The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is crucial when it is concerned with HVAC and cooling systems. It can help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies have a service plan that allows you to pay each month to have the system checked and cleaned or repaired when needed.
It’s also a good idea to perform some DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area surrounding the outdoor units free of clutter will help ensure the proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in the condenser in your air conditioner are the heart of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, you system will struggle to cool and may even breakdown. Cleaning them is an essential aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to accomplish. This easy DIY task will save you money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the lifespan of your air conditioner.
It is vital to cut off the power source from your unit first. This can be done by shutting off the breaker on your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your electrical components and motors from being oversaturated during cleaning.
When the power is turned off and you are able to clear any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This means sweeping away any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum that has crevice tools is a great way to reach into the nooks and crannies, and loosen dust or dirt that has built up.
The coils need to be cleaned. Make sure you have a few essential tools on hand prior to beginning. This will include a concentrate of the coil cleaner and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the instructions on the product label and rinse with the hose. It is important not to use excessive pressure when washing the coils since the fins could easily be bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should examine them for signs of damage. Over time, hail or rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other objects can cause damage to the coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins to ensure improved airflow and coil performance.
Once the coils and fins are in good shape If you are satisfied with the condition of your fins and coils, return to your home and switch on your air conditioning. After about 24 hours, you can check the thermostat and make sure that temperatures are normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring outside air into your home, cool it, and then distribute it throughout the home. The air is moved from the evaporator coil inside your condenser unit to your home’s vents and registers through a system of ducts. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other contaminants when they aren’t cleaned and sealed properly. This clogs the air filters which reduces the efficiency of the system and strains your AC unit.
In the majority of instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy job and requires the help of professional equipment and techniques. There are a few things you can do regularly to keep your ducts tidy and functioning properly. To stop dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, change your filter regularly. This will also help to prevent clogging, which can result in a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy costs.
Another method to keep your ducts tidy is to regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will get rid of all the crumbs, cobwebs and other messes that have accumulated over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts have been sealed tightly and are protected from moisture entering, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that aren’t cleaned on a regular basis are likely to be contaminated with a myriad of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of allergies and respiratory conditions particularly in children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to develop in ductwork, which releases spores that are harmful to people suffering from respiratory issues.
It is recommended that you clean your ducts once every three to five year to get rid of these toxins and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. If your ducts have been sealed well and you replace your filter on a regular basis it might not be necessary to clean them. You can be certain by having your ducts examined. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA can employ special testing methods in order to measure the amount particulates that are present in your ductwork. They will then recommend cleaning schedules that are suitable for your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It has to function properly to deliver cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating as it should, it can affect your productivity and cause the equipment to shut down. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues earlier, avoiding unnecessary downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by making sure that your equipment in the best condition possible.
The most common sign of a compressor issue is a reduction in cooling capacity, although this could be caused by a number of different factors. One possibility is that a compressor may be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can cause wear on the bearings and diminish the life of the compressor. Another common problem is a clogged filter. If the filter is blocked, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. To prevent this, it is crucial to clean or change the filters regularly based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
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 recommended to replace pulleys and belts on a regular basis. A worn-out belt or pulley can cause the compressor to overheat and cause other problems. It is also a good idea to drain your compressor regularly. 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.
A pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This can be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed right away. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the air compressor. Consult a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not too surprising that a technician will check the thermostat first when there is a problem. It’s also among the most frequently neglected maintenance items, but maintaining your thermostat properly is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Examine your thermostat if you notice incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the thermostat’s sensors will become dirty. This could cause it to display inaccurately. You can avoid these problems by checking the accuracy of your thermostat with a separate thermometer.
A faulty sensor or calibration may result in your system constantly turning on and off that is known as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort as well as cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. Fortunately the majority of these issues can be corrected by simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breakers.
Check the breakers for both your HVAC and thermostat If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat. If the breaker tripped it, you’ll need to reset it to allow your thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.
Check your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Examine for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t excessively exposed to the sun. Finally, the fan blades need to be examined for signs of damage or rust. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it can.
Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial property is a great way to reduce energy consumption, ensure comfort, and extend the life of your heating and cooling equipment. You can keep your building at all times comfortable by identifying issues with your thermostat, setting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Just remember that if you have any other issues or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system make sure to contact a professional.