The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your heating and cooling system, maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan where you pay a monthly fee to have the system checked, repaired or cleaned as required.
It’s also an excellent idea to carry out some DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units free of any debris to ensure 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’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool properly and may even fail to function properly. Cleaning them is a vital part of HVAC maintenance. It’s also relatively simple to complete. This simple DIY task will save you money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the lifespan of your air cooling.
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 inside your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will safeguard your electrical components and motors from being over-saturated when cleaning.
When the power is turned off, you can begin to clean up any large debris that is obstructing the air condenser unit. This includes sweeping up any leaves, sticks or other debris that have been accumulating around or on the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice tools is a great tool to reach into the nooks, crannies, and loosen dirt or dust that has built up.
The coils require to be cleaned. Be sure to have a few essential tools on hand prior to beginning. These will include a concentrate of the coil cleaner, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance to the instructions on the label, then rinse it off using a water hose. It is important not to use too much pressure when washing the coils as the fins can easily be bent.
You should inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, the impact of hail and stones thrown from lawnmowers or other items can damage coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins for improved airflow and coil performance.
Once the coils and fins are in good shape Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the fins and coils, you can return to your house and turn on your air conditioner. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to ensure temperatures are normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works by bringing air in from outside, cooling it and distributing it throughout your home. The air is moved from the evaporator coil inside your condenser unit and then to your home’s vents and registers through a duct system. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they could be laden with dust and other contaminants. This causes air filters to become blocked which reduces system efficiency and puts strain on your AC unit.
Cleaning ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires expert equipment and techniques. However, there are some actions you can take regularly to ensure that your ducts remain clean and functioning well. First, change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens from accumulating into the ducts. This can also help prevent clogging, which can lead to a reduced system efficiency and a higher cost for energy.
Another method to keep your ducts clean is by regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner can remove all the dust and crumbs that build up over time, and will aid in improving air flow through the vent. It is also essential to make sure your ducts are sealed and insulated to keep out moisture, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that have not been cleaned on a regular basis can become loaded with a myriad of contaminants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause allergies and respiratory issues especially in children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to develop in ductwork, which releases microbes that can harm those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It is recommended to clean your ducts every three to five year to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. However, if your ducts are sealed properly and you regularly change your filters it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be required at all. The best way to be able to tell the truth is to have your ducts examined. An accredited contractor can use specific testing methods to determine the amount of particulates in your ductwork and will suggest appropriate cleaning schedules based on the specific circumstances.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential element of the system. It needs to operate properly to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working in the way it should it could affect your productivity and result in downtime for your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can help catch minor issues early and avoid excessive downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by keeping your unit as good as possible.
A typical sign of a compressor problem is a decrease in cooling capacity, but this could be due to many different causes. One possibility is that a compressor may be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This could wear out the bearings and decrease the life of the compressor. A blocked air filter is a different problem. If the filter is clogged it could reduce the airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. To prevent this from happening, it is essential to clean or change the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A blocked filter could create a rattling sound inside the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings need to be replaced. Regularly replacing pulleys and belts is a good idea. A loose pulley or belt can cause slippage and cause overheating of the compressor and other issues. It is also a good idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team can also check for air leaks in the hoses, and ensure an adequate seal between the compressor and pressure switch.
A puddle of liquid in the vicinity of the compressor could be a sign of a leak. This is a serious problem and needs to be fixed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the air compressor. Consult a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the boss of your entire HVAC system, so it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing that a technician will look at when trouble occurs. A well-maintained thermostat is crucial to the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most frequently neglected maintenance items. Common indicators that your thermostat needs a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which may cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. You can avoid these problems by ensuring the accuracy of your thermostat by using a a separate thermometer.
A faulty sensor or calibration may result in your system constantly switching off and on that is known as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. These issues can be resolved by replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.
Make sure you check the breakers on both your HVAC and thermostat If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat. If the breaker tripped then you’ll have to reset it to allow your thermostat to communicate again with the system.
It’s also important to check your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Check for evidence of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t too exposed to sunlight. Finally, the fan blades must be inspected for any signs 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 a great way to reduce energy costs, maintain comfort and prolong the life of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building cool all year round. Remember to call an expert if you’re experiencing any other issues or aren’t sure what’s the issue with your system.