The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it concerns your cooling and heating system, routine maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that charges the monthly cost to have your system checked, repaired or cleaned if required.
It is also recommended to perform 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 of your air conditioner condenser are at the heart the cooling process. If they are dirty, you system will struggle to cool and could even fail. Cleaning them is an essential part of HVAC maintenance. Fortunately, it is also fairly easy to do. This simple DIY task will save you money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the life span of your air cooling.
In the beginning, it is crucial to shut off the power supply to your unit. You can do this by shutting off the breaker at the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated while cleaning.
After the power is off, you can begin clearing any large objects that could be blocking the condenser’s air. This means sweeping off any sticks, leaves or other debris that has built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum with crevice tools is an excellent way to reach into the crevices, nooks and remove dust or dirt that has been accumulating.
The coils require to be cleaned. Be sure to have a few essential tools on hand before you begin. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate, a pump up garden sprayer, and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance to the directions on the label, and then rinse it off using the water hose. It is important not to use excessive pressure when washing the coils as the fins can easily be bent.
You should examine the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, hail and rocks that are thrown by lawnmowers and other items could damage the coil fins. If the fins are bent, a cost-effective tool known as a fin comb can straighten them for better air flow and to help the coils function more effectively.
After you have a proper coil and fin setup and you are ready to switch on your air conditioner. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to make sure the temperatures are in good shape.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works to bring air from outside into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout your house. Air is moved from the evaporator inside your condenser to your home’s registers and vents through a system ducts. The ducts could become blocked with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t cleaned and sealed correctly. This clogs the air filters, which in turn reduces the efficiency of your system and strains your AC unit.
In most instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy task and requires professional equipment and methods. But, there are things you can do regularly to ensure that your ducts remain in good condition and function properly. To avoid dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, change your filter on a regular basis. This can also help prevent the clogging that can cause a decrease in system efficiency and high energy bills.
Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is another method to keep your ducts in good shape. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will take away all the cobwebs, crumbs and other messes that have accumulated over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed tight and protected from moisture entering, which can result in mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts aren’t cleaned regularly, they could accumulate a variety of contaminants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can trigger allergies and respiratory conditions particularly in children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to grow in ductwork, which releases microbes that can harm people suffering from respiratory issues.
It is recommended to clean your ductwork every three to five years to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. If your ducts are sealed properly, and you replace your filter on a regular basis it might not be necessary to clean them. You can only be sure by having your ducts examined. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA will use special testing techniques to measure the amount particulates that are present in your ductwork. They can then recommend cleaning schedules that are suitable for your situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial component of the system. It needs to operate correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working in the way it should, this can impact your productivity and cause downtime for equipment. However, preventive maintenance can aid in identifying minor issues early and prevent unnecessary downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by ensuring that your equipment as efficient as possible.
A common indication of a problem with a compressor is a loss in cooling capacity, although it could be caused by many different causes. A compressor may be operating too hard due to inadequate airflow. This can cause the bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another common problem. If the filter has become clogged, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. To prevent this from happening, it is important to clean or replace the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A blocked filter can cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are wearing out and require to be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A loose belt or pulley can slip, causing the compressor to overheat, causing 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 also examine for air leaks within the hoses and an adequate seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
Lastly, a puddle of water near the compressor could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This is a risky problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the air compressor. Get a professional to assist you.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat acts like the head of your entire HVAC system, so it’s not a surprise that it’s the first thing that a technician will look at when trouble arises. It’s also among the most frequently neglected maintenance items, but maintaining your thermostat properly is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s operation. Common signs that your thermostat requires an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the thermostat’s sensors can get dirty. This could cause it to display inaccurately. You can avoid this issue by checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a a separate thermometer.
A defective sensor or a faulty calibration can cause your system to turn off and on continuously. This is known as short cycling. This can negatively impact your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. This issue can be solved by simply replacing the batteries in the 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 as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, it will need to be reset to allow the thermostat to connect with the system again.
It is also essential to examine your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Look for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat is not excessively exposed to the sun. Lastly, the fan blades must be inspected for any indications of rust or damage. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it can.
Basic maintenance of hvac is a great strategy to save energy and ensure comfort in your commercial building. It will also extend the life of your cooling and heating equipment. You can ensure that your building stays at all times comfortable by identifying problems with your thermostat, resetting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Make sure that if you have any other issues or aren’t sure the issue, always call in an expert.