The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is crucial when it comes to HVAC and cooling systems. It will help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan that charges each month to have the system inspected, repaired or cleaned as required.
You should also carry out some DIY maintenance throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the space around outdoor units free of clutter to allow for the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils of your air conditioner condenser are the primary component of the cooling process. If they are dirty, your system will struggle to cool and could even fail. This is why cleaning them is an essential component of HVAC maintenance. It’s also fairly easy to do. This simple DIY task will save you money, prevent expensive repairs and extend the life span of your air cooling.
In the beginning, it is crucial to shut off the power source to your unit. This can be done by shutting off the breaker inside your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your motors and electrical components from being flooded during cleaning.
Once the power has been shut off, you can begin taking down any large debris that may be blocking the air condenser. This includes cleaning up any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has accumulated on or around the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has a crevice attachment is a great method to get into the nooks and crevices and remove any dirt, dust or other debris that may have accumulated.
The next step is to clean the coils. Make sure you have the necessary tools in your arsenal prior to beginning. 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 label, then rinse it off with a hose. When washing the coils, it is essential not to use excessive force since the fins are easily bent.
You should inspect the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time hail, rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other things can harm the coil fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins to ensure improved airflow and coil performance.
When the fins and coils are in good shape Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the fins and coils, you can return to your home and switch on your air conditioning. After about 24 hours, you can check the thermostat to ensure that temperatures are normal.
Clean 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 is moved from the evaporator coil of your condenser unit and then to your home’s vents and registers through a system of ducts. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t maintained and sealed properly. This can block the air filters which can reduce the effectiveness of your system and burdens your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork is an extremely difficult job that requires professional equipment and techniques. There are a few things you can do to ensure that your ducts are clean and working well. First, make sure you change your filter regularly to keep dust and allergens from accumulating up in the ducts. This will also help to keep clogs from occurring, which could cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy costs.
Another way to keep your ducts tidy is to regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will take away all the crumbs, cobwebs and other messes that have built up over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts have been sealed well and are lined to stop moisture from entering, which can result in mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that have not been regularly cleaned can be filled with a myriad of contaminants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause allergies and respiratory issues, particularly in the elderly and children. Moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, releasing the spores that can be harmful to those with respiratory problems.
It’s generally recommended that you get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to remove the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is operating efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are sealed and you change your filters regularly the cleaning of your ducts may not be necessary at all. You can only be sure that your ducts are in good condition by having them checked. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA will use special testing methods in order to measure the amount particulates that are present in your ductwork. They will then suggest cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an important element of the system. It must be able to deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning as it should, this can affect your productivity and result in interruption to your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can help catch minor issues early and avoid excessive downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by making sure that your unit as good as possible.
The most common sign of a compressor problem is a decrease in cooling capacity, but it could be caused by many different causes. One possibility is that a compressor could be overworking because of poor airflow. This could cause bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. Another common issue is a blocked filter. Filters that have become blocked can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this from happening, it is important to clean or change the filters regularly based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
A blocked filter can cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings are worn out and need to be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace pulleys and belts regularly. A belt or pulley that is loose could cause slipping and result in compressor overheating and other problems. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor on a regular basis. This will help remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will examine for leaks in pipes, and ensure an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.
A puddle of water near the compressor can be an indication of a leak in the refrigerant. This is a potentially dangerous problem that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, turn off the compressor that is running and then contact an expert.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is like the boss of your entire HVAC system, so it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing that a technician will inspect when a problem occurs. It’s also one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items, yet maintaining your thermostat properly is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s operation. Examine your thermostat if you observe inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which could cause the thermostat to display inaccurately. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly with a separate thermometer will assist you in avoiding these issues and conserve energy.
A defective sensor or a flawed calibration could cause your system to turn off and on constantly. This is referred to as short cycling. This can affect your comfort and 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 system isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way It’s an excellent idea to look at the breakers that control both the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has been tripped, it will need to be reset in order for the thermostat to communicate with the system.
It’s also important to check your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Look for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat is not excessively exposed to the sun. Check the fan blades for signs of damage and rust. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as possible.
Basic HVAC maintenance is a great method to cut down on energy costs and keep your comfort in a commercial space. It will also extend the life of heating and cooling equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building comfortable all year round. Make sure that should you encounter any other issues or are unsure about what’s wrong with your system, always call in a professional.