The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is key when it concerns heating and cooling systems. It will allow you to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that charges the monthly cost to get the system checked, fixed or cleaned when required.
You should also carry out 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 the proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your air conditioner condenser are the primary component of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, you system will struggle to cool and could even breakdown. This is why cleaning them is a vital part of HVAC maintenance. It’s also quite simple to do. This simple DIY task can prevent the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills and extend the longevity of your AC unit.
It is vital to cut off power from your unit before you disconnect it. This can be done by shutting off the breaker on the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded when cleaning.
After the power is off, you can begin removing any large objects that could be hindering the condenser air. This includes sweeping up any leaves, sticks or other debris that has accumulated around or on the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice tool is an excellent way to reach into the nooks and crannies and remove dirt or dust that has been accumulating.
The coils must be cleaned. Be sure to have some essential tools available before you start. These will include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the instructions on the product’s label and rinse with the hose. When washing the coils it is essential not to use too much force as the fins can be bent easily.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should inspect them for any signs of damage. Over time, the impact of hail and stones thrown from lawnmowers or other items can damage coil fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins for better airflow and performance of the coil.
If the fins and coils are in good condition, you can return to your house and switch on your air conditioning. After around 24 hours, you should check the thermostat to ensure that temperatures are normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring outside air into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout your house. Air is moved from the evaporator inside the condenser to your home’s registers and vents via a system of ducts. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they may become clogged with dirt and other contaminates. This can block the air filters which can reduce the effectiveness of your system as well as can strain your AC unit.
Cleaning ductwork can be a challenging task that requires professional equipment and methods. There are a few things you can do regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and working well. First, make sure you change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens from building up in the ducts. This will also help keep clogs from occurring, which could lead to a reduced system efficiency and higher energy costs.
Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is another method to keep your ducts cleaner. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will take away all traces of dust, crumbs and other debris that have been accumulating over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are tightly sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts aren’t regularly cleaned, they may build up a myriad of contaminants like dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause allergies and respiratory problems particularly in the elderly and children. The moisture in ductwork can cause the growth of mold, which releases spores into the air and can cause health issues for those suffering from respiratory problems.
It’s generally recommended that you have your ducts cleaned every three to five years to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is working effectively. However it is possible that if your ducts are well-sealed and you change your filters regularly the cleaning of your ducts may not be required at all. The best way to determine for sure is by having your ducts tested. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA will use special testing techniques to measure the amount particulates found in your ductwork. They will then recommend cleaning schedules that are suitable for your situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an important element of the system. It has to be able to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning properly, it could affect your productivity and cause interruption to your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to aid in identifying minor issues early and prevent unnecessary downtime. Regularly checking your unit can also help you save money by keeping your unit in good working order for as long as possible.
The most common sign of a compressor issue is a loss in cooling capacity, however this could be due to many different causes. One possibility is that a compressor could be overworking because of poor airflow. This could wear out the bearings and diminish the lifespan of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another common issue. Filters that are clogged can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this, it is essential to clean or change the filters on a regular basis, based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.
A blocked filter can cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are wearing out and must be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace belts and pulleys regularly. A pulley or belt that is loose could cause the compressor to overheat and create other problems. It is also a good idea to drain your compressor frequently. This can remove accumulated moisture that can corrode 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 could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This is a potentially dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor. Get a professional to assist you.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not a surprise that a technician will always examine the thermostat first if there is any issue. A well-maintained thermostat is crucial to the smooth operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most overlooked maintenance items. The most common signs that your thermostat needs periodic inspections include incorrect temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which may cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. Regularly checking your thermostat’s accuracy with a separate thermometer will assist you in avoiding these issues and save energy.
A defective sensor or a flawed calibration could cause your system to turn off and on in a continuous manner. This is referred to as short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be resolved with simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breaker.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way, it’s a good idea to check the breakers that control both the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll have to be reset to allow the thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.
It’s also important to check your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Look for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat isn’t excessively exposed to the sun. The fan blades should be checked for any signs of rust or damage. These simple checks can help avoid costly repairs in the near future, and help ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it can.
Basic maintenance of hvac is a great way to cut down on energy costs and maintain comfort in your commercial property. It also increases the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. You can ensure that your building stays comfortable throughout the year by identifying problems with your thermostat, resetting your breaker, and then replacing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional if you are having any other problems or are unsure of what’s the issue with your system.