The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is key when it concerns cooling and heating systems. It will allow you to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan where you pay an annual fee to have the 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 outdoor units free of clutter will help ensure the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in the condenser of your air conditioner are at the heart the cooling process. If they’re dirty the system will be unable to cool properly and may even fail to function properly. Cleaning them is an essential aspect of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, quite simple to do. This easy DIY task will save you money, prevent costly repairs, and increase the life of your air conditioner.
In the beginning, it is crucial to shut off the power source to your unit. You can do this by turning off the breaker at the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated when cleaning.
After the power is off, you can start removing any large debris that may be hindering the condenser’s air. This means cleaning up any sticks, leaves or other debris that has been accumulating on or around the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has crevice attachments is a great way to reach into the nooks and crannies and loosen dust, dirt or other debris that has accumulated.
The coils must be cleaned. Be sure to have some essential tools in your arsenal prior to beginning. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates and 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. It is important not to use excessive pressure when washing the coils, since the fins could easily be bent.
It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time hail and stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other objects can cause damage to the coil’s fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins for better airflow and coil performance.
Once you have a good coil and fin setup, you can turn on your air conditioner. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to confirm that the temperatures are in good shape.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works to bring outside air into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout your house. The air is moved from the evaporator coil of your condenser unit and then to your house’s vents and registers through a network of ducts. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t maintained and sealed properly. This clogs the air filters, which in turn reduces the efficiency of the system and puts strain on your AC unit.
Cleaning ductwork can be a challenging task that requires expert equipment and methods. However, there are some things you can do regularly to ensure that your ducts stay in good condition and function properly. First, make sure you change your filter on a regular basis to prevent dust and allergens out of building into the ducts. This can also help stop clogging, which could cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy bills.
Cleaning the area around the vent openings is another method to keep your ducts cleaner. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all the dust and crumbs that build up over time and help to improve air flow through the vent. Also, make sure that your ducts are sealed tight and insulated to prevent moisture from entering, which can result in mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they can collect a variety of pollutants like dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues, particularly for children and the elderly. Moisture in ductwork can also lead to the growth of mold, which releases spores into the air and poses health risks for those with respiratory problems.
It’s generally recommended that you have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to eliminate these contaminants and ensure your HVAC system is working effectively. If your ducts have been sealed well 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 examined. A contractor accredited by the EPA can use specific testing methods to determine the amount of particulates that are present in your ductwork. They will then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It has to be able to supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating properly, it can affect your productivity and cause the equipment to shut down. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can aid in identifying minor issues early and avoid excessive downtime. Conducting these regular checks can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment is in good working order for as long as is possible.
A reduction in cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem in a compressor. This could be caused by a variety of causes. One possibility is that a compressor could be working too hard due to poor airflow. This could wear out the bearings and reduce the life of the compressor. A clogged air filter is another frequent problem. Filters that are clogged can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To avoid this, it is important to clean or replace the filters frequently, according to the recommendations of the manufacturer.
A blocked filter could cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings need to be replaced. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A loose belt or pulley can slip, causing the compressor to overheat and create other problems. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor regularly. This can remove accumulated moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can check for air leaks in the hoses as well as a tight seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
Lastly, a small puddle of water around the compressor can be an indication of a leak in the refrigerant. This is a serious problem and needs to be fixed right away. If you suspect there is a leak, shut off the air compressor and call a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is like the boss of your entire HVAC system, and it’s not a surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will look at when trouble occurs. A properly maintained thermostat is essential for the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most neglected maintenance items. Check your thermostat if you observe inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the thermostat’s sensors can get dirty. This could cause it to display inaccurately. You can prevent these issues by checking the accuracy of your thermostat using a an additional thermometer.
A faulty sensor, or a faulty calibration can cause your system to turn off and on continuously. This is called short cycling. This can affect your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be corrected by the simple act of replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat at all It’s recommended to examine the breakers that control both the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker tripped it, you’ll need to reset it in order for your thermostat to reconnect with the system.
Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Look for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat isn’t excessively exposed to the sun. Examine the fan blades to find evidence of damage or rust. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as possible.
Basic hvac maintenance is a great way to cut down on energy costs and maintain comfort in your commercial space. It can also prolong the life of cooling and heating equipment. By identifying issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and replacing the batteries and fuses, you’ll be able keep your building warm all year. Be sure to call a professional if you are experiencing any other issues or are unsure of what’s going on with your system.