The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is essential when it concerns heating and cooling systems. It will allow you to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies have a maintenance plan that charges an annual fee to have the system inspected and cleaned, or repaired as needed.
You should also carry out 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 in your air conditioner condenser are at the heart the cooling process. If they are dirty, your system will be unable to cool properly and may even break down. Cleaning them is a crucial aspect of HVAC maintenance. Fortunately, it is also relatively simple to complete. This simple DIY task will help you save money, avoid expensive repairs and extend the lifespan of your air conditioner.
It is essential to disconnect the power source from your unit first. You can do this by shutting off the breaker at your electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your electrical components and motors from being oversaturated during cleaning.
When the power is turned off it is now time to clear any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This means sweeping up any sticks, leaves or other debris that has accumulated around or on the unit. A shop vacuum that has a crevice tool is a great tool to get into the nooks, crannies and remove dirt or dust that has accumulated.
The next step is to clean the coils. Make sure you have a few essential tools available before you start. These include a coil cleaner concentrate and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the instructions on the product’s label and rinse with the hose. It is essential not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils as the fins can easily be bent.
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 things can harm the coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and performance of the coil.
When you have a great coil and fin setup then you can turn on your air conditioner. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to ensure temperatures are within the normal range.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air in from outside, cooling it and then distributing it throughout your home. Air is moved from the evaporator of your condenser to your home’s registers and vents through the system of ducts. The ducts could become blocked with dust and other contaminants if they are not cleaned and sealed correctly. This can block the air filters, which in turn reduces the efficiency of your system and strains your AC unit.
In the majority of instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy task that requires expert equipment and techniques. But, there are actions you can take regularly to make sure your ducts stay clean and well-functioning. To avoid dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, change your filter regularly. This can also help keep clogs from occurring, which could cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy bills.
Another method to keep your ducts clean is to regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will get rid of all the crumbs, cobwebs and other debris that has been accumulating over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed and insulated to keep out moisture which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that have not been cleaned on a regular basis can become loaded with a variety of contaminants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can trigger respiratory and allergies particularly for children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to develop in the ductwork, releasing spores that are harmful to those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It’s generally recommended that you have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to eliminate these contaminants and ensure your HVAC system is working efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are well-sealed and you change your filters regularly 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 certified contractor can employ special testing methods to gauge the amount of dust particles in your ductwork and will suggest appropriate cleaning schedules based on your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a critical component of the system. It should be able supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating properly, it could affect your productivity and result in interruption to your equipment. However, preventive maintenance can aid in identifying minor issues early and avoid excessive downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment as efficient as possible.
A typical sign of a compressor problem is a decrease in cooling capacity, but this could be due to various factors. A compressor could be working too hard due to poor airflow. This could cause the bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. Another common problem is a clogged filter. Filters that are clogged can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is crucial to clean or change the filters according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
A blocked filter can cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could be an indication 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 overheating of the compressor and other issues. It is also a good idea to drain your compressor frequently. This can remove accumulated moisture that can corrode the motor and other components. A professional service team will also check for leaks in the hoses, as well as an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.
A puddle of liquid near the compressor could be a sign of leak. This can be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, turn off the air compressor and call a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the boss of your entire HVAC system, and it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing a technician will look at when trouble occurs. It’s also among the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, yet maintaining your thermostat properly is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Common signs that your thermostat is in need of an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which may cause the device to display inaccurately. You can avoid these problems by checking the accuracy of your thermostat with an additional thermometer.
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 excessive wear and tear on the compressor. These issues can be resolved by replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breaker.
Make sure you check the breakers on both your thermostat and HVAC equipment if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll require resetting to allow the thermostat to be able to communicate with the system once more.
Check your thermostat for indications of wear and damage. Find signs of dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to sunlight. The fan blades must be inspected for signs of damage or rust. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it can.
Basic HVAC maintenance is a great method to cut down on energy costs and ensure comfort in your commercial building. It can also prolong the life of cooling and heating equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building cool all year. Be sure to call a professional if you have any other issues, or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system, always call in an expert.