The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is crucial when it is concerned with cooling and heating systems. It will help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that charges the monthly cost to get the system checked, fixed or cleaned if needed.
You should also carry out some DIY maintenance throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units free of debris to promote the proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your condenser for your air conditioner are the primary component of the cooling process. If they are dirty, your system will struggle to cool and could even fail. Cleaning them is a vital part of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to do. This easy DIY task will eliminate the need for expensive repairs, save you money on your energy bills and extend the life of your air conditioning unit.
It is crucial to disconnect power from your unit first. This can be done 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 being oversaturated while cleaning.
After the power is off, you can start clearing any large debris that could be hindering the condenser air. This means sweeping away any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has built up on or around the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has a crevice attachment is a great method to get into the crevices and nooks and loosen any dust, dirt or other debris that has accumulated.
The coils need to be cleaned. Be sure to have the necessary tools in your arsenal prior to beginning. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates, a pump up garden sprayer as well as an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance to the directions on the label, then rinse with the garden hose. When washing the coils, it is essential not to use excessive force since the fins can bend easily.
After the coils have been cleaned, examine them for signs of damage. Over time, hail and rocks that are thrown by lawnmowers and other objects can cause damage to coil fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool called a fin comb can straighten them to improve air flow and also to assist in ensuring that the coils operate more effectively.
Once you have a good coil and fin set up, you can start your air conditioner. After approximately 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat and make sure that the temperature is normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works by bringing air from outside, cooling it and then distributing it throughout your home. Air is transported from the evaporator inside your condenser unit to your home’s registers and vents via a system ducts. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they may become clogged with dirt and other contaminates. This causes air filters to become blocked, which in turn reduces the efficiency of the system and strains your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork can be a challenging task that requires professional equipment and methods. However, there are some things you can do on a regular basis to make sure your ducts are clean and functioning well. First, change your filter regularly to keep dust and allergens from building into the ducts. This will also help to prevent the clogging that can result in a lower efficiency of the system and high energy bills.
Another way to keep your ducts tidy is to regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will take away all traces of dust, crumbs and other debris that have built up over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed tightly and are protected from moisture getting in, which could result in mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that are not regularly cleaned can become loaded with a variety of pollutants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues especially for children and the elderly. The moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, releasing the spores that can be harmful to those with respiratory problems.
It is recommended that you clean your ducts once every three to five year to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. If your ducts have been well-sealed, and you change your filter regularly It may not be necessary to clean them. The best way to determine for sure is by having your ducts tested. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to measure the amount of particles in your ductwork, and will recommend the appropriate cleaning schedules based on the specific circumstances.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential component of the system. It needs to operate properly to deliver cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating as it should, this can affect the efficiency of your business and lead to interruption to your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can help catch minor issues early and prevent unnecessary downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by making sure that your equipment in the best condition possible.
A decrease in cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem in a compressor. This can be caused by a variety of causes. One possibility is that a compressor could be overworking because of poor airflow. This can wear out the bearings and reduce the life of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a blocked filter. If the filter is clogged, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. It is essential to clean or replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
A clogged filter may also cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings need to be replaced. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is recommended. A worn belt or pulley could cause slipping and result in compressor overheating and other problems. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor frequently. This will help remove moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can examine for air leaks within the hoses and an adequate seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
Finally, a puddle of water near the compressor can be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This can be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, switch off the air compressor and contact an expert.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is like the boss of your entire HVAC system, so it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing that a technician will check when trouble arises. 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. Common indicators that your thermostat requires an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which could cause the device to display inaccurately. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly with a separate thermometer will assist you in avoiding these issues and help you save energy.
A malfunctioning sensor, or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to turn off and on in a continuous manner. This is known as short cycling. This can affect your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. Fortunately this can be corrected by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.
Check the breakers for both your HVAC equipment and thermostat if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has been tripped, it will require resetting to allow the thermostat to communicate with the system.
It’s also important to check your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Look for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat isn’t excessively exposed to the sun. Check the fan blades for signs of rust and damage. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as possible.
The simple maintenance of hvac systems on your commercial property is an excellent method to cut energy consumption, ensure comfort and extend the lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment. You can keep your building at all times comfortable by identifying any issues with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional should you encounter any other issues, or are unsure of the issue you should always consult an expert.