The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it concerns your cooling and heating system, maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan that charges each month to have the system inspected and cleaned, or repaired 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 the 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 your system will be unable to cool properly and could even fail. This is why cleaning them is an essential aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to accomplish. This easy DIY task can prevent the need for expensive repairs, save you money on your energy bills, and prolong the life of your air conditioning unit.
It is the first step. It is essential to cut off the power source to your unit. This can be done by turning off the breaker on your electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your electrical components and motors from being over-saturated when cleaning.
Once the power has been shut off, you can start taking down any large debris that may be blocking the condenser’s air. This means sweeping away any leaves, sticks or other debris that has accumulated on or around the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has crevice attachments is a great method to get into the crevices and nooks and get rid of any dust, dirt or other debris that may have accumulated.
The coils require to be cleaned. Make sure you have a few essential tools on hand prior to beginning. These include a coil cleaner concentrate, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the instructions on the label, and then rinse it off using a garden hose. It is important not to use excessive pressure when washing the coils as the fins can easily be bent.
It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, hail, rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other objects can cause damage to the coil fins. If the fins are bent, a low-cost tool known as a fin comb can straighten them for better air flow and also to help the coils function more effectively.
When the fins and coils are in good shape If you are satisfied with the condition of your fins and coils, go back to your home and start your air conditioning. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to ensure the temperatures are in good shape.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring outside air into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout the house. Air is moved from the evaporator in your condenser to your home’s registers and vents via the system of ducts. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other contaminants when they aren’t maintained and sealed correctly. This can clog the air filters which can reduce the efficiency of your system and can strain your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork is an extremely difficult job that requires specialized equipment and methods. But, there are actions you can take on a regular basis to ensure that your ducts remain in good condition and function properly. First, change your filter regularly to prevent dust and allergens out of building into the ducts. This will also help keep clogs from occurring, which could lead to a reduced system efficiency and a higher cost for energy.
Another way to keep your ducts clean is to regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. Utilizing the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner can remove all cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time, and aid in improving airflow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts have been sealed well and are protected from moisture entering, which can result in mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that have not been cleaned on a regular basis can be filled with a variety of contaminants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of allergies and respiratory conditions, especially in children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to grow in the ductwork, releasing spores that are harmful to those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It is recommended to clean your ductwork every three to five year to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is functioning efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are well-sealed and you change your filters regularly, duct cleaning may not be required at all. You can only be certain that your ducts are in good condition by having them checked. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to measure the amount of dust particles in your ductwork, and will recommend the appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an important component of the system. It has to be able to deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working as it should, it can affect your productivity and lead to the equipment to shut down. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can assist in identifying issues that are minor and help avoid prolonged downtime. Performing these routine checks can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment is in good condition for as long as possible.
The most common indication of a problem with a compressor is a decrease in cooling capacity, although this could be due to various factors. A compressor may be working too hard due insufficient airflow. This could wear out the bearings and diminish the life of the compressor. A clogged air filter is a different problem. Filters that are clogged can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this, it is important to clean or replace the filters regularly based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
A blocked filter can cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings must be changed. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is a good idea. A loose belt or pulley could cause the compressor to overheat and create other problems. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor frequently. This will eliminate the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will look for leaks in the pipes, and ensure a tight seal on the compressor and pressure sensor.
Finally, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor could be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This could be a dangerous problem that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect a leak, turn off the air compressor. Consult a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not a surprise that a technician will always look at the thermostat first when there is a problem. A well-maintained thermostat is vital to the smooth operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most overlooked maintenance items. Check your thermostat if you notice incorrect 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 this issue by ensuring the accuracy of your thermostat using a the use of a separate thermometer.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration can also result in your system constantly turning on and off, which is referred to as short cycling. This can affect your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be fixed with simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breakers.
If your system 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 has tripped it, you’ll need to reset it to allow your thermostat to reconnect with the system.
It’s also important to check your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Find evidence of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to sunlight. Finally, the fan blades should be checked for signs of damage or rust. These simple checks will prevent 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 maintain comfort in your commercial space. It also increases the life of cooling and heating equipment. You can ensure that your building stays comfortable throughout the year by identifying problems with your thermostat, setting your breaker and changing your batteries. Just remember that in case you experience any other issues or are unsure about the issue make sure to contact an expert.