The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your heating and cooling system, regular maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that you pay a low monthly rate to have the system checked, fixed or cleaned when necessary.
It is also recommended to perform DIY maintenance throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units free of debris to promote the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils that make up the condenser of your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, you system will struggle to cool and could even fail. This is why cleaning them is a vital component of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, fairly easy to do. This simple DIY task will eliminate the need for expensive repairs, save you money on your energy bills and extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.
It is crucial to disconnect power from your unit first. This can be done by turning off the breaker in your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated when cleaning.
After the power has been shut off, you can begin to remove any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This includes sweeping up any leaves, sticks or other debris that has built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice attachments is a great option to reach into the nooks and crannies and remove any dust, dirt or other debris that has accumulated.
The coils require to be cleaned. Before you do this, though, make sure that you have in your possession some essential tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates as well as a pump-up garden sprayer, and an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the label, then rinse it off using the garden hose. When washing the coils, it is important to not use too much force since the fins can bend easily.
After the coils have been cleaned, look them over for any indications of damage. Over time, hail and rocks that are thrown by lawnmowers and other objects can cause damage to coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins for better airflow and coil performance.
When you have a great coil and fin set up, you can turn on your air conditioner. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to make sure temperatures are within the normal range.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air in from outside, cooling it and distributing it throughout the home. Air is transported from the evaporator inside your condenser unit to your home’s registers and vents through a system duct. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they may be laden with dust and other pollutants. This clogs the air filters which reduces the efficiency of the system and strains your AC unit.
Cleaning ductwork can be a challenging task that requires expert equipment and techniques. There are a few things you can do to keep your ducts clean and in good working order. First, make sure you change your filter on a regular basis to prevent dust and allergens out of building in the ducts. This will also help to prevent clogging, which can result in a decrease in system efficiency and a higher cost for energy.
Cleaning the area around the vent openings is a different method to keep your ducts clean. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all the cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time, and help to improve air flow through the vent. Also, make sure that your ducts have been sealed tight and insulated to prevent moisture from getting in, which could lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that are not regularly cleaned can be filled with a myriad of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can trigger respiratory issues and allergies particularly 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 recommended to clean your ductwork every three to five years to get rid of these toxins 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. You can only be sure by having your ducts checked. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to gauge the amount of dust particles in your ductwork and will suggest suitable cleaning schedules based upon your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential component of the system. It needs to operate properly to deliver cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating properly and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and result in equipment downtime. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to aid in identifying minor issues early and help avoid prolonged downtime. Conducting these regular checks can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment is in good condition for as long as it is possible.
A reduction in cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem in a compressor. This could be caused by several different causes. A compressor could be working too hard due to inadequate airflow. This can cause the bearings to wear out and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a blocked filter. Filters that are clogged can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is essential to clean or replace the filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
A blocked filter could cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings must be changed. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A pulley or belt that is loose can slip, causing the compressor to overheat and cause other issues. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will eliminate the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will also check for leaks in the hoses, as well as an adequate seal around the compressor and pressure sensor.
Finally, a small puddle of water around the compressor can be an indication of a leak in the refrigerant. This is a serious issue and should be repaired immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor and call an expert.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat acts like the boss of your HVAC system, and it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing that a technician will check when trouble occurs. A properly maintained thermostat is essential for the smooth operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items. Common signs that your thermostat is in need of a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can become dirty over time, which could cause the thermostat to display inaccurately. You can prevent these issues by ensuring the accuracy of your thermostat using a an additional thermometer.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration can also cause your system to keep turning on and off this is known as short cycling. This can have a negative impact 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.
Make sure you check the breakers on both your HVAC and thermostat if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker tripped then you’ll have to reset it to allow your thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.
Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Check for indications of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Check the fan blades for signs of damage and rust. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as it possibly can.
Basic maintenance of hvac is a great method to save energy and keep your comfort in a commercial building. It also increases the life of your cooling and heating equipment. You can keep your building cool throughout the year by identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting your breaker, and then replacing your batteries. Make sure to contact an expert if you’re experiencing any other issues or are unsure of what’s going on with your system.