The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is essential when it is concerned with cooling and heating systems. It will allow you to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies have a maintenance plan where you pay each month to have your system checked and cleaned, or repaired as needed.
It’s also an excellent idea to carry out some DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area surrounding outdoor units clear of any debris will ensure proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils inside the condenser in your air conditioner are the mainstay of the cooling process. If they are dirty, you system will struggle to cool and could even breakdown. Cleaning them is a vital part of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to accomplish. This easy DIY task can avoid the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills, and extend the life of your air conditioning unit.
First and foremost, it is essential to cut off the power supply to your unit. This can be accomplished by turning off the breaker inside your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your electrical components and motors from being oversaturated during cleaning.
Once the power has been shut off, you can begin clearing any large debris that may be blocking the air condenser. This includes cleaning up any sticks, leaves or other debris that has accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum with a crevice tool is a great way to reach into the nooks, crannies and remove dirt or dust that has been accumulating.
The coils must be cleaned. Make sure you have a few essential tools available before you begin. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate as well as a pump-up garden sprayer as well as a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the directions on the product’s label and then rinse it off using the hose. It is crucial not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils since the fins could easily be bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, examine them for indications of damage. Over time, the impact of hail and stones that are thrown by lawnmowers and other items can damage coil fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins for improved airflow and coil performance.
After you have a proper coil and fin set up then you can turn on your air conditioner. After approximately 24 hours, you can check the thermostat to ensure that the temperatures are in line with normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air in from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout the home. Air is moved from the evaporator of your condenser to your home’s registers and vents through a system ducts. The ducts could become blocked with dust and other contaminants if they are not cleaned and sealed correctly. This causes air filters to become blocked and reduces the efficiency of your system and strains your AC unit.
Cleaning ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires expert equipment and methods. There are a few things you can do to keep your ducts tidy and working well. To avoid dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts, you should change your filter regularly. This will also help to prevent the clogging that can result in a lower efficiency of the system and a high energy bill.
Another way to keep your ducts tidy is to regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will take away all the crumbs, cobwebs and other messes that have built up over time. This will improve airflow through the vent. It is also essential to make sure your ducts are properly sealed and sealed with insulation 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 exacerbate allergies and respiratory conditions particularly for children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to develop in ductwork, which releases spores that are harmful to those with respiratory problems.
It is recommended that you clean your ducts every three to five years to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. If your ducts have been well-sealed, and you replace your filter on a regular basis It may not be necessary to clean them. You can be certain that your ducts are in good condition by having them checked. A contractor accredited by the EPA will use special testing methods in order to determine the amount of particles present in your ductwork. They can then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an important component of the system. It has to function correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working as it should, this can impact your productivity and result in interruption to your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to help catch minor issues early and help avoid prolonged downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by making sure that your unit as good as possible.
A typical sign of a compressor issue is a decrease in cooling capacity, although this could be caused by many different causes. One possibility is that the compressor may be overworking because of poor airflow. This can wear out the bearings and diminish the life of the compressor. Another common issue is a blocked filter. If the filter has become clogged it can impede airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. To prevent this, it is important to clean or change the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Additionally, a blocked filter may also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are worn out and need to be replaced. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is a good idea. A worn belt or pulley can cause slippage and cause compressor overheating and other issues. It is also a good idea to drain your compressor frequently. This will eliminate moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also examine for leaks in hoses, as well as a tight seal on the compressor and pressure sensor.
A puddle of liquid near the compressor could be a sign of an issue. This can be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor. Contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not a surprise that technicians will always check the thermostat first when there’s a problem. A well-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 is in need of an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can become dirty over time, which may cause the device to display inaccurately. You can avoid these problems by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a the use of a separate thermometer.
A malfunctioning sensor, or a flawed calibration could cause your system to turn off and on continuously. This is referred to as short cycling. This can affect your comfort, and cause unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. Fortunately this can be corrected by the simple act of replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting its breakers.
Make sure you check the breakers on both your thermostat and HVAC equipment if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker tripped then you’ll have to reset it to allow your thermostat to reconnect with the system.
Check your thermostat for indications of wear and tear. Look for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat is not overly exposed to the sun. Finally, the fan blades need to be examined for any signs of damage or rust. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as it possibly can.
Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent way to cut down on energy consumption, ensure comfort, and extend the life of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building comfortable all year round. Make sure that in case you experience any other issues, or are unsure of the issue you should always consult an expert.