The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your cooling and heating system, regular maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan that charges a low monthly rate to have your system checked, repaired or cleaned as necessary.
You should also carry out some DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area surrounding outdoor units free of any debris will ensure proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils that make up the condenser in your air conditioner are the mainstay of the cooling process. If they are dirty, your system will struggle to cool and could even fail. This is why cleaning them is a crucial part of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to complete. This easy DIY task will help you save money, avoid expensive repairs and extend the lifespan of your air conditioner.
It is the first step. It is crucial to shut off the power to your unit. This can be accomplished by turning off the breaker in your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will keep your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded when cleaning.
Once the power has been turned off, you can start removing any large debris that may be blocking the air condenser. This includes sweeping off any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has built up around or on 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 may have accumulated.
The next step is to clean the coils. Before doing this however, ensure you have a few key tools. This will include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the instructions on the label, and then rinse it off using a garden hose. When washing the coils, it is essential not to use excessive force since the fins are easily bent.
It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time, the impact of hail and stones dropped by lawnmowers or other objects can cause damage to coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and coil performance.
When the fins and coils are in good shape, you can go back to your home and start your air conditioning. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to confirm that the temperatures are in good shape.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout your home. Air is moved from the evaporator inside the condenser to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by a system of ducts. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they could become loaded with dust and other contaminants. This can block the air filters which reduces the efficiency of your system and burdens your AC unit.
In the majority of cases, cleaning the ductwork isn’t an easy task that requires professional equipment and techniques. There are a few actions you can take regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and functioning properly. To avoid dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts, change your filter on a regular basis. This can also help stop clogging, which could cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy costs.
Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is a different method to keep your ducts clean. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will take away all the cobwebs, crumbs and other debris that have built up over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. It is also important to make sure your ducts are properly sealed and insulated to keep out moisture which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that have not been regularly cleaned can become loaded with a wide variety of contaminants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can trigger respiratory issues and allergies, especially for children and the elderly. The moisture can cause mold to develop in the ductwork, which releases microbes that can harm people suffering from respiratory issues.
It is recommended that you clean your ductwork every three to five years to get rid of these toxins and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. However If your ducts are sealed and you change your filters regularly the cleaning of your ducts may not be required at all. The best way to determine the truth is to have your ducts tested. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA can employ special testing methods in order to measure the amount particulates present in your ductwork. They will then recommend cleaning schedules that are suitable for your situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial component of the system. It needs to operate properly to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning properly it could affect your productivity and result in equipment downtime. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues earlier, avoiding 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 reduction in cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem with a compressor. It could be caused by a variety of causes. A compressor may be operating too hard due to poor airflow. This could cause the bearings to wear out and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another frequent problem. Filters that have become blocked can reduce airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this, it is essential to clean or change the filters frequently, according to the recommendations of the manufacturer.
Additionally, a blocked filter may create a rattling sound inside the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are wearing out and need to be replaced. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is a good idea. A belt or pulley that is loose can cause slippage and cause compressor overheating and other issues. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor frequently. This will remove the accumulated moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also examine for leaks in hoses, and a tight seal on the pressure sensor and compressor.
A puddle of water near the compressor could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This is a risky problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect a leak, shut off the air compressor. Consult a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat acts like the boss of your HVAC system, so it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing a technician will check when trouble arises. A well-maintained thermostat is vital to the efficient operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most neglected maintenance items. Common indicators that your thermostat requires periodic inspections include incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the sensors on your thermostat will get dirty. This could cause it to display in a wrong manner. You can avoid this issue by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with an additional thermometer.
A faulty sensor, or a faulty calibration can cause your system to turn off and on constantly. This is known as short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately this can be fixed with the simple act of replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting the breaker.
Make sure you check the breakers on both your thermostat and HVAC equipment if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it will have to be reset in order for the thermostat to connect with the system again.
Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Examine for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat is not excessively exposed to the sun. Finally, the fan blades need to be examined for any indications of rust or damage. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as it possibly can.
The simple maintenance of hvac systems on your commercial building is an excellent way to cut down on energy costs, maintain comfort and prolong the longevity of your heating and cooling equipment. By identifying issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building warm all year. Remember to call an expert if you’re experiencing any other issues or aren’t sure what’s going on with your system.
