The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it comes to your heating and cooling system, routine maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies have a maintenance plan where you pay each month to have the system inspected and cleaned or repaired when needed.

It is also recommended to perform DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area surrounding the outdoor units free of debris will promote proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils that make up the condenser of your air conditioner are the mainstay of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system is likely to struggle to cool and could even fail. This is why cleaning them is an essential aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to accomplish. This simple DIY task can avoid the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills, and extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.

It is vital to cut off power from your unit first. This can be done by turning off the breaker in your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your motors and electrical components from being oversaturated when cleaning.

After the power is off, you can begin clearing any large objects that could be blocking the condenser air. This will include taking away any leaves, sticks or other debris that have accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice tools is a great tool to get into the nooks and crannies, and loosen dirt or dust that has been accumulating.

Next, it is time to clean the coils. Make sure you have some essential tools in your arsenal before you start. These include a concentrate of the coil cleaner and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the instructions on the label of the product and then rinse using the hose. When washing the coils, it is essential not to use excessive force since the fins can be bent easily.

After the coils have been cleaned, look them over for any signs of damage. Over time, hail and rocks that are thrown by lawnmowers and other objects can cause damage to coil fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and coil performance.

Once you have a good coil and fin set up, you can switch on your air conditioner. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to ensure temperatures are normal.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout your home. The air travels from the evaporator coil in your condenser unit and then to the vents and registers of your home through a system of ducts. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they may become loaded with dust and other pollutants. This can clog the air filters, which decreases the effectiveness of your system and can strain your AC unit.

In most instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy job and requires professional equipment and techniques. There are a few things you can do regularly to keep your ducts clean and working well. First, change your filter regularly to prevent dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts. This also helps to prevent the clogging that can cause a decrease in system efficiency and high energy bills.

Cleaning the area around the vent openings is a different way to keep your ducts clean. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time and aid in improving air flow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts have been sealed well and are lined to stop moisture from getting in, which could cause mold and other biological contaminants.

If ducts aren’t cleaned regularly, they could accumulate a variety of contaminants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory issues and allergies, especially for children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to develop in ductwork, which releases the spores that can be harmful to those with respiratory problems.

It is generally recommended to have your ducts cleaned every three to five years to remove these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is operating efficiently. If your ducts have been sealed well and you regularly change your filter It may not be necessary to clean them. You can only be certain by having your ducts examined. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA will use special testing techniques to determine the amount of particles present in your ductwork. They can then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a crucial component of the system. It must be able to deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning as it should and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and cause the equipment to shut down. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can assist in identifying issues that are minor and help avoid prolonged downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by keeping your equipment as efficient as possible.

A decrease in cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem with a compressor. This could be caused by a variety of reasons. One possibility is that a compressor may be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This could cause the bearings to wear down and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a blocked filter. If the filter has become clogged it can impede airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. To prevent this, it is important to clean or change the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

A blocked filter can cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are worn out and must be replaced. Regularly replacing pulleys and belts is a good idea. A worn-out belt or pulley can cause the compressor to overheat and create other issues. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will remove the accumulated moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will look for leaks in the pipes, and ensure an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.

Finally, a puddle of water near the compressor can be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This can be a dangerous problem and needs to be fixed right away. If you suspect that there is a leak, switch off the air compressor and call an expert.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat acts like the boss of your HVAC system, so it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing that a technician will check when trouble occurs. A well-maintained thermostat is essential for the smooth operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most frequently neglected maintenance items. Examine your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which could cause the thermostat to display inaccurately. Regularly checking your thermostat’s accuracy with a separate thermometer will help you avoid these problems and conserve energy.

A malfunctioning sensor, or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to cycle on and off in a continuous manner. This is called short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort and result in excessive wear and tear on the compressor. This issue can be solved by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.

Check the breakers for your HVAC equipment and thermostat if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker tripped then you’ll have to reset it to allow your thermostat to communicate again with the system.

Check your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Check for signs of dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat isn’t too exposed to sunlight. The fan blades must be inspected for indications of rust or damage. These simple checks will help prevent costly repairs in the near future, and will ensure that your equipment is operating as smoothly as it can.

Basic hvac maintenance is a great method to save energy and ensure comfort in your commercial building. It will also extend the life of cooling and heating equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker and replacing the batteries and fuses, you’ll be able keep your building cool all year round. Make sure to contact an expert if you’re experiencing any other issues or unsure of what is wrong with your system.