The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it concerns 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 service plan where you pay each month to have the system checked, repaired or cleaned as needed.
It’s also an excellent idea to carry out some DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the space around outdoor units free of clutter to allow for proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils that make up the condenser of your air conditioner are the heart of the cooling process. If they’re dirty the system is likely to struggle to cool and may even fail to function properly. Cleaning them is an essential aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to complete. This simple 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.
In the beginning, it is essential to cut off the power source to your unit. This can be accomplished 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 over-saturated when cleaning.
Once the power has been turned off, you can begin removing any large debris that could be blocking the condenser’s air. This means taking away any leaves, sticks or other debris that have built up on or around the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has a crevice attachment is a great way to reach into the crevices and nooks and get rid of any dust, dirt or other debris that has collected.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Be sure to have the necessary tools in your arsenal prior to beginning. These include a coil cleaner concentrate and a pump-up garden hose and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the instructions on the label, and then rinse it off with a water hose. When washing the coils it is important to not use too much force as the fins can bend easily.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should look them over for any signs of damage. Over time, the impact of hail and stones that are thrown by lawnmowers and other items could damage the coil fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool known as a fin-comb can straighten them for better air flow and help the coils function more effectively.
When you have a great coil and fin setup and you are ready to turn on your air conditioner. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to make sure the temperatures are in good shape.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works by bringing air from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout the home. Air is transported from the evaporator inside your condenser to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by the system duct. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t maintained and sealed correctly. This can clog the air filters which can reduce the effectiveness of your system as well as can strain your AC unit.
In the majority of instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy job and requires professional equipment and methods. However, there are some things you can do regularly to make sure your ducts are clean and functioning well. First, make sure you change your filter on a regular basis to prevent dust and allergens from building into the ducts. This will also help to keep clogs from occurring, which could cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy costs.
Another way to keep your ducts clean is by regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will get rid of all the cobwebs, crumbs and other debris that has built up over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that aren’t regularly cleaned can become loaded with a wide variety of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of respiratory issues and allergies, especially in children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, which releases spores that are harmful to those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It is recommended to clean your ducts once every three to five year to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. However If your ducts are sealed properly and you change your filters regularly it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be required at all. The best way to know for sure is by having your ducts tested. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to measure the amount of particles in your ductwork and will suggest appropriate cleaning schedules based on your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It must function properly to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating properly, it can affect your productivity and result in equipment downtime. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to help catch minor issues early and prevent unnecessary downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by making sure that your equipment as efficient as possible.
The most common sign of a compressor problem is a decrease in cooling capacity, but it could be caused by a number of different factors. A compressor could be working too hard due to inadequate airflow. This can cause wear on the bearings and decrease the lifespan of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a clogged filter. If the filter is blocked it could reduce the airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. To prevent this from happening, it is crucial to clean or change the filters regularly based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
A blocked filter can cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings require to be changed. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is recommended. A worn-out belt or pulley can slip, causing the compressor to overheat and create other problems. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor regularly. This will remove the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can also look for air leaks in the hoses as well as an adequate seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
A small puddle of water around the compressor could be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This can be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed right away. If you suspect a leak, shut off the air compressor. Consult a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the head of your entire HVAC system, and it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing that a technician will check when trouble arises. It’s also one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items, but a properly maintained thermostat is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Check your thermostat if 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 incorrectly. Regularly checking your thermostat’s accuracy by using a separate thermometer can help you avoid these problems and conserve energy.
A defective sensor or a flawed calibration could cause your system to cycle on and off constantly. This is known as short cycling. This can affect your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately the majority of these issues can be fixed with the simple act of replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way it’s recommended to examine the breakers that control the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker tripped, you will need to reset it in order for 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. Check for indications of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to sunlight. 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 operates as smoothly as possible.
The simple maintenance of hvac systems on your commercial building is a great way to reduce energy consumption, ensure comfort and prolong the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker and replacing the batteries and fuses, you’ll be able keep your building comfortable all year round. Remember to call a professional if you are having other issues or are unsure of what’s the issue with your system.