The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it concerns your cooling and heating system, regular maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan that charges an affordable monthly fee to have your system checked, fixed or cleaned when needed.
It’s also an excellent idea to carry out some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area surrounding outdoor units free of any debris will ensure proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils of the condenser of your air conditioner are the primary component of the cooling process. If they’re dirty the system will be unable to cool properly and could even fail. This is why cleaning them is a vital aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to do. This simple DIY task will save you money, avoid expensive repairs and extend the life of your air conditioner.
It is crucial to disconnect power from your unit before you disconnect it. This can be done by turning off the breaker inside the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will keep your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated when cleaning.
Once the power has been turned off, you can begin taking down any large debris that could be hindering the condenser air. This includes cleaning off any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has been accumulating on or around the unit. Using a shop vacuum with a crevice attachment is a great method to get into the nooks and crevices and get rid of any dirt, dust or other debris that may have accumulated.
The coils must be cleaned. Be sure to have a few essential tools on hand prior to beginning. These will include a coil cleaner concentrate and a pump-up garden hose and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the instructions on the label, then rinse with the garden hose. It is important not to use too much pressure when washing the coils because the fins may be bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, look them over for any indications of damage. Over time, the impact of hail and stones that are thrown by lawnmowers and other objects can cause damage to coil fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins for improved airflow and coil performance.
Once you have a good coil and fin set up then you can start your air conditioner. After around 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat and ensure that the temperature is normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout the home. Air is moved from the evaporator inside your condenser unit to your home’s registers and vents through a system ducts. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other pollutants if they are not cleaned and sealed properly. This causes air filters to become blocked, which in turn reduces system efficiency and strains your AC unit.
In the majority of cases, cleaning the ductwork is not an easy task and requires professional equipment and methods. There are a few actions you can take regularly to keep your ducts clean and working well. To prevent dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts, change your filter regularly. This can also help stop clogging, which could result in a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy bills.
Another way to keep your ducts clean is by regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will remove all traces of dust, crumbs and other debris that have accumulated over time. This will improve airflow 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.
Ducts that are not cleaned on a regular basis can become loaded with a wide variety of pollutants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory issues and allergies particularly for children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to develop in the ductwork, which releases microbes that can harm people suffering from respiratory issues.
It is generally recommended to have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to remove these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is operating effectively. If your ducts have been well-sealed, and you change your filter regularly it might not be necessary to clean them. The best way to know the truth is to have your ducts examined. A certified contractor can employ specific testing methods to determine the amount of dust particles in your ductwork and can recommend appropriate cleaning schedules based on your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial component of the system. It must function properly to deliver cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working properly, it could affect your productivity and result in delays for your equipment. Preventive maintenance can help identify small issues early, preventing excessive downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by keeping your unit as good as possible.
A loss of cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem in the compressor. This can be caused by a variety of factors. A compressor could be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can cause the bearings to wear down and decrease the life of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another frequent problem. Filters that are blocked can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To avoid this, it is important to clean or replace the filters frequently, according to the recommendations of the manufacturer.
In addition, a clogged filter could create a rattling sound inside the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are wearing out and must be replaced. It is recommended to replace belts and pulleys on a regular basis. A pulley or belt that is loose can cause the compressor to overheat and cause other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor regularly. This can remove accumulated moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also look for leaks in the hoses, and a tight seal on the pressure sensor and compressor.
A puddle of liquid close to the compressor could be an indicator of a leak. This is a risky issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, switch off the compressor that is running and then contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not a surprise that technicians will always look at the thermostat first when there is a problem. It’s also one of the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, yet a properly maintained thermostat is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s operation. Examine your thermostat if you observe inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the thermostat’s sensors may get dirty. This could cause it to display inaccurately. Regularly checking your thermostat’s accuracy by using a separate thermometer can help you avoid these problems and help you save energy.
A faulty sensor or calibration could result in your system constantly turning on and off this is known as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. Fortunately the majority of these issues can be fixed with the simple act of replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting the 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 tripped it, you’ll need to reset it to allow your thermostat to reconnect with the system.
It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Look for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t too much exposed to sunlight. Finally, the fan blades need to be examined for any signs of damage or rust. These simple checks will help prevent costly repairs in the future, and help ensure that your equipment is operating as smoothly as it can.
The simple maintenance of hvac systems on your commercial property is an excellent method to cut the cost of energy, maintain comfort and prolong the lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment. It is possible to keep your building comfortable throughout the year by identifying any issues with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional if you are experiencing any other issues or are unsure of what’s the issue with your system.