The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it comes to your cooling and heating system, regular maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies have a service plan where you pay a monthly fee to have the system checked and cleaned or repaired when needed.
It’s also an excellent idea to carry out some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around outdoor units free of clutter will help ensure the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils of your condenser for your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they are dirty the system will be unable to cool properly and may even break down. Cleaning them is an essential component of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to accomplish. This easy DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs and prolong the life span of your air cooling.
It is the first step. It is important to disconnect the power to your unit. This can be accomplished by shutting off the breaker inside your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will stop your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded during cleaning.
When the power is turned off, you can begin to clean up any large debris obstructing the air condenser unit. This includes cleaning up any sticks, leaves or other debris that have built up around or on the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has crevice attachments is a great way to reach into the crevices and nooks and get rid of any dirt, dust or other debris that has collected.
The coils need to be cleaned. Make sure you have some essential tools available before you begin. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates as well as a pump-up garden sprayer as well as the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the instructions on the product’s label and then rinse it off using the hose. When washing the coils it is important not to apply too much force as the fins can be bent easily.
After the coils have been cleaned, examine them for signs of damage. Over time, the impact of hail and stones thrown from lawnmowers or other items could damage the coil fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins for better airflow and performance of the coil.
Once you have a good coil and fin setup then you can turn on your air conditioner. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to confirm that temperatures are within the normal range.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it, and then distributing it throughout your home. Air is transported from the evaporator inside your condenser to your home’s registers and vents through the system duct. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they can become clogged with dust and other contaminants. This could block air filters, which decreases the efficiency of your system and strains your AC unit.
Cleaning ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires professional equipment and techniques. However, there are some things you can do regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and well-functioning. First, change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens from accumulating up in the ducts. This will also help to stop the clogging that could cause a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy costs.
Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is another method to keep your ducts clean. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can eliminate all dust and crumbs that build up over time, and help to improve airflow through the vent. Also, make sure that your ducts have been sealed tightly and are protected from moisture getting in, which could lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that aren’t cleaned on a regular basis can become loaded with a wide variety of contaminants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory issues and allergies particularly in children and the elderly. The moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, releasing spores that are harmful to those with respiratory problems.
It is generally recommended that you have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is operating effectively. If your ducts are well-sealed, and you replace your filter on a regular basis, it may not be necessary to clean them. The best way to know for sure is by having your ducts tested. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to gauge the amount of dust particles in your ductwork, and can recommend suitable cleaning schedules based upon your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential element of the system. It needs to operate properly to deliver cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating properly, it can affect the efficiency of your business and lead to delays for your equipment. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. Regularly checking your unit can also help you save money by ensuring that your equipment is in good working order for as long as possible.
A typical sign of a compressor problem is a loss in cooling capacity, however this could be caused by various factors. One possibility is that the compressor may be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can wear out the bearings and decrease the lifespan of the compressor. A clogged air filter is a different issue. If the filter is blocked, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. To avoid this, it is important to clean or replace the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
A blocked filter could cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings need to be changed. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A pulley or belt that is loose could cause the compressor to overheat and create other issues. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor frequently. This will get rid of the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can check for air leaks in the hoses as well as an adequate seal between the compressor and pressure switch.
A puddle of liquid close to the compressor could be an indication of an issue. This is a potentially dangerous problem that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect a leak, shut off the air compressor. Consult a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not surprising that technicians will always check the thermostat first when there’s any issue. A well-maintained thermostat is essential for the efficient operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most overlooked maintenance items. Examine your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the thermostat’s sensors may become dirty. This can cause it to display incorrectly. You can avoid these problems by checking the accuracy of your thermostat with the use of a separate thermometer.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration could 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 excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately the majority of these issues can be corrected by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting its breaker.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat at all, 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 be able to communicate with the system.
It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Examine for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat is not excessively exposed to the sun. Examine the fan blades to find signs of rust and damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future, and ensure your equipment is operating as efficiently as it can.
The simple maintenance of hvac systems on your commercial property is an excellent way to cut down on the cost of energy, maintain comfort and prolong the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. It is possible to keep your building at all times comfortable by identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting your breaker, and then replacing your batteries. Make sure to contact a professional if you are having any other problems or unsure of what is wrong with your system.