The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it concerns your cooling and heating system, regular maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan where you pay a monthly fee to have the system inspected, repaired or cleaned as required.
It’s also a good idea to perform some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units clear of debris will promote the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils of your air conditioner condenser are at the heart the cooling process. If they are dirty, your system will struggle to cool and could even breakdown. Cleaning them is a crucial aspect of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to complete. This simple DIY task will save you money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the life of your air cooling.
First and foremost, it is important to disconnect the power source to your unit. This can be done by turning off the breaker in your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your electrical components and motors from being oversaturated when cleaning.
After the power is off, you can start taking down any large objects that could be blocking the condenser’s air. This means sweeping off any sticks, leaves, or other debris that have built up around or on the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice tool is an excellent way to get into the nooks and crannies, and loosen dust or dirt that has been accumulating.
The coils must be cleaned. Be sure to have some essential tools on hand prior to beginning. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates and a pump-up garden sprayer, and an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance to the directions on the label, then rinse with the water hose. When washing the coils it is important not to apply too much force since the fins are easily bent.
You should inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, the impact of hail and stones dropped by lawnmowers or other items could damage the coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins for better airflow and performance of the coil.
After you have a proper coil and fin set up, you can switch on your air conditioner. After approximately 24 hours, you can check the thermostat and make sure that temperatures are normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works to bring air from outside into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout the house. The air travels from the evaporator coil in your condenser unit to your home’s vents and registers through a duct system. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they could become loaded with dust and other pollutants. This causes air filters to become blocked which reduces the efficiency of the system and puts strain on your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires professional equipment and techniques. There are a few actions you can take regularly to keep your ducts clean and working well. First, make sure you change your filter regularly to keep dust and allergens out of building into the ducts. This also helps to keep the clogs from occurring which can result in a lower efficiency of the system and high energy bills.
Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is an additional method to keep your ducts clean. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can eliminate all cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time, and will aid in improving air flow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts have been sealed tight and insulated to prevent moisture from entering, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts aren’t regularly cleaned, they may collect a variety of pollutants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory issues and allergies, especially for children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to develop in ductwork, which releases spores that are harmful to those with respiratory problems.
It’s generally recommended that you have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to eliminate the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is working efficiently. However, if your ducts are well-sealed and you change your filters regularly it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be necessary at all. The best way to determine for certain is to have your ducts examined. A licensed contractor can employ special testing methods to gauge the amount of particles within your ductwork, and will suggest appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a critical component of the system. It has to be able to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working as it should and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and result in downtime for your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to help catch minor issues early and prevent unnecessary downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by keeping your unit as good as possible.
The most common sign of a compressor problem is a loss in cooling capacity, although this could be caused by many different causes. A compressor may be operating too hard due to inadequate airflow. This can cause the bearings to wear out and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another common issue. If the filter is blocked it can impede airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. To prevent this, it is important to clean or change the filters frequently, according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
A blocked filter could cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings require to be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A loose pulley or belt can cause slippage and cause compressor overheating and other problems. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This can remove accumulated moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can also check for air leaks in the hoses and a tight seal between the compressor and pressure switch.
Lastly, a small puddle of water around the compressor could be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This is a risky problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, switch off the air compressor and contact an expert.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not too surprising that a technician will always check the thermostat first when there’s a problem. A well-maintained thermostat is crucial to the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most frequently neglected maintenance items. Common indicators that your thermostat requires an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which may cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. Regularly checking your thermostat’s accuracy by using a separate thermometer can assist you in avoiding these issues and save energy.
A faulty sensor or calibration may lead to your system continuously turning on and off, which is referred to as short cycling. This can negatively impact your comfort, and cause unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately the majority of these issues can be corrected by simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breakers.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way, it’s recommended to examine the breakers that regulate the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker tripped, you will need to reset it to allow your thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.
It’s also important to check your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Find signs of dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to sunlight. The fan blades need to be examined for signs of rust or damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the near future, and help ensure that your equipment is operating as smoothly as possible.
Basic hvac maintenance is a great method to reduce energy costs and maintain comfort in your commercial space. It can also prolong the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker and replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building warm all year round. Just remember that if you have any other issues or aren’t sure the issue you should always consult an expert.