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 have a service plan that charges each month to have the system checked and cleaned or repaired when needed.
It’s also recommended to do a few DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area surrounding outdoor units free of clutter will help ensure proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your condenser for your air conditioner are at the heart the cooling process. If they’re dirty, you system will struggle to cool and could even breakdown. Cleaning them is a crucial part of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to accomplish. This easy DIY task will save you money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the life of your air cooling.
It is vital to cut off power from your unit first. This can be done by turning off the breaker in the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your electrical components and motors from being over-saturated during cleaning.
Once the power is off and you are able to remove any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This includes cleaning up any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has accumulated around or on the unit. Using a shop vacuum with a crevice attachment is a great method to reach into the crevices and nooks and get rid of any dirt, dust or other debris that has accumulated.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before you do this however, make sure that you have in your possession some essential tools. These will include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the instructions on the label, then rinse it off using a garden hose. When washing the coils it is essential not to use excessive force since the fins are easily bent.
It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time, hail and rocks thrown from lawnmowers or other items can damage coil fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and coil performance.
After you have a proper coil and fin set up then you can start your air conditioner. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to confirm that the temperatures are in good shape.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is designed to bring air from outside into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout the house. The air moves from the evaporator coil in the condenser unit to the vents and registers of your home through a duct system. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they may be laden with dirt and other contaminates. This can clog the air filters which can reduce the effectiveness of your system and burdens your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork can be a challenging task that requires expert equipment and methods. There are a few things you can do regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and working well. To avoid dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, change your filter regularly. This can also help keep the clogs from occurring which can result in a lower efficiency of the system and a high energy bill.
Another method to keep your ducts tidy is to regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can eliminate all the cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time, and assist in improving airflow through the vent. It is also essential to make sure your ducts are tightly sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that are not regularly cleaned are likely to be contaminated with a variety of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory conditions particularly in children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, which releases microbes that can harm people suffering from respiratory issues.
It is recommended to clean your ductwork every three to five years to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. If your ducts have been sealed properly, and you replace your filter on a regular basis, it may not be necessary to clean them. The best way to determine for sure is by having your ducts tested. A licensed contractor can employ special testing methods to gauge the amount of particulates in your ductwork, and can recommend appropriate cleaning schedules based on your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It has to be able to supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working in the way it should, this can impact your productivity and result in interruption to your equipment. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues earlier, avoiding excessive downtime. Conducting these regular checks can also save you money by keeping your unit in good condition for as long as it is possible.
A decrease in cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem with the compressor. This could be caused by several different causes. One possibility is that a compressor may be overworking because of poor airflow. This can cause the bearings to wear down and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another common issue is a blocked filter. If the filter is clogged it could reduce the airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. It is important to clean or change the filters according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
A blocked filter can cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are wearing out and must be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace belts and pulleys on a regular basis. A loose pulley or belt can slip and lead to overheating of the compressor and other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor regularly. This can remove accumulated moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will check for leaks in the hoses, as well as a tight seal on the compressor and pressure sensor.
Finally, a puddle of water near the compressor could be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This is a potentially dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, switch off the air compressor and call a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is like the head of your entire HVAC system, so it’s not a surprise that it’s the first thing that a technician will check when trouble arises. It’s also among the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, but maintaining your thermostat properly is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s operation. Check your thermostat if you observe inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the thermostat’s sensors may get dirty. This could cause it to display inaccurately. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly by using a separate thermometer can assist you in avoiding these issues and conserve energy.
A faulty sensor, or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to cycle on and off in a continuous manner. This is referred to as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort as well as cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. These issues can be resolved by replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.
Check the breakers for both your HVAC equipment and thermostat in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has been tripped, it will have to be reset to allow the thermostat to communicate with the system once more.
Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Check for indications of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to sunlight. Check the fan blades for evidence of damage or rust. These simple checks can help avoid costly repairs in the near future, and help ensure that your equipment is operating as smoothly as it can.
Basic hvac maintenance is a great way to reduce energy costs and ensure comfort in your commercial space. It will also extend the life of heating and cooling equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building cool all year round. Be sure to call a professional in case you experience any other issues or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system you should always consult an expert.