The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your cooling and heating system, regular maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that you pay an affordable monthly fee to have your system checked, repaired or cleaned if needed.
You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the space around outdoor units free of any debris to ensure proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your air conditioner condenser are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool and could even breakdown. Cleaning them is an important aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to accomplish. This simple DIY task can avoid the need for costly repairs, and save you money on your energy bills, and extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.
It is crucial to disconnect the power source from your unit first. This can be done by shutting off the breaker at your electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and electrical components from being oversaturated when cleaning.
After the power has been shut off, you can begin removing any large debris that may be blocking the condenser’s air. This includes cleaning up any leaves, sticks or other debris that has been accumulating on or around the unit. Using a shop vacuum with a crevice attachment is a great method to get into the nooks and crannies and remove any dust, dirt or other debris that has accumulated.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before you begin however, make sure you have several essential tools. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate, a pump up garden sprayer and the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the label of the product and rinse with the hose. When washing the coils, it is essential not to use excessive force since the fins are easily bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should inspect them for any indications of damage. Over time hail and rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other things can harm the coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins for better airflow and performance of the coil.
Once you have a good coil and fin set up, you can start your air conditioner. After about 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat to ensure that the temperatures are in line with normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring outside air into your home, cool it, and then distribute it throughout your house. Air is moved from the evaporator inside your condenser unit to your home’s registers and vents through the system ducts. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they may become clogged with dirt and other contaminates. This can block the air filters, which decreases the effectiveness of your system as well as burdens your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork is a difficult task that requires professional equipment and methods. There are a few things you can do to keep your ducts tidy and in good working order. First, you should change your filter regularly to keep dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts. This can also help stop the clogging that could cause a decrease in system efficiency and high energy bills.
Cleaning the area around the vent openings is another way to keep your ducts cleaner. Utilizing the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time, and help to improve airflow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they can accumulate a variety of contaminants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues especially in children and the elderly. The moisture can cause mold to grow in ductwork, which releases microbes that can harm those with respiratory problems.
It is recommended that you clean your ductwork every three to five years to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are sealed and you change your filters regularly, duct cleaning may not be required at all. The best way to be able to tell the truth is to have your ducts examined. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to gauge the amount of particles in your ductwork and will suggest suitable cleaning schedules based upon the specific circumstances.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a critical component of the system. It needs to operate properly to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating properly, it can impact your productivity and cause delays for your equipment. Preventive maintenance can help spot small issues early, preventing excessive downtime. Regularly checking your unit can also help you save money by ensuring that your equipment is in good condition for as long as possible.
A loss of cooling capacity is a typical indication of a problem with the compressor. This could be caused by several different causes. A compressor could be working too hard due insufficient airflow. This could cause the bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. A clogged air filter is another frequent issue. If the filter is clogged, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. To avoid this, it is crucial to clean or replace the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Additionally, a blocked filter may also cause rattling noises in the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings need to be replaced. Regularly replacing pulleys and belts is an excellent idea. A belt or pulley that is loose can cause slippage and cause overheating of the compressor and other issues. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor on a regular basis. This will get rid of moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will also examine for air leaks within the hoses as well as a tight seal between the compressor and pressure switch.
A puddle of liquid close to the compressor could be an indicator of an issue. This is a potentially dangerous problem that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the air compressor. Get a professional to assist you.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not a surprise that technicians will always check the thermostat first when there is a problem. A well-maintained thermostat is crucial to the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most neglected maintenance items. Common indicators that your thermostat requires a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can become dirty over time, which may cause the device to display incorrectly. You can prevent these issues by ensuring the accuracy of your thermostat using a an additional thermometer.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration can also cause your system to keep switching off and on, which is referred to as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately this can be resolved with simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting its breaker.
Make sure you check the breakers on both your HVAC equipment and thermostat If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it will need to be reset in order for the thermostat to connect with the system.
It is also essential to examine your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Find signs of dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to sunlight. Lastly, the fan blades need to be examined for any signs of damage or rust. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future, and help ensure that your equipment is operating as smoothly as it is possible.
Basic hvac maintenance is a great way to save energy and keep your comfort in a commercial property. It also increases the life of cooling and heating equipment. It is possible to keep your building cool throughout the year by identifying issues with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional if you have any other issues, or are unsure of the issue you should always consult a professional.
