The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your cooling and heating system, routine maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies have a maintenance plan that charges each month to have your system checked, repaired or cleaned as needed.
It is also recommended to perform DIY maintenance throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units free of clutter to allow for proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in the condenser of your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, you system will struggle to cool and may even fail. This is why cleaning them is a vital aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to accomplish. This simple DIY task will eliminate the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills, and prolong the longevity of your AC unit.
It is the first step. It is essential to cut off the power supply to your unit. This can be done by turning off the breaker in your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your electrical components and motors from being oversaturated during cleaning.
Once the power has been turned off, you can begin taking down any large objects that could be hindering the condenser’s air. This includes cleaning up any leaves, sticks or other debris that have been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice attachments is a great method to get into the nooks and crannies and loosen any dirt, dust or other debris that may have accumulated.
The coils must be cleaned. Before doing this however, make sure you have several essential tools. These include a coil cleaner concentrate and a pump-up garden hose and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the instructions on the product label and then rinse using the hose. It is essential not to apply too much pressure when washing the coils as the fins can easily be bent.
You should examine the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time hail and stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other things can harm the coil fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool known as a fin comb can straighten them to improve air flow and also to aid in the operation of the coils more effectively.
When you have a great coil and fin set up then you can turn on your air conditioner. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to ensure the temperatures are in good shape.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works by bringing air from outside, cooling it and distributing it throughout the home. The air moves from the evaporator coil in your condenser unit and then to the vents and registers of your home through a network of ducts. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they could become clogged with dirt and other contaminates. This can block the air filters and reduces the efficiency of the system and strains your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork is a challenging task that requires professional equipment and techniques. There are a few actions you can take regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and in good working order. First, you should 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.
Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is a different method to keep your ducts in good shape. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all the cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time, and will help to improve air flow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts are sealed tight and insulated to prevent moisture from getting in, which could lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts aren’t regularly cleaned, they may collect a variety of pollutants like dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of allergies and respiratory conditions, especially for children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to develop in the ductwork, which releases microbes that can harm those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It is recommended that you clean your ducts once every three to five years to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However If your ducts are sealed and you change your filters regularly, duct cleaning may not be necessary at all. The best way to determine for sure is by having your ducts examined. A licensed contractor can employ special testing methods to measure the amount of dust particles in your ductwork and will suggest suitable cleaning schedules based upon the specific circumstances.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential component of the system. It should be able provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working in the way it should, this can impact your productivity and cause interruption to your equipment. Preventive maintenance can help spot minor issues earlier, avoiding excessive downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by keeping your equipment in the best condition possible.
A typical sign of a compressor issue is a decrease in cooling capacity, but this could be due to many different causes. A compressor may be operating too hard due to poor airflow. This can cause wear on the bearings and decrease the life of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a blocked filter. If the filter is clogged it can impede airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. It is crucial to clean or replace the filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
A clogged filter may also cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings require to be changed. It is also a good idea to replace belts and pulleys on a regular basis. A loose belt or pulley can cause the compressor to overheat and cause other problems. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will eliminate the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also check for leaks in the pipes, and ensure a tight seal on the pressure sensor and compressor.
Lastly, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor can be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This can be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, shut off the compressor that is running and then contact an expert.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is like the head of your HVAC system, so it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing a technician will check when trouble arises. A properly maintained thermostat is essential for the smooth operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most neglected maintenance items. Check your thermostat if find inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which could cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. You can prevent these issues by ensuring the accuracy of your thermostat with an additional thermometer.
A defective sensor or a faulty calibration can cause your system to cycle on and off in a continuous manner. This is known as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. These issues can be resolved by simply replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breakers.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat at all It’s an excellent idea to look at the breakers that regulate the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has been tripped, it will require resetting in order for the thermostat to communicate with the system again.
It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Check for evidence of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to sunlight. Check the fan blades for signs of rust and damage. These simple checks will help prevent costly repairs in the future, and help ensure that your equipment is operating as smoothly as it can.
Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial property is an excellent method to cut the cost of energy, maintain comfort and extend the life of your heating and cooling equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building cool all year round. Make sure to contact an expert if you’re experiencing any other issues or unsure of what is wrong with your system.