The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it comes to your cooling and heating system, routine maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan where you pay an affordable monthly fee to have your system checked out, fixed or cleaned as needed.
It’s also recommended to do a few DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around the outdoor units free of any debris will ensure the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your air conditioner’s condenser are the core of the cooling process. If they are dirty, you system will struggle to cool and may even breakdown. Cleaning them is a vital aspect of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to accomplish. This simple DIY task will save you money, avoid expensive repairs and extend the lifespan of your air cooling.
First and foremost, it is crucial to shut off the power to your unit. This can be accomplished by turning off the breaker in the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will stop your motors and other electrical components from being oversaturated during cleaning.
Once the power is off it is now time to clear any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This includes cleaning up any sticks, leaves or other debris that has been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice attachments is a great method to reach into the nooks and crevices and get rid of any dust, dirt or other debris that has accumulated.
The coils need to be cleaned. Before you do this however, make sure that you have in your possession several essential tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates as well as a pump-up garden sprayer as well as a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance to the instructions on the label, then rinse it off with a hose. It is essential not to apply too much pressure when washing the coils, since the fins could easily be bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, inspect them for any indications of damage. Over time, hail and rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other things can harm the coil’s fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool known as a fin comb can straighten them for better air flow and also to help the coils function more effectively.
If the fins and coils are in good shape, you can return to your home and turn on your air conditioning. After about 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat and make sure that temperatures are normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout your home. The air travels from the evaporator coil inside your condenser unit to your house’s vents and registers through a duct system. The ducts could become blocked with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t maintained and sealed correctly. This can clog the air filters, which decreases the efficiency of your system and can strain your AC unit.
In the majority of instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy job and requires expert equipment and techniques. There are a few things you can do regularly to keep your ducts clean and in good working order. To avoid dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, you should change your filter on a regular basis. This will also help keep clogs from occurring, which could result in a decrease in system efficiency and a higher cost for energy.
Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is another way to keep your ducts in good shape. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will take away all the crumbs, cobwebs and other messes that have been accumulating over time. This will improve airflow through the vent. It’s also important to ensure that your ducts are properly sealed and insulated to keep out moisture which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that aren’t cleaned on a regular basis are likely to be contaminated with a variety of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause respiratory and allergy conditions, particularly in children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to grow in the ductwork, releasing microbes that can harm those with respiratory problems.
It is recommended to clean your ductwork every three to five year to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. If your ducts have been sealed well and you change your filter regularly it might not be necessary to clean them. The best way to determine the truth is to have your ducts tested. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to gauge the amount of particulates in your ductwork and will suggest appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a critical element of the system. It must function correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working properly, it could affect your productivity and cause downtime for equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can help catch minor issues early and prevent unnecessary downtime. Regularly checking your unit can also help you save money by keeping your unit in good condition for as long as possible.
A loss of cooling capacity is a typical indication of a problem with a compressor. It could be caused by several different factors. A compressor could be working too hard due to inadequate airflow. This can wear out the bearings and diminish the life of the compressor. Another common issue is a blocked filter. If the filter has become clogged, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. To prevent this from happening, it is crucial to clean or replace the filters regularly based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.
A blocked filter can also cause rattling noises in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings are wearing out and need to be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is a good idea. A loose belt or pulley could cause the compressor to overheat, causing other problems. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor frequently. This will eliminate moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will look for leaks in the hoses, as well as an adequate seal around the compressor and pressure sensor.
Lastly, a small puddle of water around the compressor could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This can be a dangerous issue and should be repaired right away. If you suspect a leak, shut off the air compressor. Contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the boss of your HVAC system, and it’s not a surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will inspect when a problem occurs. A properly maintained thermostat is essential for the smooth operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most overlooked maintenance items. Common signs that your thermostat is in need of a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the sensors on your thermostat will get dirty. This can cause it to display incorrectly. Regularly checking your thermostat’s accuracy with a separate thermometer will assist you in avoiding these issues and help you save energy.
A faulty sensor or calibration can also result in your system constantly switching on and off that is known as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort as well as cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. The problem can be fixed by replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way it’s a good idea to check the breakers that control both the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker tripped then you’ll have to reset it to allow your thermostat to communicate again with the system.
Check your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Examine for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat is not excessively exposed to the sun. Finally, the fan blades need to be examined for any signs of rust or damage. These simple checks will help prevent costly repairs in the near future, and ensure your equipment is operating as efficiently as possible.
The simple maintenance of hvac systems on your commercial property is an excellent method to cut energy costs, maintain comfort, and extend the lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment. You can ensure that your building stays at all times comfortable by identifying problems with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker and changing your batteries. Make sure to contact a professional if you are experiencing any other issues or unsure of what is going on with your system.