is not operating, check for:
Wiring issues between Pelican and the equipment.
Compressor failure, which may require professional inspection.
Refrigerant problems, which should be assessed by an HVAC technician.
A fan belt or fan enable issue that needs to be addressed by an HVAC technician.
3
Check for Central System Issues
If multiple thermostats are reporting failures, the problem may originate from a central chiller system or air handler rather than an individual thermostat.
Are multiple thermostats displaying a “Cool Failure” notification?
If the central equipment, chiller or air handler, is controlled by Pelican – evaluate the historical data for that controller to determine if the central equipment is able to or actively providing cooling.
If the central equipment is not controlled by Pelican – an on-site technician might need to verify that the equipment is operating and providing cooling.
Has your building recently experienced a power outage or surge?
If so, the HVAC system may require a reset to restore normal functionality. Note, there is NEVER a reason to reset a Pelican controller, but sometimes the equipment requires additional resets.
4
Contact Support for Assistance
If the issue remains unresolved after evaluating the above steps, professional support may be required. Pelican Support offers free virtual troubleshooting to evaluate trend data, check control sequences, and provide additional guidance. If further on-site assistance is needed, contacting your HVAC service provider is recommended.
If the issue remains unresolved after evaluating the above steps, professional support may be required.
For free virtual Pelican assistance: Pelican Support is always available to evaluate trend data, check control sequences, and provide additional troubleshooting assistance for free.
For on-site technical services: Contact your HVAC service provider for a detailed system inspection. Note: we recommend reaching out to our free support team to help reduce technician confusion and pin-point potential equipment issues we can help discover through evaluating trend data and control sequences.
Preventing Future Cooling Failures
To minimize the chances of encountering cooling failures, consider the following preventive measures:
Schedule routine HVAC maintenance to ensure optimal performance and early detection of potential issues.
Replace air filters regularly to maintain proper airflow and system efficiency.
Monitor HVAC system trends via the Pelican platform to detect patterns that may indicate emerging cooling failures.
Ensure correct installation of HVAC components and wiring to prevent miscommunication between the thermostat and cooling system.
By following these best practices—regular maintenance, monitoring trends, and ensuring proper installation—you can reduce cooling failures and maintain an efficient HVAC system.
For further assistance, contact Pelican Support.