The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is key when it is concerned with HVAC and cooling systems. It will help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that charges the monthly cost to have the system checked, fixed or cleaned when required.
You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the areas around outdoor units clear of debris to promote proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils of the condenser of your air conditioner are the primary component of the cooling process. If they are dirty, your system will struggle to cool properly and could even fail. This is why cleaning them is a vital component of HVAC maintenance. Fortunately, it is also relatively simple to complete. This easy DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs and prolong the life span of your air cooling.
It is the first step. It is crucial to shut off the power to your unit. This can be done by turning off the breaker on your electrical box or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your motors and electrical components from being oversaturated when cleaning.
When the power is turned off, you can begin to remove any large debris that is obstructing the air condenser unit. This will include taking away any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has been accumulating on or around the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has a crevice attachment is a great method to get into the crevices and nooks and loosen dust, dirt or other debris that has accumulated.
The next step is to clean the coils. Make sure you have some essential tools on hand prior to beginning. These will include a coil cleaner concentrate and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the instructions on the label of the product and then rinse using the hose. It is important not to use too much pressure when washing the coils, because the fins may be bent.
You should examine the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, the impact of hail and stones thrown from lawnmowers or other items could damage the coil fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins for better airflow and coil performance.
When you have a great coil and fin set up then you can switch on your air conditioner. After about 24 hours, you can check the thermostat and ensure that the temperatures are in line with normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout the home. Air is moved from the evaporator in the condenser to your home’s registers and vents through the system duct. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other contaminants when they aren’t cleaned and sealed correctly. This could block air filters which can reduce the effectiveness of your system and burdens your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires specialized equipment and techniques. But, there are things you can do regularly to ensure your ducts stay in good condition and function properly. First, change your filter regularly to keep dust and allergens from building in the ducts. This can also help prevent clogging, which can result in a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy costs.
Another method to keep your ducts clean is to regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will take away all the crumbs, cobwebs and other messes that have been accumulating over time. This will improve airflow through the vent. It is also important to make sure your ducts are tightly sealed and insulated to keep out moisture which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts aren’t regularly cleaned, they may collect a variety of pollutants like dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can worsen allergies and respiratory issues, particularly for children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to develop in the ductwork, which releases microbes that can harm those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It is generally recommended to have your ducts cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is operating effectively. However it is possible that if your ducts are sealed properly and you change your filters regularly, duct cleaning may not be required at all. The best way to determine for sure is by having your ducts examined. A licensed contractor can employ special testing methods to gauge the amount of particulates in your ductwork and will suggest appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential component of the system. It must function properly to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating as it should, this can affect the efficiency of your business and lead to interruption to your equipment. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. Conducting these regular checks can also help you save money by keeping your unit in good working order for as long as possible.
A reduction in cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem in the compressor. This could be caused by several different causes. A compressor may be working too hard due to inadequate airflow. This can wear out the bearings and diminish the lifespan of the compressor. A clogged air filter is a different problem. 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 frequently, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
In addition, a clogged filter could also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are wearing out and must be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A loose pulley or belt can slip and lead to compressor overheating and other issues. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will eliminate moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can examine for air leaks within the hoses as well as an adequate seal between the compressor and pressure switch.
A puddle of liquid near the compressor could be a sign of leak. This could be a dangerous problem that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the air compressor. Consult a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the boss of your entire HVAC system, and it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing a technician will inspect when a problem occurs. It’s also one of the most often neglected maintenance items, but maintaining your thermostat properly is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s operation. The most common signs that your thermostat requires a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the sensors on your thermostat can become dirty. This could cause it to display incorrectly. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly by using a separate thermometer can help you avoid these problems and save energy.
A faulty sensor, or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to cycle on and off in a continuous manner. This is called short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort and result in excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately this can be corrected by the simple act of replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting the breaker.
If your system 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 then you’ll have to reset it in order for your thermostat to reconnect with the system.
It’s also important to check your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Find signs of dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat isn’t too exposed to sunlight. Lastly, the fan blades must be inspected for indications of rust or damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as it possibly can.
Basic HVAC maintenance is a great method to save energy and maintain comfort in your commercial space. It also increases the life of your cooling and heating equipment. You can keep your building comfortable throughout the year by identifying problems with your thermostat, resetting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Just remember that should you encounter any other issues, or are unsure of what’s wrong with your system make sure to contact a professional.