The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it concerns your heating and cooling system, maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that charges a low monthly rate to get the system checked, fixed or cleaned when necessary.
It’s also a good idea to perform some DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the areas around outdoor units clear of any debris to ensure the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils that make up your air conditioner’s condenser are the heart 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 aspect of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to do. This simple DIY task can prevent the need for expensive repairs, save you money on your energy bills, and prolong the life of your air conditioning unit.
It is crucial to disconnect power from your unit first. You can do this by turning off the breaker on the electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will stop your motors and other electrical components from being oversaturated during cleaning.
After the power has been shut off, you can begin to clear any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This includes sweeping off any sticks, leaves, or other debris that have accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice attachments is a great way to reach into the nooks and crevices and loosen any dirt, dust or other debris that may have accumulated.
The next step is to clean the coils. Before doing this however, ensure that you have in your possession several essential tools. These will include a coil cleaner concentrate and a pump-up garden hose 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 important not to apply excessive force since the fins are easily bent.
You should inspect the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time, the impact of hail and stones thrown from lawnmowers or other items could damage the coil fins. If the fins are bent, a low-cost tool known as a fin comb can straighten them for better air flow and help the coils function more efficiently.
Once you have a good coil and fin setup and you are ready to start your air conditioner. After about 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat and ensure that the temperature is normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring outside air into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout the house. The air is transported from the evaporator in your condenser to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by a system of ducts. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they may be laden with dust and other contaminants. This clogs the air filters, which in turn reduces the efficiency of the system and strains your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork is a difficult task that requires professional equipment and methods. However, there are some things you can do on a regular basis to ensure your ducts remain clean and functioning well. To stop dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts, you should change your filter on a regular basis. This will also help to prevent the clogging that can result in a lower efficiency of the system and high energy bills.
Another method to keep your ducts clean is by regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will get rid of all the crumbs, cobwebs and other debris that have been accumulating over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. Also, make sure that your ducts are sealed well and are insulated to prevent moisture from getting in, which could result in mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they can accumulate a variety of contaminants like dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can trigger allergies and respiratory conditions particularly 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’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 sealed properly and you clean your filters frequently it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be required 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 can use special testing techniques to determine the amount of particles that are present in your ductwork. They will then recommend cleaning schedules that are suitable for your situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It must be able to supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating in the way it should and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and result in the equipment to shut down. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to help catch minor issues early and avoid excessive downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by making sure that your unit as good as possible.
A loss of cooling capacity is a typical indication of a problem with a compressor. It could be caused by a variety of factors. A compressor may be operating too hard due to poor airflow. This can wear out the bearings and diminish the lifespan of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another frequent issue. If the filter is blocked it could reduce the airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. To prevent this, it is essential to clean or replace the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A blocked filter could also cause rattling noises in the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings need to be changed. Regularly replacing pulleys and belts is recommended. A loose pulley or belt could cause slipping and result in overheating of the compressor and other issues. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor frequently. This can remove accumulated 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 pressure switch.
A puddle of liquid in the vicinity of the compressor could be a sign of an issue. This is a serious 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 too surprising that a technician will always check the thermostat first when there is any issue. It’s also one of the most often neglected maintenance items, yet a properly maintained thermostat is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Check your thermostat if you notice incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can become dirty over time, which may cause the thermostat to display inaccurately. You can avoid these problems by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a an additional thermometer.
A malfunctioning sensor, or a flawed calibration could cause your system to cycle on and off continuously. This is known as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort as well as cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. This issue can be solved by replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breaker.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way It’s an excellent idea to look at 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.
Check your thermostat for indications of wear and damage. Examine for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t excessively exposed to the sun. Examine the fan blades to find evidence of damage or rust. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as it can.
Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial property is an excellent method to cut the cost of energy, maintain comfort and prolong the longevity of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building warm all year round. Make sure that in case you experience any other issues or are unsure of the issue, always call in an expert.