The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your cooling and heating system, routine maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. The majority of HVAC companies have a service plan where you pay a monthly fee to have the system checked and cleaned, or repaired as needed.
It’s also recommended to do a few DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the space around outdoor units free of debris to promote the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils of the condenser of your air conditioner are the primary component of the cooling process. If they’re dirty your system will struggle to cool properly and may even fail to function properly. Cleaning them is a crucial aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to do. This easy DIY task can prevent the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills, and extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.
First and foremost, it is essential to cut off the power source to your unit. 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 flooded when cleaning.
Once the power is off, you can begin to remove any large debris that is obstructing the air condenser unit. This includes cleaning up any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has been accumulating on or around the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has crevice attachments is a great option to reach into the nooks and crevices and remove any dirt, dust or other debris that has collected.
The coils require to be cleaned. Make sure you have some essential tools available before you start. These include a concentrate of the coil cleaner, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the label, then rinse it off with a garden 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 inspect them 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 for improved airflow and coil performance.
Once you have a good coil and fin setup, you can switch on your air conditioner. After about 24 hours, you should check the thermostat and make sure that the temperature is normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works to bring outside air into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout the house. Air is transported from the evaporator in the condenser to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by the system of ducts. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other contaminants when they aren’t maintained and sealed correctly. This could block air filters which reduces the effectiveness of your system as well as strains your AC unit.
Cleaning ductwork can be a challenging task that requires expert equipment and methods. However, there are a few things you can do on a regular basis to make sure your ducts remain clean and well-functioning. First, change your filter regularly to keep dust and allergens from accumulating into the ducts. This can also help keep the clogs from occurring which can result in a lower efficiency of the system and high energy bills.
Cleaning the area around the vent openings is an additional way to keep your ducts in good shape. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will get rid of all the cobwebs, crumbs and other debris that have been accumulating over time. This will improve airflow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts are sealed well and are insulated to prevent moisture from getting in, which could cause mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they could build up a myriad of contaminants like dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can cause allergies and respiratory issues especially in children and the elderly. The moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, which releases spores that are harmful to people suffering from respiratory issues.
It is generally recommended to have your ducts cleaned every three to five years to remove these contaminants and ensure your HVAC system is operating effectively. However it is possible that if your ducts are well-sealed and you regularly change your filters, duct cleaning may not be required at all. The best way to determine the truth is to have your ducts examined. A contractor that is certified by the EPA will use specific testing methods to determine the amount of particles present in your ductwork. They will then suggest cleaning schedules that are suitable for your situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential element of the system. It has to function correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating as it should and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and cause downtime for your equipment. However, preventive maintenance can help catch minor issues early and help avoid prolonged downtime. Regularly checking your unit can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment is in good working order for as long as it is possible.
A typical sign of a compressor problem is a decrease in cooling capacity, although it could be caused by a number of different factors. A compressor may be working too hard due insufficient airflow. This could cause bearings to wear down and decrease the life of the compressor. A clogged air filter is another common issue. If the filter is blocked it can impede airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. It is important to clean or change the filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
A blocked filter can cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are wearing out and need to be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace pulleys and belts on a regular basis. A loose belt or pulley can slip, causing the compressor to overheat, causing other problems. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor frequently. This will remove the accumulated moisture that can corrode the motor and other components. A professional service team can look for air leaks in the hoses, and ensure a tight seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
A puddle of liquid in the vicinity of the compressor could be a sign of an issue. This is a potentially dangerous problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, switch off the compressor that is running and then contact an expert.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not surprising that a technician will check the thermostat first when there’s an issue. A properly maintained thermostat is vital to the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most neglected maintenance items. Examine your thermostat if you observe inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the thermostat’s sensors may become dirty. This can cause it to display inaccurately. You can prevent these issues by checking the accuracy of your thermostat with the use of a separate thermometer.
A faulty sensor or calibration could cause your system to keep switching on and off this is known as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. Fortunately this can be fixed with simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way, it’s a good idea to check the breakers that control the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has been tripped, it will have to be reset to allow the thermostat to connect with the system.
Check your thermostat for indications of wear and tear. Check for indications of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. The fan blades must be inspected for any signs of damage or rust. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment is running 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 life of your cooling and heating equipment. It is possible to keep your building comfortable throughout the year by identifying problems with your thermostat, setting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Remember to call a professional if you are having other issues or aren’t sure what’s the issue with your system.
