The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it comes to your cooling and heating system, regular maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan that charges a low monthly rate to have the system checked out, fixed or cleaned as required.
You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units free of debris to promote the proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils of your air conditioner condenser are at the heart the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool properly and could even fail. Cleaning them is a crucial aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to accomplish. This easy DIY task will eliminate the need for expensive repairs, and save you money on your energy bills and extend the life of your air conditioning unit.
It is the first step. It is crucial to shut off the power supply to your unit. This can be done by shutting off the breaker in your electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your motors and electrical components from being oversaturated during cleaning.
After the power has been shut off and you are able to remove any large debris that is obstructing the air condenser unit. This will include sweeping away any sticks, leaves, or other debris that have built up on or around the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has a crevice attachment is a great way to reach into the nooks and crevices and get rid of any dirt, dust or other debris that has collected.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before you begin however, ensure you have some essential tools. This will include a coil cleaner concentrate and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label, then rinse with a water hose. When washing the coils, it is essential not to use too much force as the fins can bend easily.
You should inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, the impact of hail and stones that are thrown by lawnmowers and other objects can cause damage to coil fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins for better airflow and performance of the coil.
After you have a proper coil and fin set up and you are ready to switch on your air conditioner. After approximately 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat and make sure that temperatures are normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it and then distributing it throughout your home. The air moves from the evaporator coil of your condenser unit to the vents and registers of your home through a duct system. The ducts could become blocked with dust and other contaminants if they are not cleaned and sealed properly. This can block the air filters which can reduce the effectiveness of your system and can strain your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires specialized equipment and methods. But, there are actions you can take on a regular basis to ensure your ducts are 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 up in the ducts. This can also help stop clogging, which could lead to a reduced system efficiency and a higher cost for energy.
Another method to keep your ducts tidy is to regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. Utilizing the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all of the cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time, and will help to improve airflow through the vent. It’s 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 aren’t cleaned on a regular basis can be filled with a variety of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of allergies and respiratory conditions particularly for older people and children. Moisture can also cause mold to develop in the ductwork, which releases microbes that can harm those with respiratory problems.
It is generally recommended that you have your ducts cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is operating efficiently. However, if your ducts are well-sealed and you change your filters regularly the cleaning of your ducts may not be necessary at all. You can be certain by having your ducts checked. A certified contractor can employ specific testing methods to determine the amount of dust particles in your ductwork and will recommend the appropriate cleaning schedules based on your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an important element of the system. It has to be able to deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating as it should, this can impact the efficiency of your business and lead to interruption to your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can assist in identifying issues that are minor and avoid excessive downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by keeping your equipment as efficient as possible.
A decrease in cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem with the compressor. This can be caused by several different causes. A compressor could be working too hard due to poor airflow. This could cause bearings to wear down and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a blocked filter. If the filter has become clogged it could reduce the airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. To avoid this, it is important to clean or change the filters frequently, according to the recommendations of the manufacturer.
In addition, a clogged filter may create a rattling sound inside the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are worn out and need to be replaced. It is recommended to replace pulleys and belts on a regular basis. A pulley or belt that is loose can slip, causing the compressor to overheat and create 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 components. A professional service team will look for leaks in the hoses, and an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.
Finally, a small puddle of water around the compressor could be an indication of a leak in the refrigerant. This is a risky problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor and contact an expert.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not a surprise that technicians will always look at the thermostat first when there’s a problem. It’s also among the most often neglected maintenance items, but an appropriately maintained thermostat is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s operation. The most common signs that your thermostat is in need of a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the thermostat’s sensors will get dirty. This can cause it to display incorrectly. Regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with a separate thermometer will aid in avoiding these issues and help you save energy.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration can also result in your system constantly turning on and off this is known as short cycling. This can negatively impact your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately this can be fixed with the simple act of replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.
Check the breakers for both your thermostat and HVAC equipment if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker tripped then you’ll have to reset it to allow your thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.
Check your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Look for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat isn’t excessively exposed to the sun. Lastly, the fan blades should be checked for any signs of rust or damage. These simple checks can help avoid costly repairs in the near future, and help ensure that your equipment is operating as smoothly as it can.
Basic hvac maintenance is a great way to save energy and maintain comfort in your commercial space. It can also prolong the life of heating and cooling equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building cool all year. Make sure to contact a professional if you are having other issues or unsure of what is going on with your system.