The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is key when it concerns heating and cooling systems. It will help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies have a maintenance plan that charges a monthly fee to have your system checked, repaired or cleaned as required.
It’s also a good idea to perform some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area surrounding the outdoor units free of any debris will ensure proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your condenser for your air conditioner are the primary component of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, you system will struggle to cool and could even breakdown. Cleaning them is a crucial aspect of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to do. This simple DIY task will eliminate the need for expensive repairs, save you money on your energy bills, and extend the life of your air conditioning unit.
In the beginning, it is essential to cut off the power supply to your unit. You can do this by shutting off the breaker in your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your electrical components and motors from being flooded when cleaning.
When the power is turned off it is now time to remove any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This means sweeping up any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has built up on or around the unit. Using a shop vacuum with crevice attachments is a great option to get into the nooks and crannies and remove dust, dirt or other debris that may have accumulated.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Make sure you have some essential tools available before you begin. These will include a concentrate of the coil cleaner, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the directions on the product’s label and then rinse it off using the hose. When washing the coils, it is essential not to use too much force as the fins are easily bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should inspect them for any indications of damage. Over time, hail, rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other objects can cause damage to the coil’s fins. If the fins are bent, a cost-effective tool known as a fin-comb can straighten them for better air flow and help the coils function more efficiently.
When the fins and coils are in good condition, you can return to your house and start your air conditioner. After about 24 hours, you can check the thermostat and make sure that the temperatures are in line with normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is designed to bring outside air into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout the home. The air travels from the evaporator coil of your condenser unit and then to your house’s vents and registers through a duct system. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they could become loaded with dust and other pollutants. This clogs the air filters and reduces the efficiency of your system and strains your AC unit.
In most cases, cleaning the ductwork is not an easy task and requires the help of professional equipment and techniques. There are some things you can do regularly to keep your ducts clean and working well. To avoid dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts, change your filter on a regular basis. This will also help stop clogging, which could cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy costs.
Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is a different method to keep your ducts clean. Utilizing the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all the cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time, and aid in improving air flow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts aren’t cleaned regularly, they can collect a variety of pollutants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause allergies and respiratory issues particularly in the elderly and children. In addition, moisture in ductwork may result in the growth of mold, which releases spores into the air and poses health risks for those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It is recommended that you clean your ductwork every three to five years to get rid of these toxins and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. If your ducts are sealed well and you change your filter regularly It may not be necessary to clean them. You can be certain by having your ducts checked. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to gauge the amount of particles in your ductwork, and will suggest suitable cleaning schedules based upon your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a critical element of the system. It must function properly to deliver cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning in the way it should it could affect your productivity and result in downtime for 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 making sure that your equipment as efficient as possible.
A loss of cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem in a compressor. It could be caused by several different factors. A compressor could be working too hard due to inadequate 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. Filters that are blocked can reduce airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is crucial to clean or replace the filters according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
A blocked filter can cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are wearing out and must be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is a good idea. A loose belt or pulley can slip, causing the compressor to overheat, causing other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor regularly. This will help remove moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can also examine for air leaks within the hoses and an adequate seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
A puddle of liquid in the vicinity of the compressor could be a sign of a leak. This could be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, turn off the air compressor and contact an expert.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the head of your entire HVAC system, so it’s not a surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will check when trouble arises. It’s also among the most often neglected maintenance items, yet maintaining your thermostat properly is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Check your thermostat if you observe inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the sensors on your thermostat can get dirty. This could cause it to display in a wrong manner. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly with a separate thermometer will aid in avoiding these issues and conserve energy.
A faulty sensor or calibration can also lead to your system continuously switching off and on that is known as short cycling. This can affect your comfort, and cause unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. Fortunately this can be corrected by the simple act of replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.
Check the breakers for your HVAC equipment and thermostat if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has been tripped, it will require resetting to allow the thermostat to be able to communicate with the system again.
It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Look for indications of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Finally, the fan blades must be inspected for signs of rust or damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as it can.
Basic HVAC maintenance is a great way to cut down on energy costs and maintain comfort in your commercial building. It will also extend the life 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. Be sure to call an expert if you’re having any other problems or aren’t sure what’s the issue with your system.