The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is crucial when it comes to cooling and heating systems. It can help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that charges an affordable monthly fee to have the system checked, repaired or cleaned as required.
It is also recommended to perform DIY maintenance throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the areas around outdoor units clear of clutter to allow for the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils that make up your air conditioner’s condenser are the mainstay of the cooling process. If they are dirty your system is likely to struggle to cool and could even fail. Cleaning them is an essential part of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to accomplish. This simple DIY task can prevent the need for costly repairs, 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 done by shutting off the breaker in your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will safeguard your electrical components and motors from being oversaturated during cleaning.
Once the power is off, you can start taking down any large debris that could be hindering the condenser air. This means 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 option to get into the crevices and nooks and remove dust, dirt or other debris that has collected.
The next step is to clean the coils. Before doing this however, make sure that you have in your possession a few key tools. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate and a pump-up garden sprayer and an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the product’s label and rinse with the hose. It is essential not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils since the fins could easily be bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should examine them for signs of damage. Over time, hail and rocks that are thrown by lawnmowers and other items could damage the coil fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and coil performance.
Once you have a good coil and fin set up, you can start your air conditioner. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to ensure the temperatures are in good shape.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works to bring air from outside into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout your house. The air is moved from the evaporator coil in your condenser unit and then to your home’s vents and registers through a network of ducts. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other contaminants if they are not cleaned and sealed properly. This can block the air filters, which decreases the effectiveness of your system and can strain your AC unit.
In the majority of instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy job and requires expert equipment and methods. There are a few things you can do to ensure that your ducts are clean and in good working order. First, make sure you change your filter regularly to keep dust and allergens from accumulating into the ducts. This can also help stop the clogging that could cause a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy costs.
Another way to keep your ducts tidy is to regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner can remove all cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time, and aid in improving airflow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed tightly and are insulated to prevent moisture from entering, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that are not cleaned on a regular basis can become loaded with a wide variety of pollutants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of respiratory issues and allergies, especially for older people and children. Moisture can also cause mold to grow in the 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 the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system functions efficiently. However, if your ducts are well-sealed and you clean your filters frequently the cleaning of your ducts may not be required at all. The best way to know the truth is to have your ducts tested. A licensed contractor can employ special testing methods to gauge the amount of dust particles within your ductwork, and will recommend the suitable cleaning schedules based upon your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial component of the system. It has to be able to deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating properly, it can affect your productivity and cause the equipment to shut down. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to aid in identifying minor issues early and avoid excessive downtime. Conducting these regular checks can also help you save money by keeping your unit in good working order for as long as it is possible.
A typical indication of a problem with a compressor is a loss in cooling capacity, however it could be caused by many different causes. One possibility is that a compressor could be overworking because of poor airflow. This could wear out the bearings and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another common issue is a blocked filter. If the filter has become clogged it can impede airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. To prevent this from happening, it is essential to clean or change the filters on a regular basis, based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.
A blocked filter can also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings need to be changed. It is recommended to replace pulleys and belts regularly. A loose pulley or belt could cause slipping and result in compressor overheating and other problems. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This can remove accumulated moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will examine for leaks in pipes, and ensure a tight seal on the pressure sensor and compressor.
A puddle of liquid in the vicinity of the compressor could be an indication of an issue. This could be a dangerous problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, switch off the air compressor and call an expert.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is like the head of your HVAC system, and it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will look at when trouble occurs. It’s also one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items, but maintaining your thermostat properly is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Check your thermostat if notice incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the thermostat’s sensors can become dirty. This could cause it to display inaccurately. Regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a separate thermometer can help you avoid these problems and save energy.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration could lead to your system continuously switching on and off this is known as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort as well as cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately this can be fixed with the simple act of replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breaker.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way It’s a good idea to check the breakers that control both the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll require resetting to allow the thermostat to connect with the system.
Check your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Look for evidence of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Lastly, the fan blades need to be examined for signs of rust or damage. These simple checks can prevent expensive repairs in the future, and will ensure that your equipment is operating as efficiently as possible.
Basic hvac maintenance is a great method to cut down on energy costs and ensure comfort in your commercial space. It also increases the life of heating and cooling equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries and fuses, you’ll be able keep your building comfortable all year. Make sure to contact a professional if you are experiencing any other issues or unsure of what is wrong with your system.