The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your heating and cooling system, regular maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan where you pay an affordable monthly fee to get the system checked, repaired or cleaned as required.
It’s also a good idea to perform some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around the outdoor units free of clutter will help ensure proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils of the condenser of your air conditioner are at the heart the cooling process. If they’re dirty, you system will struggle to cool, and it could even fail. Cleaning them is a crucial component of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, relatively simple to complete. This easy DIY task will save you money, avoid costly repairs and prolong the lifespan of your air cooling.
First and foremost, it is important to disconnect the power to your unit. This can be done by turning off the breaker in your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from being oversaturated during cleaning.
After the power has been shut off, you can begin removing any large objects that could be blocking the condenser air. This means sweeping away any leaves, sticks 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 reach into the nooks and crannies and loosen any dirt, dust or other debris that may have accumulated.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before you begin however, ensure that you have on-hand a few key tools. This will include a concentrate of the coil cleaner, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label, and then rinse with a garden hose. It is crucial not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils as the fins can easily be bent.
You should examine the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, hail and rocks thrown from lawnmowers or other objects can cause damage to coil fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and performance of the coil.
If the fins and coils are in good shape Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the fins and coils, you can return to your home and start your air conditioning. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to confirm that the temperatures are in good shape.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is designed to bring outside air into your home, cool it, and then distribute it throughout your house. The air is moved from the evaporator coil in your condenser unit to your home’s vents and registers through a network of ducts. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t cleaned and sealed correctly. This causes air filters to become blocked and reduces system efficiency and strains your AC unit.
In most cases, cleaning the ductwork is not an easy task that requires the help of professional equipment and methods. However, there are a few things you can do on a regular basis to ensure that your ducts stay in good condition and function properly. To stop dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, you should change your filter regularly. This will also help prevent clogging, which can cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy costs.
Another method to keep your ducts clean is by regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all of the dust and crumbs that build up over time and help to improve air flow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are properly sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts aren’t cleaned regularly, they can build up a myriad of contaminants like dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause allergies and respiratory problems, particularly for children and the elderly. In addition, moisture in ductwork may result in the growth of mold, which releases spores into the air and can cause health issues for those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It is generally recommended to have your ducts cleaned every three to five years to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is operating efficiently. However, if your ducts are sealed and you clean your filters frequently it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be required at all. You can be certain by having your ducts checked. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to measure the amount of particulates within your ductwork, and can recommend suitable cleaning schedules based upon your particular situation.
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 operating properly, it can impact the efficiency of your business and lead to delays for your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can help catch minor issues early and prevent unnecessary 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 typical sign of a problem with the compressor. It could be caused by a variety of factors. A compressor could be working too hard due to inadequate airflow. This can cause wear on the bearings and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another common problem is a blocked filter. Filters that are blocked can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is essential to clean or change the filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A blocked filter could 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-out belt or pulley can cause the compressor to overheat, causing other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will eliminate moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can also look for air leaks in the hoses and an adequate seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
A pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor could be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This is a serious issue and should be repaired immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, turn off the air compressor and contact an expert.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not surprising that technicians will always look at the thermostat first when there is a problem. A well-maintained thermostat is essential for the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most overlooked maintenance items. Common indicators that your thermostat requires a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the thermostat’s sensors can become dirty. This can cause it to display in a wrong manner. You can avoid these problems by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with the use of a separate thermometer.
A malfunctioning sensor, or a flawed calibration could cause your system to cycle on and off in a continuous manner. This is referred to as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately this can be fixed with simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breakers.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat at all, it’s recommended to examine the breakers that control both the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker tripped then you’ll have to reset it in order for your thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.
Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Look for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat isn’t too much exposed to sunlight. Lastly, the fan blades need to be examined for any signs of damage or rust. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as possible.
Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent way to cut down on energy consumption, ensure comfort and extend the longevity of your heating and cooling equipment. You can keep your building comfortable throughout the year by identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Make sure to contact an expert if you’re experiencing any other issues or are unsure of what’s going on with your system.