The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it concerns your cooling and heating system, routine maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan where you pay an affordable monthly fee to have the system checked, repaired or cleaned if required.
It’s also recommended to do some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around outdoor units free of clutter to allow for proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils that make up the condenser of your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will be unable to cool properly and could even fail. Cleaning them is a crucial part of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to accomplish. This simple DIY task will save you money, prevent costly repairs, and increase the lifespan of your air cooling.
It is the first step. It is essential to cut off the power source to your unit. This can be accomplished by shutting off the breaker inside your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded when cleaning.
Once the power has been turned off, you can begin taking down any large objects that could be blocking the condenser’s air. This includes cleaning up any sticks, leaves or other debris that have accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum with crevice tools is an excellent way to reach into the nooks and crannies and remove dust or dirt that has been accumulating.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before you begin however, make sure that you have in your possession some essential tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates, a pump up garden sprayer and an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the directions on the label of the product and then rinse using the hose. It is crucial not to apply too much pressure when washing the coils since the fins could easily be bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, inspect them for any signs of damage. Over time, the impact of hail and stones dropped by lawnmowers or other items could damage the coil fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and performance of the coil.
After you have a proper coil and fin setup then you can switch on your air conditioner. After around 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat and make sure that the temperatures are in line with normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it, and then distributing it throughout your home. The air is transported from the evaporator of your condenser to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by the system ducts. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they may be laden with dust and other pollutants. This can block the air filters which reduces the efficiency of your system and puts strain on your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork can be a challenging task that requires professional equipment and techniques. However, there are some actions you can take on a regular basis to ensure that your ducts are clean and well-functioning. To prevent dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, change your filter on a regular basis. This will also help to stop the clogging that could result in a lower efficiency of the system and a high energy bill.
Another method to keep your ducts clean is by regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. Utilizing the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all of the dust and crumbs that build up over time, and will assist in improving air flow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts are sealed tightly and are insulated to prevent moisture from entering, which can result in mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts are not regularly cleaned, they may accumulate a variety of contaminants such as dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory problems particularly in children and the elderly. The moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, releasing spores that are harmful to people suffering from respiratory issues.
It is recommended that you clean your ducts once every three to five year to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is functioning efficiently. However If your ducts are sealed and you clean your filters frequently it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be necessary at all. You can only be certain by having your ducts checked. A contractor that is certified by the EPA can employ special testing methods in order to determine the amount of particulates found in your ductwork. They will then recommend cleaning schedules that are suitable for your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It has to be able to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working properly, it can affect the efficiency of your business and lead to delays for your equipment. However, preventive maintenance can help catch minor issues early and prevent unnecessary downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment as efficient as possible.
A common indication of a problem with a compressor is a loss in cooling capacity, although it could be caused by many different causes. One possibility is that the compressor may be overworking because of poor airflow. This could cause bearings to wear out and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a clogged filter. Filters that are blocked can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is crucial to clean or change the filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
A blocked filter could also cause rattling noises in the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings need to be changed. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A pulley or belt that is loose can slip, causing the compressor to overheat and create other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor regularly. This will remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will look for leaks in the hoses, and an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.
Finally, a puddle of water near the compressor can be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This is a serious problem and needs to be fixed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, switch off the compressor that is running and then contact an expert.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not a surprise that a technician will always look at the thermostat first when there’s any issue. A properly maintained thermostat is essential for the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most overlooked maintenance items. The most common signs that your thermostat needs periodic inspections include incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which may cause the thermostat to display inaccurately. Regularly checking your thermostat’s accuracy by using a separate thermometer can assist you in avoiding these issues and help you save energy.
A faulty sensor or calibration can also lead to your system continuously switching off and on that is known as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and result in excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be resolved with simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting its breakers.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way it’s recommended to examine the breakers that control the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker tripped it, you’ll need to reset it in order for your thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.
It is also essential to examine your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Check for dirt or dust and make sure that the thermostat isn’t too much exposed to sunlight. Check the fan blades for signs of rust and damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as it can.
Basic hvac maintenance is a great strategy to reduce energy costs and maintain comfort in your commercial building. It can also prolong the life of your cooling and heating equipment. You can keep your building comfortable throughout the year by identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional if you are having any other problems or aren’t sure what’s going on with your system.
