The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it concerns your heating and cooling system, routine maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that charges the monthly cost to have your system checked, repaired or cleaned if required.
It is also recommended to perform DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around the outdoor units free of any debris will ensure the proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils of the condenser of your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will be unable to cool properly and may even fail to function properly. Cleaning them is an essential component of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to accomplish. This easy DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs and prolong the life of your air conditioner.
It is essential to disconnect power from your unit first. This can be done by turning off the breaker inside your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will stop your motors and other electrical components from being oversaturated when cleaning.
When the power is turned off it is now time to clear any large debris that is obstructing the air condenser unit. This includes sweeping away any sticks, leaves or other debris that have accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum that has a crevice tool is a great tool to get into the nooks and crannies and remove dust or dirt that has been accumulating.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before you do this however, make sure you have some essential tools. This will include a concentrate of the coil cleaner and a pump-up garden hose and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the instructions on the label, then rinse with a hose. When washing the coils it is important to not use too much force as the fins can bend easily.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should inspect them for any signs of damage. Over time hail or rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other objects can cause damage to the coil’s fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins for improved airflow and coil performance.
Once the coils and fins are in good condition, you can return to your house and start your air conditioning. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to confirm that temperatures are within the normal range.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works to bring air from outside into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout the home. Air is transported from the evaporator in your condenser unit to your home’s registers and vents via a system duct. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they can become clogged with dust and other pollutants. This causes air filters to become blocked which reduces the efficiency of the system and strains your AC unit.
In the majority of instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy job and requires professional equipment and techniques. There are a few things you can do to ensure that your ducts are clean and functioning properly. To avoid dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, you should change your filter frequently. This can also help prevent clogging, which can result in a decrease in system efficiency and a higher cost for energy.
Another way to keep your ducts tidy is to regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. Utilizing the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner can remove all of the cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time and help to improve airflow through the vent. It is also essential to make sure your ducts are properly sealed and insulated to keep out moisture, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they could build up a myriad of contaminants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can trigger respiratory issues and allergies, especially for children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to develop in the ductwork, which releases microbes that can harm people suffering from respiratory issues.
It is generally recommended to have your ducts cleaned every three to five years to eliminate these contaminants and ensure your HVAC system is operating efficiently. If your ducts have been sealed properly, and you change your filter regularly, it may not be necessary to clean them. The best way to be able to tell for sure is by having your ducts tested. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to measure the amount of particulates within your ductwork, and can recommend suitable cleaning schedules based upon your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It must function properly to deliver cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working properly, it could affect the efficiency of your business and lead to downtime for equipment. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues early, preventing excessive downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by keeping your equipment in the best condition possible.
A decrease in cooling capacity is a typical indication of a problem with a compressor. This can be caused by a variety of factors. A compressor may be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can cause wear on the bearings and diminish the life of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another common problem. Filters that are clogged can reduce airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this from happening, it is essential to clean or replace the filters on a regular basis, based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.
In addition, a clogged filter can also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings need to be changed. It is recommended to replace pulleys and belts on a regular basis. A loose pulley or belt could cause slipping and result in compressor overheating and other issues. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor on a regular basis. This will eliminate the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can also look for air leaks in the hoses, and ensure an adequate seal between the compressor and pressure switch.
A small puddle of water around the compressor could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This is a potentially dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect a leak, shut off the air compressor. Get a professional to assist you.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not surprising that technicians will always examine the thermostat first if there’s any issue. It’s also one of the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, but maintaining your thermostat properly is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s operation. The most common signs that your thermostat is in need of an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can become dirty over time, which can cause the device to display inaccurately. Regularly checking your thermostat’s accuracy by using a separate thermometer can help you avoid these problems and conserve energy.
A defective sensor or a flawed calibration could cause your system to turn off and on continuously. This is called short cycling. This can affect your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be resolved with simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.
Make sure you check the breakers on both your thermostat and HVAC equipment If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat. If the breaker tripped then you’ll have to reset it to allow your thermostat to communicate again 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 isn’t overly exposed to the sun. Check the fan blades for signs of damage and rust. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the near future, and will ensure that your equipment is operating as efficiently as possible.
Basic HVAC maintenance is a great strategy to reduce energy costs and keep your comfort in a commercial building. It also increases the lifespan of cooling and heating 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. Be sure to call a professional in case you experience any other issues, or are unsure of the issue, always call in a professional.