The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is key when it is concerned with cooling and heating systems. It can help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan where you pay an annual fee to have your system checked and cleaned, or repaired as needed.
It is also recommended to perform DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around outdoor units clear of any debris will ensure the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils that make up the condenser in your air conditioner are the mainstay of the cooling process. If they are dirty, you system will struggle to cool and may even fail. This is why cleaning them is a vital aspect of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, relatively simple to complete. This simple DIY task will help you save money, avoid expensive repairs and extend the lifespan of your air cooling.
It is essential to disconnect power from your unit first. This can be done by shutting off the breaker inside the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your electrical components and motors from being flooded when cleaning.
After the power has been shut off and you are able to remove any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This includes cleaning up any leaves, sticks or other debris that have built up on or around the unit. Using a shop vacuum with a crevice attachment is a great option to get into the nooks and crevices and remove any dirt, dust or other debris that has accumulated.
The next step is to clean the coils. Before doing this, though, make sure that you have in your possession some essential tools. These will include a concentrate of the coil cleaner, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the label, and then rinse it off using the hose. It is crucial not to apply too much pressure when washing the coils because the fins may be bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, examine them for indications of damage. Over time, the impact of hail and stones dropped by lawnmowers or other objects can cause damage to coil fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins for better airflow and coil performance.
When the fins and coils are in good shape If you are satisfied with the condition of your fins and coils, go back to your home and switch on your air conditioning. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to make sure temperatures are normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is designed to bring air from outside into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout your house. The air moves from the evaporator coil of your condenser unit to your home’s vents and registers through a network of ducts. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they could become loaded with dust and other contaminants. This can block the air filters which reduces the effectiveness of your system and strains your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork can be a challenging task that requires professional equipment and methods. There are some actions you can take regularly to keep your ducts clean and in good working order. First, make sure you change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens from accumulating up in the ducts. This also helps to stop the clogging that could result in a lower efficiency of the system and higher energy costs.
Another way to keep your ducts clean 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 that accumulate over time, and will aid in improving air flow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts have been sealed well and are protected from moisture entering, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that are not cleaned on a regular basis can become loaded with a myriad of pollutants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of allergies and respiratory conditions, especially for older people and children. Moisture can also cause mold to grow in the ductwork, which releases the spores that can be harmful to those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It’s generally recommended that you have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminants and ensure your HVAC system is operating efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are sealed and you clean your filters frequently, duct cleaning may not be required at all. The best way to be able to tell the truth is to have your ducts examined. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to gauge the amount of particulates in your ductwork and can recommend suitable cleaning schedules based upon the specific circumstances.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an important element of the system. It should be able deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating as it should and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and lead to equipment downtime. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to aid in identifying minor issues early and prevent unnecessary downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment in the best condition possible.
A typical sign of a compressor issue is a decrease in cooling capacity, but this could be due to many different causes. A compressor could be working too hard due insufficient airflow. This can wear out the bearings and reduce the life of the compressor. A clogged air filter is another frequent issue. Filters that have become blocked can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is important to clean or change the filters according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
A blocked filter can cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings require to be replaced. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is a good idea. A loose pulley or belt could cause slipping and result in overheating of the compressor and other issues. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will get rid of the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also look for leaks in the pipes, and ensure an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.
A small puddle of water around the compressor can be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. 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 technicians will always look at the thermostat first when there is an issue. A properly maintained thermostat is crucial to the efficient operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most neglected maintenance items. Common signs that your thermostat requires periodic inspections include incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the sensors on your thermostat will become dirty. This could cause it to display in a wrong manner. You can avoid these problems by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat using a an additional thermometer.
A defective sensor or a faulty calibration can cause your system to cycle on and off continuously. This is known as short cycling. This can affect your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be resolved with the simple act of replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting its breaker.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way it’s recommended to examine the breakers that control both the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, it will require resetting to allow the thermostat to communicate with the system.
Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Check for indications of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Lastly, the fan blades must be inspected for signs of damage or rust. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it can.
Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial property is an excellent method to cut the cost of energy, maintain comfort and prolong the life of your heating and cooling 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. Be sure to call a professional if you are having other issues or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system.