The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your heating and cooling system, maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. The majority of HVAC companies have a maintenance plan where you pay each month to have your system checked and cleaned or repaired when needed.
It’s also recommended to do some of the DIY maintenance tasks 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 in your air conditioner condenser are the primary component of the cooling process. If they are dirty, your system will struggle to cool, and it could even fail. Cleaning them is an essential component of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to accomplish. This easy DIY task can avoid the need for costly repairs, and save you money on your energy bills, and extend the life of your air conditioning unit.
It is essential to disconnect the power source from your unit first. This can be done by shutting off the breaker in your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your electrical components and motors from being flooded when cleaning.
After the power has been turned off, you can begin taking down any large objects that could be hindering the condenser’s air. This includes cleaning up any leaves, sticks or other debris that have built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice attachment is a great way to get into the nooks and crevices and loosen dust, dirt or other debris that has collected.
The coils require to be cleaned. Before doing this, though, make sure you have a few key tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates and a pump-up garden sprayer as well as the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the label, and then rinse it off using a hose. When washing the coils, it is important not to apply excessive force since the fins can bend easily.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should examine them for indications of damage. Over time hail and stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other things can harm the coil’s fins. If the fins are bent, a low-cost tool known as a fin comb can straighten them to improve air flow and also to aid in the operation of the coils more effectively.
After you have a proper coil and fin set up, you can start your air conditioner. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to make sure the temperatures are in good shape.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works to bring air from outside 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 duct system. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they may become loaded with dirt and other contaminates. This can block the air filters, which decreases the effectiveness of your system as well as can strain your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork is a challenging task that requires professional equipment and techniques. However, there are a few actions you can take regularly to ensure your ducts stay clean and well-functioning. To avoid dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts, you should change your filter regularly. This can also help stop clogging, which could cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy bills.
Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is another way to keep your ducts clean. Utilizing the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner, you can eliminate all cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time, and will aid in improving air flow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are properly 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 are likely to be contaminated with a myriad of pollutants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory problems especially in the elderly and children. Moisture can cause mold to develop in the ductwork, releasing 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 system is functioning 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 be able to tell the truth is to have your ducts tested. A contractor accredited by the EPA can employ specific testing methods to determine the amount of particles that are present in your ductwork. They will then suggest cleaning schedules that are suitable for your situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial component of the system. It must be able to supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating in the way it should it could affect your productivity and cause downtime for your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to aid in identifying minor issues early and help avoid prolonged 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 typical sign of a problem with a compressor. This can be caused by a variety of reasons. One possibility is that the compressor may be overworking because of poor airflow. This can cause the bearings to wear out and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a clogged filter. Filters that have become blocked can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To avoid this, it is important to clean or change the filters on a regular basis, based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.
A clogged filter may also cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are worn out and must be replaced. Regularly replacing 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 regularly. This will eliminate the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will 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 an indication of a leak in the refrigerant. This could be a risky issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect a leak, turn off the air compressor. Consult a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not too surprising that technicians will always examine the thermostat first if there is any issue. It’s also one of the most often neglected maintenance items, yet a properly maintained thermostat is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s operation. Check your thermostat if you notice incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which may cause the thermostat to display inaccurately. You can avoid these problems by checking the accuracy of your thermostat using a the use of a separate thermometer.
A defective sensor or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to cycle on and off constantly. This is called short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort, and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be fixed with simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breaker.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way It’s an excellent idea to look at the breakers that regulate the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker tripped, you will need to reset it to allow your thermostat to communicate again with the system.
It is also essential to examine your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Check for dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat isn’t excessively exposed to the sun. Examine the fan blades for signs of rust and damage. These simple checks can help avoid costly repairs in the future, and ensure your equipment is operating as smoothly as it is possible.
Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial property is a great way to reduce the cost of energy, maintain comfort, and extend the life of your heating and cooling equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building cool all year round. Just remember that should you encounter any other issues, or are unsure of what’s wrong with your system, always call in an expert.