The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your cooling and heating system, routine maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that you pay an affordable monthly fee to have the system checked out, fixed or cleaned when required.
It’s also a good idea to perform some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the areas around outdoor units clear of clutter to allow for the proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in the condenser of your air conditioner are the mainstay of the cooling process. If they’re dirty your system is likely to struggle to cool and could even fail. This is why cleaning them is a crucial part of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to accomplish. This simple DIY task can prevent the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills and prolong the life of your air conditioning unit.
It is the first step. It is important to disconnect the power supply to your unit. You can do this by shutting off the breaker on your electrical box or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated during cleaning.
When the power is turned off and you are able to clean up 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 with crevice tools is a great tool to get into the crevices, nooks and remove dust or dirt that has accumulated.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before doing this however, make sure that you have in your possession several essential tools. These 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 directions on the product’s label and rinse with the hose. It is crucial not to apply too much pressure when washing the coils as the fins can easily be bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should examine them for signs of damage. Over time hail and stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other objects can cause damage to the coil’s fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins for better airflow and coil performance.
Once the coils and fins are in good shape, you can go back to your home and start your air conditioning. After around 24 hours, you can check the thermostat to ensure that the temperatures are in line with normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it, and then distributing it throughout your home. Air is transported from the evaporator of your condenser to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by a system duct. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they could be laden with dust and other pollutants. This could block air filters which can reduce the efficiency of your system and burdens your AC unit.
In the majority of cases, cleaning the ductwork is not an easy task that requires expert equipment and techniques. However, there are a few actions you can take on a regular basis to make sure your ducts are clean and functioning well. First, change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens from accumulating into the ducts. This will also help prevent clogging, which can result in a decrease in system efficiency and a higher cost for energy.
Another way to keep your ducts clean is to regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner can remove all of the cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time, and will help to improve air flow through the vent. Also, make sure that your ducts have been sealed well and are lined to stop moisture from getting in, which could lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts aren’t cleaned regularly, they can accumulate a variety of contaminants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory and allergy conditions especially for children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to develop in ductwork, which releases the spores that can be harmful to people suffering from respiratory issues.
It is generally recommended to have your ducts cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminants and ensure your HVAC system functions effectively. If your ducts are well-sealed, and you change your filter regularly it might not be necessary to clean them. You can only be sure by having your ducts examined. A contractor that is certified by the EPA can employ specific testing methods to determine the amount of particles found in your ductwork. They will then suggest cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial component of the system. It needs to operate properly to deliver cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning as it should it could affect your productivity and lead to the equipment to shut down. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can assist in identifying issues that are minor and avoid excessive downtime. Regularly checking your unit can also help you save money by ensuring that your equipment is in good shape for as long as possible.
A reduction in cooling capacity is a common indication of a problem with a compressor. This can be caused by several different causes. A compressor may be working too hard due to inadequate airflow. This could wear out the bearings and diminish the lifespan of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another frequent issue. If the filter is clogged it can impede airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. To prevent this from happening, it is important to clean or replace the filters frequently, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A clogged filter may also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings require to be changed. It is also a good idea to replace belts and pulleys regularly. A worn belt or pulley can cause slippage and cause compressor overheating and other problems. It is also a good 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 check for leaks in the hoses, and an adequate seal around the compressor and pressure sensor.
Finally, a puddle of water near the compressor could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This is a risky problem that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the air compressor. Consult a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat acts like the boss of your HVAC system, so it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing that a technician will look at when trouble arises. A well-maintained thermostat is essential for the smooth operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most neglected maintenance items. Common indicators that your thermostat needs an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the thermostat’s sensors will get dirty. This can cause it to display in a wrong manner. You can avoid these problems by ensuring the accuracy of your thermostat by using a the use of a separate thermometer.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration could lead to your system continuously turning on and off, which is referred to as short cycling. This can affect your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be fixed with simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat at all It’s a good idea to check the breakers that regulate the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker tripped then you’ll have to reset it in order for your thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.
Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Check for dirt or dust and make sure that the thermostat is not overly exposed to the sun. Finally, the fan blades must be inspected for any signs of rust or damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as it possibly 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 cooling and heating equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building cool all year round. Be sure to call a professional should you encounter any other issues or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system, always call in an expert.