The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your heating and cooling system, regular maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies have a maintenance plan that allows you to pay each month to have the system checked and cleaned or repaired when 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 proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils of your air conditioner condenser are at the heart the cooling process. If they’re dirty, you system will struggle to cool and could even breakdown. Cleaning them is an essential aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s also relatively simple to complete. This easy DIY task can prevent the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills, and extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.
It is vital to cut off the power source from your unit first. You can do this by shutting off the breaker in the electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will safeguard your motors and electrical components from being flooded when cleaning.
Once the power has been shut off, you can begin taking down any large objects that could be blocking the condenser air. This will include taking away any sticks, leaves, or other debris that have been accumulating on or around the unit. Using a shop vacuum with crevice attachments is a great option to reach into the nooks and crevices and get rid of dust, dirt or other debris that has accumulated.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Be sure to have some essential tools on hand prior to beginning. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate and a pump-up garden sprayer and an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the instructions on the label, then rinse it off using a water hose. It is essential not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils, since the fins could easily be bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should inspect them for any indications of damage. Over time, hail and rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other items can damage the coil’s fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins to ensure improved airflow and coil performance.
After you have a proper coil and fin set up and you are ready to switch on your air conditioner. After approximately 24 hours, you should check the thermostat and ensure that temperatures are normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works by bringing air from outside, cooling it and distributing it throughout the home. Air is moved from the evaporator inside your condenser unit to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by the system ducts. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other contaminants when they aren’t maintained and sealed properly. This clogs the air filters, which in turn reduces the efficiency of the system and strains your AC unit.
In the majority of cases, cleaning the ductwork isn’t an easy task and requires the help of professional equipment and methods. There are a few things you can do regularly to keep your ducts tidy and functioning properly. First, make sure you change your filter regularly to keep dust and allergens from accumulating into the ducts. This will also help prevent clogging, which can lead to a reduced system efficiency and higher energy costs.
Cleaning the area around the vent openings is an additional way to keep your ducts cleaner. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will get rid of all traces of dust, crumbs and other debris that has been accumulating over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. It is also essential to ensure that your ducts are sealed and insulated to keep out moisture which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that aren’t regularly cleaned can become loaded with a variety of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can trigger allergies and respiratory conditions particularly for older people and children. The moisture in ductwork can lead to the growth of mold which releases spores in the air and poses health risks for those suffering from respiratory problems.
It’s generally recommended that you get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to remove the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is operating efficiently. However, if your ducts are well-sealed and you change your filters regularly the cleaning of your ducts may not be required at all. The best way to determine the truth is to have your ducts examined. A contractor that is certified by the EPA can employ special testing methods in order to determine the amount of particulates found in your ductwork. They can then recommend cleaning schedules that are suitable for your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It has to be able to deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating in the way it should, this can affect your productivity and cause interruption to your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to aid in identifying minor issues early and prevent unnecessary downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment as efficient as possible.
A reduction in cooling capacity is a typical indication of a problem with the compressor. This could be caused by several different causes. A compressor may be working too hard due insufficient airflow. This can cause the bearings to wear down and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a blocked filter. If the filter is clogged it can impede airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. To prevent this, it is important to clean or replace the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A clogged filter may also cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings require to be changed. It is also a good idea to replace pulleys and belts on a regular basis. A pulley or belt that is loose can cause the compressor to overheat and create other problems. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will get rid of the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team can also look for air leaks in the hoses and an adequate seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
A puddle of water near the compressor can be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This is a risky problem that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the air compressor. Contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is like the head of your entire HVAC system, so it’s not a surprise that it’s the first thing that a technician will inspect when a problem occurs. It’s also among the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, yet maintaining your thermostat properly is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s proper operation. Check your thermostat if you notice incorrect temperature readings, non-responsive controls or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can become dirty over time, which could cause the device to display inaccurately. Regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a separate thermometer can aid in avoiding these issues and conserve energy.
A malfunctioning sensor, or a flawed calibration could cause your system to turn off and on in a continuous manner. This is called short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort as well as cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be resolved with the simple act of replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breaker.
Check the breakers for both your HVAC and thermostat if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker tripped, you will need to reset it in order for your thermostat to reconnect with the system.
It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Examine for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat is not overly exposed to the sun. Examine the fan blades to find signs of damage and rust. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it can.
The simple maintenance of hvac systems on your commercial property is an excellent way to cut down on energy costs, maintain comfort, and extend the life of your heating and cooling equipment. You can ensure that your building stays at all times comfortable by identifying issues with your thermostat, setting your breaker, and then replacing your batteries. Just remember that should you encounter any other issues, or are unsure about the issue, always call in a professional.