The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is crucial when it comes to heating and cooling systems. It will help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies have a maintenance plan that allows you to pay each month to have the system inspected, repaired or cleaned as required.
You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units free of clutter will help ensure proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your air conditioner condenser are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty the system will be unable to cool properly and may even break down. Cleaning them is an essential part of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to complete. This simple DIY task will save you money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the life span of your air cooling.
It is vital to cut off power from your unit before you disconnect it. This can be done by shutting off the breaker inside your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your electrical components and motors from being oversaturated during cleaning.
After the power has been shut off, you can start taking down any large debris that may be hindering the condenser air. This means cleaning up any leaves, sticks or other debris that have built up on or around the unit. Using a shop vacuum with crevice attachments is a great method to reach into the nooks and crevices and loosen any dirt, dust or other debris that has accumulated.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before doing this, though, make sure you have some essential tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates as well as a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label of the product and then rinse using the hose. It is important not to use excessive pressure when washing the coils, because the fins may be bent.
It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, hail and stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other things can harm the coil 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, you can start your air conditioner. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to make sure temperatures are within the normal range.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it and distributing it throughout the home. The air is moved from the evaporator coil in the condenser unit to your house’s vents and registers through a system of ducts. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other pollutants if they are not cleaned and sealed properly. This clogs the air filters, which in turn reduces the efficiency of your system and strains your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork is a difficult task that requires professional equipment and methods. However, there are a few things you can do on a regular basis to ensure that your ducts stay clean and well-functioning. First, you should change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts. This can also help stop the clogging that could lead to reduced system efficiency and higher energy costs.
Another way to keep your ducts clean is by regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will get rid of all the crumbs, cobwebs and other debris that has been accumulating over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. It’s also important to make sure your ducts are tightly sealed and insulated to keep out moisture which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that are not cleaned on a regular basis can be filled with a wide variety of pollutants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause allergies and respiratory issues especially in children and the elderly. Moisture in ductwork can also cause the growth of mold, which releases spores into air and can cause health issues for those who suffer from respiratory issues.
It is generally recommended to have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to eliminate the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is operating efficiently. If your ducts are well-sealed, and you change your filter regularly, it may not be necessary to clean them. The best way to be able to tell for certain is to have your ducts tested. A contractor that is certified by the EPA can use special testing methods in order to determine the amount of particles that are present in your ductwork. They can then recommend cleaning schedules that are suitable for your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential element of the system. It should be able supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working as it should, this can affect your productivity and cause downtime for equipment. Preventive maintenance can help identify minor issues earlier, avoiding unnecessary downtime. Conducting these regular checks can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment is in good condition for as long as possible.
A loss of cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem in a compressor. It could be caused by a variety of causes. A compressor may be operating too hard due insufficient airflow. This could cause bearings to wear out and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a blocked filter. Filters that are blocked can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is essential to change or clean the filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
A clogged filter may also cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings must be changed. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is recommended. A worn-out belt or pulley could cause the compressor to overheat, causing 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 components. A professional service team will also examine for leaks in hoses, and an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.
A puddle of liquid near the compressor could be a sign of leak. This is a serious problem and needs to be fixed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, switch off the compressor that is running and then contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat acts like the head of your HVAC system, so it’s not a surprise that it’s the first thing that a technician will check when trouble occurs. It’s also among the most frequently neglected maintenance items, but maintaining your thermostat properly is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Examine your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the sensors on your thermostat will become dirty. This could cause it to display in a wrong manner. You can prevent these issues by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat using a a separate thermometer.
A faulty sensor, or a flawed calibration could cause your system to cycle on and off in a continuous manner. This is referred to as short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately the majority of these issues can be resolved with the simple act of replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breakers.
Make sure you check the breakers on both your HVAC equipment and thermostat if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll need to be reset to allow the thermostat to be able to communicate with the system again.
Check your thermostat for indications of wear and tear. Look for indications of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t too 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 will ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it can.
Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial property is a great way to reduce energy costs, maintain comfort, and extend the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker and replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building cool all year round. Make sure to contact a professional if you are having any other problems or unsure of what is wrong with your system.