The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it concerns your cooling and heating system, regular maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that charges the monthly cost to get the system checked out, fixed or cleaned as necessary.
It’s also a good idea to perform a few DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around outdoor units clear of clutter will help ensure the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils of your condenser for your air conditioner are at the heart the cooling process. If they are dirty, your system will be unable to cool properly and could even fail. Cleaning them is a crucial aspect of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to accomplish. This simple DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs and prolong the life of your air conditioner.
It is crucial to disconnect power from your unit before you disconnect it. This can be accomplished by turning off the breaker inside your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded while cleaning.
Once the power is off it is now time to clear any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This will include sweeping away any sticks, leaves, or other debris that have accumulated on or around the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has crevice attachments is a great way to get into the nooks and crevices and loosen dust, dirt or other debris that has accumulated.
The coils require to be cleaned. Make sure you have the necessary tools on hand before you begin. This will include a concentrate of the coil cleaner and a pump-up garden hose and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the instructions on the label of the product and then rinse it off using the hose. When washing the coils, it is important to not use too much force as the fins can be bent easily.
It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time hail, stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other things can harm the coil’s fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins for better airflow and performance of the coil.
After you have a proper coil and fin set up and you are ready to turn on your air conditioner. After approximately 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat and ensure that the temperature is normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout the home. Air is moved from the evaporator inside the condenser to your home’s registers and vents through the system duct. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they could become clogged with dirt and other contaminates. This can clog the air filters which reduces the effectiveness of your system and strains your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork is a difficult task that requires professional equipment and techniques. But, there are actions you can take regularly to make sure your ducts are clean and well-functioning. First, make sure you change your filter regularly to keep dust and allergens from building into the ducts. This will also help to stop the clogging that could result in a lower efficiency of the system and higher energy costs.
Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is another method to keep your ducts cleaner. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all of the cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time and assist in improving airflow through the vent. It’s also important to make sure your ducts are properly sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts are not regularly cleaned, they may accumulate a variety of contaminants like dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory and allergies particularly for children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to grow in ductwork, which releases spores that are harmful to those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It is generally recommended to have your ducts cleaned every three to five years to remove these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system functions efficiently. However If your ducts are sealed properly and you clean your filters frequently the cleaning of your ducts may not be required at all. You can only be certain by having your ducts checked. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA can use special testing methods in order to determine the amount of particulates that are present in your ductwork. They will then recommend cleaning schedules that are suitable for your situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial component of the system. It has to be able to deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating properly and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and result in the equipment to shut down. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to aid in identifying minor issues early and avoid excessive downtime. Performing these routine checks can also help you save money by ensuring that your equipment is in good working order for as long as possible.
A reduction in cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem in a compressor. This can be caused by a variety of causes. A compressor may be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can wear out the bearings and diminish the lifespan of the compressor. A clogged air filter is another common issue. Filters that have become blocked can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To avoid this, it is important to clean or replace the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
A blocked filter can also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings require to be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is recommended. A loose belt or pulley could cause the compressor to overheat and create other problems. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor regularly. This will eliminate the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will also look for air leaks in the hoses, and ensure an adequate seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
Finally, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor could be an indication 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. Contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is like the boss of your HVAC system, and it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will check when trouble occurs. A properly maintained thermostat is essential for the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most overlooked maintenance items. The most common signs that your thermostat requires an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which could cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. You can avoid these problems by checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a an additional thermometer.
A faulty sensor, or a faulty calibration can cause your system to turn off and on constantly. This is called short cycling. This can negatively impact your comfort, and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately the majority of these issues can be fixed with simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting the breakers.
Check the breakers for your thermostat and HVAC equipment in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll have to be reset to allow the thermostat to communicate with the system again.
Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Look for signs of dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to sunlight. Lastly, the fan blades must be inspected for any signs of rust or damage. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as it possibly can.
The simple maintenance of hvac systems on your commercial property is an excellent method to cut energy costs, maintain comfort, and extend the longevity of your heating and cooling equipment. By identifying issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building cool all year round. Be sure to call an expert if you’re having other issues or unsure of what is the issue with your system.