The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it comes to your cooling and heating system, 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 your system checked and cleaned or repaired when needed.
It is also recommended to perform DIY maintenance throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the space around outdoor units free of clutter to allow for the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your condenser for your air conditioner are at the heart the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool, and it could even breakdown. This is why cleaning them is a vital component of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to do. This easy DIY task will eliminate the need for expensive repairs, and save you money on your energy bills, and extend the longevity of your AC unit.
It is essential to disconnect power from your unit first. This can be done by turning off the breaker in your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will keep your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded during cleaning.
Once the power is off it is now time to clean up any large debris obstructing the air condenser unit. This will include taking away any leaves, sticks or other debris that has accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum with a crevice tool is a great tool to get into the crevices, nooks, and loosen dust or dirt that has accumulated.
The coils require to be cleaned. Be sure to have a few essential tools available prior to beginning. These include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the product’s label and then rinse using the hose. When washing the coils it is important to not use excessive force since the fins can be bent easily.
It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, hail and rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other objects can cause damage to the coil’s fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool known as a fin-comb can straighten them for better air flow and assist in ensuring that the coils operate more efficiently.
After you have a proper coil and fin setup then you can turn on your air conditioner. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to ensure temperatures are normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout the home. The air travels from the evaporator coil inside your condenser unit and then to the vents and registers of your home through a duct system. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they can be laden with dust and other contaminants. 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 an extremely difficult job that requires professional equipment and methods. There are a few things you can do to ensure that your ducts are clean and functioning properly. To prevent dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, it is recommended to change your filter on a regular basis. This will also help to keep clogs from occurring, which could cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy costs.
Another way to keep your ducts tidy is to regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will take away all the crumbs, cobwebs and other debris that has built up over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts are sealed well and are lined to stop moisture from entering, which can result in mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that aren’t regularly cleaned can be filled with a wide variety of contaminants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can worsen allergies and respiratory problems, particularly in children and the elderly. The moisture in ductwork can result in the growth of mold, which releases spores into air and poses health risks for those suffering from respiratory issues.
It is recommended to clean your ducts every three to five years to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. If your ducts have been sealed well and you replace your filter on a regular basis, it may not be necessary to clean them. The best way to be able to tell for certain is to have your ducts tested. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to gauge the amount of dust particles within your ductwork, and will recommend the appropriate cleaning schedules based on the specific circumstances.
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 functioning as it should and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and cause downtime for your equipment. However, preventive maintenance can aid in identifying minor issues early and avoid excessive downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by ensuring that your unit as good as possible.
A decrease in cooling capacity is a typical indication of a problem with the compressor. This could be caused by a variety of factors. One possibility is that a compressor may be overworking because of poor airflow. This could cause bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. Another common problem is a blocked filter. If the filter has become clogged it can impede airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. To prevent this from happening, it is essential to clean or replace the filters frequently, according to the recommendations of the manufacturer.
A blocked filter can cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings are wearing out and need to be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A belt or pulley that is loose could cause slipping and result in compressor overheating and other issues. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will help remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can also check for air leaks in the hoses, and ensure an adequate seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
Lastly, a puddle of water near the compressor can be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This is a risky issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, turn off the air compressor and contact an expert.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not a surprise that a technician will look at the thermostat first when there’s any issue. It’s also among the most frequently neglected maintenance items, but a properly maintained thermostat is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Common indicators that your thermostat is in need of periodic inspections include incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the sensors on your thermostat will get dirty. This can cause it to display inaccurately. You can prevent these issues by checking the accuracy of your thermostat using a a separate thermometer.
A faulty sensor or calibration may cause your system to keep turning on and off, which is referred to as short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately this can be fixed with simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breaker.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way It’s an excellent idea to look at the breakers that regulate the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker tripped, you will need to reset it to allow your thermostat to communicate again with the system.
It is also essential to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Check for evidence of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Lastly, the fan blades must be inspected for any indications of rust or damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as it can.
Basic maintenance of hvac is a great strategy to reduce energy costs and keep your comfort in a commercial space. It also increases the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. You can keep your building at all times comfortable by identifying issues with your thermostat, resetting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Remember to call an expert if you’re experiencing any other issues or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system.