The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is key when it comes to HVAC and cooling systems. It will help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies have a maintenance plan where you pay a monthly fee to have the system checked and cleaned or repaired when required.
You should also carry out some DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area surrounding outdoor units free of debris will promote the proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils of your air conditioner condenser are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty the system is likely to struggle to cool and may even fail to function properly. Cleaning them is an essential component of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, fairly easy to do. This easy DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the lifespan of your air conditioner.
It is the first step. It is essential to cut off the power to your unit. This can be done by shutting off the breaker in the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your electrical components and motors from being oversaturated during cleaning.
When the power is turned off, you can begin to remove any large debris that is obstructing the air condenser unit. This means cleaning up any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has built up on or around the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has a crevice attachment is a great option to get into the nooks and crevices and loosen any dust, dirt or other debris that has collected.
The coils require to be cleaned. Before doing this, though, make sure you have a few key tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates as well as a pump-up garden sprayer as well as an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the product label and rinse with the hose. It is crucial not to apply too much pressure when washing the coils as the fins can easily be bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should examine them for indications of damage. Over time, the impact of hail and stones thrown from lawnmowers or other objects can cause damage to coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins for improved airflow and coil performance.
When the fins and coils are in good condition, you can return to your house and switch on your air conditioner. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to ensure the temperatures are in good shape.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air in from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout the home. Air is transported from the evaporator of your condenser to your home’s registers and vents through the system of ducts. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other contaminants when they aren’t maintained and sealed properly. This could block air filters which can reduce the efficiency of your system and strains your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork is an extremely difficult job that requires professional equipment and methods. There are a few actions you can take regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and in good working order. To stop dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, you should change your filter regularly. This will also help stop clogging, which could lead to a reduced system efficiency and higher energy costs.
Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is a different method to keep your ducts cleaner. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time, and will assist in improving airflow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts are sealed well and are insulated to prevent moisture from entering, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts aren’t regularly cleaned, they may accumulate a variety of contaminants like dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues especially for children and the elderly. The moisture in ductwork can result in the growth of mold which releases spores in the air and poses health risks for those with respiratory ailments.
It is generally recommended to get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to remove these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is working efficiently. However, if your ducts are well-sealed and you change your filters regularly it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be required at all. The best way to be able to tell for certain is to have your ducts examined. A contractor that is certified by the EPA will use specific testing methods to determine the amount of particulates present in your ductwork. They can then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It must be able to deliver 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 lead to downtime for your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to help catch minor issues early and help avoid prolonged downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by keeping your equipment as efficient as possible.
A common sign of a compressor problem is a decrease in cooling capacity, although this could be due to many different causes. A compressor may be operating too hard due insufficient airflow. This can cause wear on the bearings and decrease the life of the compressor. Another common issue is a blocked filter. Filters that are blocked can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this, it is essential to clean or replace the filters regularly based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.
A blocked filter could cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are wearing out and require to be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace pulleys and belts on a regular basis. A worn belt or pulley could cause slipping and result in compressor overheating and other problems. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will help remove moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can examine for air leaks within the hoses, and ensure an adequate seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
A puddle of liquid close to the compressor could be a sign of a leak. This is a potentially dangerous problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the compressor that is running and then contact an expert.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat acts like the head of your entire HVAC system, so it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing that a technician will check when trouble arises. It’s also one of the most often neglected maintenance items, but an appropriately maintained thermostat is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Common signs that your thermostat needs an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the thermostat’s sensors can become dirty. This could cause it to display incorrectly. You can prevent these issues by checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a an additional thermometer.
A faulty sensor, or a faulty calibration can cause your system to cycle on and off constantly. This is referred to as short cycling. This can affect your comfort, and cause unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately the majority of these issues can be fixed with the simple act of replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting its breaker.
Check the breakers for your HVAC equipment and thermostat in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it will need to be reset in order for the thermostat to communicate with the system again.
Check your thermostat for indications of wear and damage. Examine for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat isn’t excessively exposed to the sun. Examine the fan blades to find evidence of damage or rust. These simple checks can help avoid expensive repairs in the future, and will ensure that your equipment is operating as smoothly as it can.
Basic HVAC maintenance is a great way to save energy and keep your comfort in a commercial property. It also increases the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. You can ensure that your building stays at all times comfortable by identifying problems with your thermostat, setting your breaker, and then replacing your batteries. Make sure that if you have any other issues, or are unsure of what’s wrong with your system, always call in a professional.