The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it concerns your cooling and heating system, maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies have a service plan that allows you to pay an annual fee to have the system checked and cleaned or repaired when required.
You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around the outdoor units free of debris will promote proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in the condenser of your air conditioner are the primary component of the cooling process. If they are dirty the system will be unable to cool properly and could even fail. Cleaning them is an important aspect of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to accomplish. This easy DIY task will eliminate the need for costly repairs, and save you money on your energy bills and extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.
It is essential to disconnect the power source from your unit first. This can be done by turning off the breaker inside the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will keep your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded during cleaning.
When the power is turned off and you are able to clear any large debris that is obstructing the air condenser unit. This includes sweeping away any sticks, leaves or other debris that have accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum that has a crevice tool is a great tool to get into the nooks, crannies and remove dust or dirt that has built up.
The coils require to be cleaned. Be sure to have some essential tools available before you begin. This will include a concentrate of the coil cleaner, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the label, then rinse with a water hose. It is crucial not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils, because the fins may be bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should look them over for any indications of damage. Over time, the impact of hail and stones thrown from lawnmowers or other objects can cause damage to coil fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool known as a fin comb can straighten them for better air flow and to aid in the operation of the coils more efficiently.
When you have a great coil and fin set up then you can start your air conditioner. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to ensure temperatures are normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works to bring outside air into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout the home. Air is moved from the evaporator of your condenser to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by a system duct. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they could be laden with dust and other contaminants. This can clog the air filters, which decreases the effectiveness of your system and strains your AC unit.
In the majority of instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy job and requires the help of professional equipment and methods. There are a few things you can do regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and in good working order. First, you should change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens out of building up in the ducts. This will also help to stop clogging, which could result in a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy costs.
Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is a different method to keep your ducts cleaner. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can eliminate all of the dust and crumbs that build up over time, and will assist in improving air flow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts have been sealed tight and insulated to prevent moisture from entering, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that have not been regularly cleaned can be filled with a wide variety of contaminants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can trigger allergies and respiratory conditions particularly in children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, releasing the spores that can be harmful to those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It is recommended that you clean your ductwork every three to five years to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC system is functioning efficiently. If your ducts are sealed properly, and you replace your filter on a regular basis it might not be necessary to clean them. You can only be sure that your ducts are in good condition by having them checked. A contractor accredited by the EPA will use special testing techniques to determine the amount of particles found in your ductwork. They can then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It must be able to deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating in the way it should and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and lead to downtime for your equipment. Preventive maintenance can help spot minor issues earlier, avoiding unnecessary downtime. Regularly checking your unit can also save you money by keeping your unit in good shape for as long as possible.
The most common sign of a compressor problem is a loss in cooling capacity, but this could be due to a number of different factors. One possibility is that a compressor may be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This could wear out the bearings and decrease the lifespan of the compressor. A clogged air filter is a different issue. If the filter is clogged it could reduce the airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. To prevent this from happening, it is crucial to clean or replace the filters regularly based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A clogged filter may also cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are wearing out and need to be replaced. It is recommended to replace belts and pulleys regularly. A loose pulley or belt can cause slippage and cause compressor overheating and other issues. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor on a regular basis. This will get rid of the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will also look for leaks in the hoses, as well as a tight seal on the pressure sensor and compressor.
Finally, a puddle of water near 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 there is a leak, switch off the compressor that is running and then contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not surprising that a technician will always check the thermostat first when there’s a problem. It’s also among the most frequently neglected maintenance items, but maintaining your thermostat properly is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s operation. Check your thermostat if find inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the sensors on your thermostat will become dirty. This can cause it to display in a wrong manner. You can prevent these issues by ensuring the accuracy of your thermostat with an additional thermometer.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration may cause your system to keep turning on and off, which is referred to as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. These issues can be resolved by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.
Check the breakers for both your HVAC and thermostat if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker tripped it, you’ll need to reset it to allow your thermostat to reconnect with the system.
Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Find evidence of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to sunlight. Check the fan blades for evidence of damage or rust. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as possible.
Basic hvac maintenance is a great method to reduce energy costs and ensure comfort in your commercial space. It will also extend the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. You can keep your building cool throughout the year by identifying any issues with your thermostat, resetting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional if you are having any other problems or are unsure of what’s going on with your system.