The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is essential when it comes to heating and cooling systems. It will allow you to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies have a maintenance plan that allows you to pay a monthly fee to have the system checked and cleaned, or repaired as needed.
You should also carry out some DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units free of clutter will help ensure proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils that make up your air conditioner’s condenser are the heart of the cooling process. If they are dirty your system will struggle to cool properly and may even fail to function properly. Cleaning them is an important aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to do. This simple DIY task will save you money, prevent costly repairs and prolong the life of your air cooling.
It is essential to disconnect power from your unit before you disconnect it. This can be done by turning off the breaker in the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and electrical components from being oversaturated during cleaning.
Once the power is off, you can begin to clear any large debris obstructing the air condenser unit. This includes sweeping up any sticks, leaves, or other debris that have been accumulating around or on the unit. A shop vacuum that has crevice tools is an excellent way to reach into the nooks, crannies, and loosen dust or dirt that has been accumulating.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before you do this, though, make sure you have a few key tools. These will include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the label, and then rinse it off using the water hose. When washing the coils, it is important to not use too much force since the fins can bend easily.
You should examine the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, the impact of hail and stones thrown from lawnmowers or other objects can cause damage to coil fins. If the fins are bent, a cost-effective tool called a fin comb can straighten them to improve air flow and also to help the coils function more efficiently.
When you have a great coil and fin set up, you can switch on your air conditioner. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to ensure temperatures are normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works to bring air from outside into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout the home. Air is moved from the evaporator inside the condenser to your home’s registers and vents through the system ducts. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they could become clogged with dust and other contaminants. This can block the air filters, which in turn reduces the efficiency of your system and strains your AC unit.
In most instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy task and requires expert equipment and methods. But, there are things you can do on a regular basis to ensure your ducts are in good condition and function properly. To prevent dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, you should change your filter on a regular basis. This will also help to prevent clogging, which can cause a decrease in efficiency and a higher cost for energy.
Cleaning the area around the vent openings is a different method to keep your ducts clean. Utilizing the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all the dust and crumbs that build up over time, and assist in improving air flow through the vent. It is also essential to ensure that your ducts are sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that aren’t regularly cleaned can become loaded with a myriad of contaminants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can trigger allergies and respiratory conditions, especially for children and the elderly. The moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, releasing spores that are harmful to those with respiratory problems.
It is recommended that you clean your ducts once every three to five years to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However If your ducts are sealed properly and you clean your filters frequently it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be required at all. The best way to determine the truth is to have your ducts tested. A contractor accredited by the EPA will use special testing methods in order to measure the amount particulates that are present in your ductwork. They will then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial component of the system. It must be able to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working in the way it should, this can impact your productivity and cause delays for your equipment. Preventive maintenance can help spot small issues early, preventing excessive downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by making sure that your equipment in the best condition possible.
A loss of cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem in the compressor. This could be caused by a variety of factors. A compressor could be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can cause the bearings to wear down and decrease the life of the compressor. Another common issue is a blocked filter. If the filter is blocked, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. It is essential to clean or change the filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
A blocked filter can cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are worn out and must be replaced. Regularly replacing pulleys and belts is an excellent idea. A pulley or belt that is loose can slip, causing the compressor to overheat and cause other problems. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will remove the accumulated moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also check for air leaks in the hoses, and ensure a tight seal between the compressor and pressure switch.
Lastly, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor could be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This is a serious issue and should be repaired immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, shut off the air compressor and contact an expert.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not too surprising that a technician will look at the thermostat first when there is any issue. It’s also one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items, yet maintaining your thermostat properly is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s operation. Examine your thermostat if you notice incorrect temperature readings, non-responsive controls or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the thermostat’s sensors can get dirty. This could cause it to display incorrectly. 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 referred to as short cycling. This can affect your comfort, and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. These issues can be resolved by simply replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breaker.
Make sure you check the breakers on both your HVAC equipment and thermostat If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat. If the breaker has been tripped, it will require resetting in order for the thermostat to communicate with the system once more.
It’s also important to check your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Check for dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat is not overly exposed to the sun. The fan blades must be inspected for indications of rust or damage. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as it possibly can.
Basic hvac maintenance is a great way to reduce energy costs and maintain comfort in your commercial building. It also increases the life of heating and cooling equipment. It is possible to 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 an expert if you’re experiencing any other issues or are unsure of what’s the issue with your system.