The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your heating and cooling system, maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that charges a low monthly rate to get the system checked, repaired or cleaned if needed.
It is also recommended to perform DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around outdoor units clear of clutter will help ensure proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your air conditioner’s condenser are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool and could even breakdown. Cleaning them is an important aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to accomplish. This simple DIY task will eliminate the need for expensive repairs, save you money on your energy bills, and extend the life of your air conditioning unit.
It is essential to disconnect the power source from your unit first. You can do this by turning off the breaker in your electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will keep your motors and other electrical components from being oversaturated while cleaning.
After the power has been shut off, you can start clearing any large debris that could be hindering the condenser air. This includes sweeping up any leaves, sticks or other debris that have accumulated around or on the unit. A shop vacuum with a crevice tool is a great way to get into the nooks, crannies and remove dust or dirt that has been accumulating.
The coils require to be cleaned. Before you do this, though, make sure that you have in your possession several essential tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates as well as a pump-up garden sprayer as well as a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the product’s label and rinse with the hose. It is crucial not to apply too much pressure when washing the coils, since the fins could easily be bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, inspect them for any indications of damage. Over time hail, rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other things can harm the coil’s fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins for improved airflow and coil performance.
Once you have a good coil and fin set up and you are ready to turn on your air conditioner. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to ensure temperatures are within the normal range.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works to bring air from outside into your home, cool it, and then distribute it throughout your house. Air is transported from the evaporator in the condenser to your home’s registers and vents through the system ducts. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they may be laden with dust and other contaminants. This can block the air filters and reduces the efficiency of the system and strains your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork can be a challenging task that requires expert equipment and techniques. There are some things you can do to keep your ducts tidy and working well. First, you should change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens from building into the ducts. This will also help keep clogs from occurring, which could cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy costs.
Cleaning the area around the vent openings is an additional way to keep your ducts cleaner. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will take away all the cobwebs, crumbs and other messes that have accumulated over time. This will improve airflow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed well and are insulated to prevent moisture from entering, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they can build up a myriad of contaminants like dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can trigger allergies and respiratory conditions particularly for older people and children. In addition, moisture in ductwork may cause the growth of mold which releases spores into air and poses health risks for those who suffer from respiratory issues.
It is generally recommended to have your ducts cleaned every three to five years to eliminate these contaminants and ensure your HVAC system is operating effectively. However, if your ducts are sealed and you regularly change your filters the cleaning of your ducts may not be necessary at all. You can be certain that your ducts are in good condition by having them checked. A contractor accredited by the EPA can employ special testing techniques to measure the amount particulates 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 a critical component of the system. It needs to operate correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning properly, it can affect your productivity and cause downtime for equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to assist in identifying issues that are minor and prevent unnecessary downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by keeping your equipment as efficient as possible.
A typical sign of a compressor issue is a reduction in cooling capacity, but this could be caused by a number of different factors. A compressor may be working too hard due insufficient airflow. This could cause the bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a clogged filter. Filters that are blocked can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To avoid this, it is important to clean or replace the filters frequently, according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
A clogged filter may also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are wearing out and need to be replaced. Regularly replacing pulleys and belts is an excellent idea. A worn belt or pulley can slip and lead to overheating of the compressor and other issues. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor frequently. This will eliminate moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team can check for air leaks in the hoses as well as an adequate seal between the compressor and pressure switch.
Finally, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor can be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This is a potentially dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, switch off the air compressor and contact an expert.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the boss of your HVAC system, so it’s not a surprise that it’s the first thing that a technician will check when trouble occurs. A properly maintained thermostat is crucial to the efficient operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most frequently neglected maintenance items. Common signs that your thermostat needs a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which may cause the device to display inaccurately. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly with a separate thermometer will aid in avoiding these issues and conserve energy.
A faulty sensor, or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to turn off and on constantly. This is referred to as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort as well as cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. This issue can be solved by replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.
Check the breakers for your HVAC and thermostat If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it will require resetting in order for the thermostat to connect with the system again.
Check your thermostat for indications of wear and tear. Check for dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat isn’t excessively exposed to the sun. The fan blades should be checked for any indications of rust or damage. These simple checks will help prevent costly repairs in the near future, and ensure your equipment is operating 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 will also extend the lifespan of cooling and heating equipment. It is possible to keep your building cool throughout the year by identifying any issues with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker and changing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional if you have any other issues, or are unsure about the issue you should always consult an expert.