The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is key when it is concerned with HVAC and cooling systems. It can help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan that you pay a low monthly rate to have the system checked out, fixed or cleaned as necessary.
It’s also recommended to do some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the areas around outdoor units clear of debris to promote the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in the condenser in your air conditioner are the heart of the cooling process. If they are dirty your system will struggle to cool properly and may even break down. Cleaning them is a crucial component of HVAC maintenance. It’s also quite simple to do. This simple DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the lifespan of your air cooling.
It is essential to disconnect power 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 prevent your motors and electrical components from being over-saturated during cleaning.
When the power is turned off and you are able to clear any large debris obstructing the air condenser unit. This means sweeping up any leaves, sticks or other debris that has built up around or on the unit. Using a shop vacuum with crevice attachments is a great option to get into the nooks and crevices and get rid of any dust, dirt or other debris that may have accumulated.
The coils must be cleaned. Make sure you have some essential tools on hand before you begin. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate and a pump-up garden sprayer and the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label of the product and then rinse it off using the hose. When washing the coils, it is important not to apply too much force since the fins can be bent easily.
You should examine the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time hail and stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other things can harm the coil fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool known as a fin-comb can straighten them to improve air flow and also to help the coils function more effectively.
After you have a proper coil and fin set up and you are ready to start your air conditioner. After about 24 hours, you should check the thermostat and ensure that the temperature is normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it and then distributing it throughout your home. The air is transported from the evaporator in your condenser to your home’s registers and vents via the system duct. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they could become clogged with dust and other contaminants. This can block the air filters, which decreases the effectiveness of your system and burdens your AC unit.
Cleaning ductwork can be a difficult task that requires expert equipment and techniques. There are some actions you can take regularly to keep your ducts clean and in good working order. To avoid dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, change your filter frequently. This will also help prevent clogging, which can lead to a reduced system efficiency and higher energy bills.
Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is an additional method to keep your ducts in good shape. Utilizing the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner can remove all of the cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time and assist in improving air flow through the vent. It’s 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.
Ducts that are not cleaned on a regular basis can be filled with a wide variety of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can worsen allergies and respiratory issues especially for children and the elderly. In addition, moisture in ductwork may cause the growth of mold, which releases spores into the air and poses health risks for those with respiratory problems.
It is recommended that you clean your ductwork every three to five years to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are sealed and you change your filters regularly, duct cleaning may not be required at all. You can only be sure by having your ducts examined. A contractor accredited by the EPA can use specific testing methods to determine the amount of particles found in your ductwork. They will then suggest cleaning schedules that are suitable for your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a critical component of the system. It needs to operate properly to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working as it should, this can impact your productivity and cause downtime for equipment. Regular maintenance can help you identify small issues early, preventing excessive downtime. Performing these routine checks can also save you money by keeping your unit in good shape for as long as it is possible.
A reduction in cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem in a compressor. This could be caused by a variety of causes. One possibility is that a compressor could be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This could cause bearings to wear down and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another common issue is a blocked filter. If the filter is clogged, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. To avoid this, it is important to clean or replace the filters frequently, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Additionally, a blocked filter may also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings are wearing out and require to be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace pulleys and belts regularly. A loose pulley or belt can cause slippage and cause compressor overheating and other problems. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor frequently. This will help remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also look for air leaks in the hoses, and ensure a tight seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
Finally, a small puddle of water around the compressor can be an indication of a leak in the refrigerant. This is a potentially dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, switch off the compressor that is running and then contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not surprising that technicians will always look at the thermostat first when there’s a problem. A properly maintained thermostat is crucial to the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most neglected maintenance items. Examine your thermostat if you observe inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the sensors on your thermostat will get dirty. This could cause it to display inaccurately. Regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with a separate thermometer will assist you in avoiding these issues and help you save energy.
A faulty sensor, or a flawed calibration could cause your system to turn off and on constantly. This is called short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort as well as cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately this can be corrected by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way it’s recommended to examine the breakers that control both the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has been tripped, it will need to be reset in order for the thermostat to communicate with the system once more.
Check your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Check for signs of dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat isn’t too exposed to sunlight. Finally, the fan blades need to be examined for indications of rust or damage. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it possibly can.
The simple maintenance of hvac systems on your commercial property is a great way to reduce 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 issues with your thermostat, resetting your breaker and changing your batteries. Just remember that in case you experience any other issues or are unsure of what’s wrong with your system make sure to contact a professional.