The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it concerns your cooling and heating system, maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that you pay an affordable monthly fee to get the system checked, fixed or cleaned when needed.
It’s also a good idea to perform a few DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the space around outdoor units free of any debris to ensure the proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your condenser for your air conditioner are the primary component of the cooling process. If they are dirty, your system will struggle to cool properly and may even break down. Cleaning them is a crucial part of HVAC maintenance. Fortunately, it is also quite simple to do. This easy DIY task will save you money, avoid expensive repairs and extend the life of your air conditioner.
It is crucial to disconnect power from your unit first. This can be done by shutting off the breaker in your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated while cleaning.
After the power has been turned off, you can start clearing any large debris that may be hindering the condenser air. This means taking away any sticks, leaves, or other debris that have been accumulating on or around the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has a crevice attachment is a great option to reach into the nooks and crannies and remove any dirt, dust or other debris that may have accumulated.
The coils require to be cleaned. Make sure you have a few essential tools in your arsenal prior to beginning. These will include a concentrate of the coil cleaner and a pump-up garden hose and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the product label and then rinse it off using the hose. When washing the coils it is essential not to use too much force since the fins are easily bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should inspect them for any indications of damage. Over time, hail and rocks thrown from lawnmowers or other items can damage coil fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool known as a fin comb can straighten them to improve air flow and also to help the coils function more effectively.
Once you have a good coil and fin set up, you can turn on your air conditioner. After around 24 hours, you should check the thermostat and make sure that the temperature is normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout your house. The air is transported from the evaporator of the condenser to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by a system duct. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they could become loaded with dirt and other contaminates. This can clog the air filters which reduces the effectiveness of your system as well as burdens your AC unit.
In most cases, cleaning the ductwork is not an easy job and requires expert equipment and techniques. There are some things you can do to keep your ducts clean and in good working order. First, make sure you change your filter on a regular basis to prevent dust and allergens from building into the ducts. This can also help prevent the clogging that can result in a lower efficiency of the system and higher energy costs.
Another method to keep your ducts tidy is to regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will remove all the crumbs, cobwebs and other messes that have accumulated over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. It is also essential to make sure your ducts are sealed and insulated to keep out moisture which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts aren’t cleaned regularly, they could collect a variety of pollutants like dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause respiratory and allergy conditions particularly in the elderly and children. Moisture can cause mold to develop in ductwork, which releases the spores that can be harmful to those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It is recommended that you clean your ducts once every three to five year to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. If your ducts have been well-sealed, and you change your filter regularly, it may not be necessary to clean them. The best way to determine the truth is to have your ducts examined. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to measure the amount of particles in your ductwork, and can recommend appropriate cleaning schedules based on your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial component of the system. It has to be able to deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating in the way it should, this could affect the efficiency of your business and lead to downtime for equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to assist in identifying issues that are minor and avoid excessive downtime. Conducting these regular checks can also help you save money by ensuring that your equipment is in good working order for as long as is possible.
A reduction in cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem with the compressor. This can be caused by several different factors. One possibility is that a compressor may be overworking because of poor airflow. This can wear out the bearings and reduce 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 avoid this, it is essential to clean or change the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A blocked filter could also cause rattling noises in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings are wearing out and need to be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is a good idea. A belt or pulley that is loose can cause slippage and cause overheating of the compressor and other issues. It is recommended to drain the compressor regularly. This will get rid of the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will examine for leaks in hoses, as well as an adequate seal around the compressor and pressure sensor.
A puddle of liquid in the vicinity of the compressor could be an indication of leak. This is a risky problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect a leak, turn off the air compressor. Get a professional to assist you.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not too surprising that a technician will check the thermostat first when there is a problem. It’s also one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items, yet maintaining your thermostat properly is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Examine your thermostat if you notice incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the sensors on your thermostat can get dirty. This could cause it to display inaccurately. You can avoid this issue by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with the use of a separate thermometer.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration may cause your system to keep turning on and off this is known as short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately the majority of these issues can be fixed with simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breaker.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat at all it’s an excellent idea to look at the breakers that control both the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, you will need to reset it to allow your thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.
Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Find evidence of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t too exposed to sunlight. Check the fan blades for signs of rust and damage. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as possible.
Basic maintenance of hvac is a great method to save energy and ensure comfort in your commercial building. It will also extend the life of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries and fuses, you’ll be able keep your building comfortable all year round. Be sure to call an expert if you’re having other issues or are unsure of what’s the issue with your system.