The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your cooling and heating system, maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan where you pay the monthly cost to get the system checked, fixed or cleaned as required.
It’s also recommended to do some DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area surrounding the outdoor units free of debris will promote the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils of the condenser of your air conditioner are the primary component of the cooling process. If they are dirty, you system will struggle to cool, and it could even fail. Cleaning them is an important part of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, quite simple to do. This simple DIY task will save you money, avoid expensive repairs and extend the life span of your air cooling.
It is the first step. It is crucial to shut off the power supply to your unit. This can be done by turning off the breaker in the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will safeguard your motors and electrical components from being flooded during cleaning.
When the power is turned off it is now time to clear any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This includes cleaning up any leaves, sticks or other debris that have accumulated around or on the unit. A shop vacuum that has crevice tools is a great tool to get into the crevices, nooks and remove dust or dirt that has accumulated.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Be sure to have the necessary tools available prior to beginning. These will include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden hose and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the directions on the product label and then rinse it off using the hose. It is essential not to apply too much pressure when washing the coils, because the fins may be bent.
You should inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, hail and stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other items can damage the coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and performance of the coil.
After you have a proper coil and fin setup then you can start your air conditioner. After around 24 hours, you should check the thermostat to ensure that the temperatures are in line with normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it, and then distributing it throughout your home. Air is transported from the evaporator of your condenser to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by the system duct. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they may be laden with dust and other contaminants. This can block the air filters, which decreases the effectiveness of your system and burdens your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork is a difficult task that requires expert equipment and methods. However, there are some actions you can take regularly to make sure your ducts are in good condition and function properly. To stop dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts, it is recommended to change your filter frequently. This also helps to prevent the clogging that can lead to reduced system efficiency and a high energy bill.
Another way to help keep your ducts clean is by regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will take away all the cobwebs, crumbs and other messes that have been accumulating over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts have been sealed tight and lined to stop moisture from entering, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that aren’t regularly cleaned are likely to be contaminated with a variety of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues, particularly for children and the elderly. The moisture can cause mold to develop in the ductwork, releasing microbes that can harm those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It is generally recommended to have your ducts cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminants and ensure your HVAC system is operating effectively. If your ducts are sealed well and you regularly change your filter it might not be necessary to clean them. You can only be certain by having your ducts examined. A licensed contractor can employ specific testing methods to determine the amount of dust particles in your ductwork, and will recommend the appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on the specific circumstances.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an important component of the system. It has to function properly to deliver cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working in the way it should, this can affect your productivity and result in delays for your equipment. Preventive maintenance can help identify minor issues early, preventing excessive downtime. Regularly checking your unit can also save you money by keeping your unit in good shape for as long as it is possible.
A reduction in cooling capacity is a common indication of a problem with the compressor. This can be caused by several different causes. A compressor may be operating too hard due insufficient airflow. This can cause bearings to wear down and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a clogged filter. If the filter has become clogged it could reduce the airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. It is important to change or clean the filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
A blocked filter could cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings must be changed. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is recommended. A loose pulley or belt could cause slipping and result in compressor overheating and other problems. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor regularly. This can remove accumulated moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will check for leaks in the pipes, and ensure a tight seal on the compressor and pressure sensor.
A small puddle of water around the compressor can be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This is a potentially dangerous problem that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the air compressor. Get a professional to assist you.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not surprising that a technician will check the thermostat first when there’s a problem. A properly maintained thermostat is vital to the efficient operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most overlooked maintenance items. Common signs that your thermostat needs a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the sensors on your thermostat will become dirty. This can cause it to display inaccurately. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly by using a separate thermometer can assist you in avoiding these issues and help you save energy.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration may result in your system constantly switching on and off this is known as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. The problem can be fixed by simply replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breakers.
Check the breakers for your thermostat and HVAC equipment if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped then you’ll have to reset it to allow your thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.
Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Check for evidence of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Examine the fan blades to find evidence of damage or rust. These simple checks will help prevent 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 maintain comfort in your commercial space. It also increases the lifespan of heating and cooling equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker and replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building cool all year. Just remember that should you encounter any other issues, or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system, always call in an expert.