The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is crucial when it is concerned with cooling and heating systems. It can help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan where you pay the monthly cost to have the system checked, fixed or cleaned when necessary.
You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the space around outdoor units free of debris to promote the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils inside the condenser in your air conditioner are the mainstay of the cooling process. If they are dirty, your system will struggle to cool, and it could even breakdown. Cleaning them is a crucial component of HVAC maintenance. It’s also quite simple to do. This easy DIY task will save you money, prevent expensive repairs and extend the life span of your air cooling.
It is essential to disconnect the power source from your unit first. You can do this by turning off the breaker in your electrical box or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will stop your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated while cleaning.
Once the power is off and you are able to clear any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This includes cleaning up any leaves, sticks or other debris that has been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice attachment is a great way to reach into the nooks and crannies and remove any dust, dirt or other debris that has accumulated.
The next step is to clean the coils. Before you begin, though, make sure that you have in your possession a few key tools. These include a concentrate for coil cleaning, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on in accordance with the directions on the product’s label and rinse with the hose. It is important not to use excessive pressure when washing the coils since the fins could easily be bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, examine them for indications of damage. Over time, the impact of hail and stones dropped by lawnmowers or other items can damage coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins to ensure improved airflow and coil performance.
Once you have a good coil and fin setup and you are ready to switch on your air conditioner. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to confirm that temperatures are normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout your home. The air is transported from the evaporator in the condenser to your home’s registers and vents through the system duct. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they can become loaded with dust and other contaminants. This can block the air filters and reduces the efficiency of your system and puts strain on your AC unit.
In most cases, cleaning the ductwork is not an easy job and requires the help of professional equipment and techniques. There are a few things you can do to ensure that your ducts are clean and in good working order. First, make sure you change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens out of building up in the ducts. This can also help prevent the clogging that can result in a lower efficiency of the system and high energy bills.
Cleaning the area around the vent openings is an additional way to keep your ducts cleaner. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will take away all the cobwebs, crumbs and other messes that have built up over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. Also, make sure that your ducts have been sealed tightly and are protected from moisture getting in, which could result in mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that have not been regularly cleaned can become loaded with a myriad of contaminants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can cause allergies and respiratory issues, particularly for children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to develop in the ductwork, releasing the spores that can be harmful to those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It is generally recommended that you have your ducts cleaned every three to five years to remove these contaminants and ensure your HVAC system functions effectively. If your ducts are well-sealed, and you replace your filter on a regular basis It may not be necessary to clean them. You can only be sure by having your ducts examined. A licensed contractor can employ specific testing methods to determine the amount of particulates in your ductwork and will suggest appropriate cleaning schedules based on your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It should be able deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning in the way it should, it can affect your productivity and result in the equipment to shut down. Preventive maintenance can help identify small issues early, preventing excessive downtime. Performing these routine checks can also help you save money by ensuring that your equipment is in good shape for as long as is possible.
A typical sign of a compressor issue is a decrease in cooling capacity, although this could be caused by a number of different factors. One possibility is that the compressor may be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This can cause bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. Another common issue is a clogged filter. 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 recommendations of the manufacturer.
In addition, a clogged filter can also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings must be replaced. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is a good idea. A belt or pulley that is loose can slip and lead to compressor overheating and 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 components. A professional service team can also check for air leaks in the hoses as well as a tight seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
A puddle of liquid near the compressor could be an indicator of leak. This is a potentially dangerous problem that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the compressor that is running and then contact an expert.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the boss of your entire HVAC system, so it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing that a technician will check when trouble arises. It’s also one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items, yet an appropriately maintained thermostat is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Check your thermostat if you notice incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can become dirty over time, which can cause the device to display inaccurately. You can prevent these issues by checking the accuracy of your thermostat with a separate thermometer.
A defective sensor or a flawed calibration could cause your system to cycle on and off in a continuous manner. This is known as short cycling. This can affect your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. These issues can be resolved by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way, it’s recommended to examine the breakers that control the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped then you’ll have to reset it in order for your thermostat to reconnect with the system.
It’s also important to check your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Examine for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat is not excessively exposed to the sun. Examine the fan blades to find signs of damage and rust. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as possible.
Basic HVAC maintenance is a great method to save energy and keep your comfort in a commercial building. It will also extend the lifespan of cooling and heating equipment. It is possible to keep your building at all times comfortable by identifying any issues with your thermostat, resetting your breaker and changing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional if you are having any other problems or are unsure of what’s wrong with your system.