The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance is crucial when it concerns HVAC and cooling systems. It will allow you to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies have a service plan that charges an annual fee to have the system checked, repaired or cleaned as required.

It’s also an excellent idea to carry out some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around the outdoor units free of clutter will help ensure the proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils inside your air conditioner’s condenser are the mainstay of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, you system will struggle to cool and may even fail. Cleaning them is a crucial component of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to do. This easy DIY task can avoid the need for expensive repairs, and save you money on your energy bills and prolong the life of your air conditioning unit.

It is essential to disconnect power from your unit before you disconnect it. This can be accomplished by turning off the breaker inside your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will stop your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded when cleaning.

Once the power has been shut off, you can start taking down any large objects that could be hindering the condenser air. This includes cleaning up any leaves, sticks, or other debris that have accumulated around or on the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice attachments is a great way to reach into the nooks and crevices and get rid of any dust, dirt or other debris that has collected.

The coils require to be cleaned. Be sure to have a few essential tools on hand before you begin. This will include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden hose and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the label, and then rinse it off with a garden hose. When washing the coils it is important not to apply too much force as the fins can be bent easily.

It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time hail and stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other things can harm the coil’s fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins to ensure improved airflow and coil performance.

Once you have a good coil and fin setup and you are ready to start your air conditioner. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to confirm that the temperatures are in good shape.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system works by bringing air in from outside, cooling it and then distributing it throughout your home. The air is moved from the evaporator coil in the condenser unit to your home’s vents and registers through a system of ducts. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they could become clogged with dust and other pollutants. This can clog the air filters which reduces the efficiency of your system and strains your AC unit.

Cleaning the ductwork is an extremely difficult job that requires expert equipment and techniques. However, there are some things you can do on a regular basis to make sure your ducts remain clean and functioning well. First, you should change your filter regularly to prevent dust and allergens from building in the ducts. This also helps to prevent the clogging that can cause a decrease in system efficiency and high energy bills.

Another method to keep your ducts clean is by regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all dust and crumbs that build up over time, and help to improve airflow through the vent. It is also essential to ensure that your ducts are tightly sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that are not cleaned on a regular basis can be filled with a variety of contaminants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory issues and allergies particularly for children and the elderly. The moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, which releases the spores that can be harmful to people suffering from respiratory issues.

It’s generally recommended that you have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is operating efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are sealed and you clean your filters frequently it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be necessary at all. The best way to know for sure is by having your ducts examined. A contractor that is certified by the EPA will use specific testing methods to determine the amount of particulates present in your ductwork. They can then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your particular situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a critical component of the system. It must be able to deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating properly, it can affect the efficiency of your business and lead to downtime for equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can help catch minor issues early and help avoid prolonged downtime. Performing these routine checks can also help you save money by keeping your unit in good shape for as long as is possible.

A decrease in cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem with a compressor. It could be caused by several different reasons. A compressor may be working too hard due insufficient airflow. This could wear out the bearings and diminish the life of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another common problem. If the filter is clogged, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. To prevent this, it is essential to clean or change the filters frequently, according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

A clogged filter may also cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings must be changed. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A loose pulley or belt could cause slipping and result in compressor overheating and other problems. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor frequently. This will remove the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team can also check for air leaks in the hoses and a tight seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.

Lastly, a puddle of water near the compressor could be an indication of a leak in the refrigerant. This is a risky problem that must be dealt with 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 surprising that technicians will always examine the thermostat first if there’s an issue. It’s also among the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, but an appropriately maintained thermostat is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Examine your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which can cause the device to display incorrectly. You can avoid this issue by checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a an additional thermometer.

A faulty sensor or calibration can also result in your system constantly switching off and on that is known as short cycling. This can affect your comfort, and cause unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. Fortunately the majority of these issues can be fixed with simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breakers.

If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat at all it’s a good idea to check the breakers that control the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, it will require resetting in order for the thermostat to communicate with the system again.

It is also essential to examine your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Look for indications of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to sunlight. Examine the fan blades to find evidence of damage or rust. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as possible.

Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent method to cut the cost of energy, maintain comfort, and extend the longevity of your cooling and heating equipment. It is possible to keep your building cool throughout the year by identifying issues with your thermostat, resetting your breaker, and then replacing your batteries. Just remember that in case you experience any other issues, or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system you should always consult a professional.