The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it comes to your cooling and heating system, routine maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan where you pay the monthly cost to have the system checked, repaired or cleaned if necessary.
You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area surrounding the outdoor units free of any debris will ensure the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils inside the condenser in your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they are dirty, your system will struggle to cool, and it could even fail. This is why cleaning them is an essential aspect of HVAC maintenance. Fortunately, it is also fairly easy to do. This easy DIY task will save you money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the lifespan of your air cooling.
First and foremost, it is crucial to shut off the power source to your unit. You can do this by shutting off the breaker at the electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will stop your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated while cleaning.
Once the power is off, you can begin to clean up any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This includes cleaning up any leaves, sticks, or other debris that have accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice tool is a great way to get into the crevices, nooks and remove dust or dirt that has been accumulating.
The next step is to clean the coils. Make sure you have the necessary tools on hand prior to beginning. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate and a pump-up garden sprayer, and an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the product’s label and then rinse it off using the hose. It is important not to use too much pressure when washing the coils, as the fins can easily be bent.
You should examine the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time hail or stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other items can damage the coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and performance of the coil.
Once the coils and fins are in good shape Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the fins and coils, you can return to your home and switch on your air conditioning. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to ensure temperatures are within the normal range.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside into your home, cool it, and then distribute it throughout the home. The air moves from the evaporator coil of your condenser unit to the vents and registers of your home through a network of ducts. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they may be laden with dirt and other contaminates. This can clog the air filters which reduces the efficiency of your system and burdens your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork is a challenging task that requires professional equipment and methods. There are a few things you can do regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and functioning properly. To stop dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, you should change your filter on a regular basis. This also helps to keep the clogs from occurring which can cause a decrease in system efficiency and a high energy bill.
Another way to help keep your ducts tidy is to regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner can remove all the cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time, and aid in improving airflow through the vent. It is also important to make sure your ducts are properly sealed and insulated to keep out moisture, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that are not cleaned on a regular basis can become loaded with a myriad of pollutants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can cause allergies and respiratory problems, particularly in the elderly and children. Moisture in ductwork can also lead to the growth of mold, which releases spores into air and can cause health issues for those with respiratory problems.
It is recommended to clean your ducts once every three to five year to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. If your ducts are sealed well and you regularly change your filter It may not be necessary to clean them. The best way to be able to tell for sure is by having your ducts examined. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to gauge the amount of particles in your ductwork and will recommend the appropriate cleaning schedules based on your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential component of the system. It needs to operate properly to deliver cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating properly it could affect your productivity and lead to the equipment to shut down. Preventive maintenance can help spot minor issues earlier, avoiding excessive downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment in the best condition possible.
A loss of cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem in a compressor. It could be caused by several different causes. A compressor may be operating too hard due to inadequate airflow. This can cause the bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. A clogged air filter is another frequent problem. Filters that have become blocked can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is crucial to clean or replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
In addition, a clogged filter can create a rattling sound inside the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are worn out and require to be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace pulleys and belts on a regular basis. A belt or pulley that is loose can slip and lead to compressor overheating and other problems. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor regularly. This will get rid of the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can also check for air leaks in the hoses as well as an adequate seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
A puddle of liquid close to the compressor could be an indication of leak. This could be a risky problem and needs to be fixed right away. If you suspect a leak, shut off the air compressor. Contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat acts like the head of your entire HVAC system, so it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing a technician will inspect when a problem occurs. It’s also among the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, yet a properly maintained thermostat is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Common indicators that your thermostat needs a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the thermostat’s sensors will become dirty. This can cause it to display inaccurately. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly by using a separate thermometer can aid in avoiding these issues and conserve energy.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration can also result in your system constantly switching off and on that is known as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. The problem can be fixed by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.
Check the breakers for both your thermostat and HVAC equipment If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat. 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. Examine for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat is not excessively exposed to the sun. Lastly, the fan blades should be checked for signs of damage or rust. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as it can.
Basic maintenance of hvac is a great method to reduce energy costs and maintain comfort in your commercial building. It will also extend the lifespan of cooling and heating equipment. It is possible to keep your building at all times comfortable by identifying issues with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Just remember that if you have any other issues, or are unsure of what’s wrong with your system you should always consult an expert.