The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is essential when it concerns HVAC and cooling systems. It will allow you to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan that allows you to pay each month to have the system inspected, repaired or cleaned as needed.
It’s also a good idea to perform some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the areas around outdoor units clear of debris to promote the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils inside the condenser of your air conditioner are the heart of the cooling process. If they’re dirty your system will struggle to cool properly and could even fail. Cleaning them is an essential part of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to do. This easy DIY task will save you money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the life of your air cooling.
First and foremost, it is important to disconnect the power source to your unit. 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 being oversaturated when cleaning.
After the power is off, you can start taking down any large objects that could be hindering the condenser air. This includes cleaning off any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has been accumulating around or on the unit. A shop vacuum that has crevice tools is an excellent way to get into the nooks and crannies and remove dirt or dust that has been accumulating.
The coils require to be cleaned. Make sure you have some essential tools available 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 directions on the product’s label and then rinse it off using the hose. When washing the coils, it is essential not to use too much force as the fins can bend easily.
It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, hail and rocks thrown from lawnmowers or other items can damage coil fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool known as a fin-comb can straighten them for better air flow and assist in ensuring that the coils operate more effectively.
When the fins and coils are in good shape Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the fins and coils, you can return to your home and start your air conditioning. After around 24 hours, you should check the thermostat and make sure that the temperature is normal.
Cleaning 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 unit to your home’s registers and vents through a system duct. These ducts can become clogged 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 puts strain on your AC unit.
In the majority of instances, cleaning ductwork isn’t an easy task that requires the help of professional equipment and techniques. There are a few things you can do regularly to keep your ducts clean and functioning properly. To stop dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, you should change your filter frequently. This can also help prevent clogging, which can cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy bills.
Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is an additional method to keep your ducts clean. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all the cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time, and assist in improving airflow through the vent. It is also essential to ensure that your ducts are sealed and insulated to keep out moisture which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts aren’t regularly cleaned, they may collect a variety of pollutants like dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can cause respiratory and allergy conditions particularly for children and the elderly. The moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, which releases the spores that can be harmful to those with respiratory problems.
It is generally recommended that you get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system functions efficiently. However, if your ducts are sealed and you regularly change your filters, duct cleaning may not be necessary at all. The best way to know the truth is to have your ducts examined. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA can employ special testing methods in order to determine the amount of particles found in your ductwork. They will then suggest cleaning schedules that are suitable for your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It must function properly to deliver cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating as it should and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and cause downtime for your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to assist in identifying issues that are minor and avoid excessive downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by keeping your equipment as efficient as possible.
A typical sign of a compressor issue is a decrease in cooling capacity, although it could be caused by many different causes. One possibility is that a compressor may be overworking because of poor airflow. This can cause the bearings to wear down and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another common issue is a clogged filter. If the filter is blocked it could reduce the airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. It is essential to clean or change the filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A blocked filter can cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are wearing out and require to be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace belts and pulleys regularly. A loose belt or pulley can slip, causing the compressor to overheat and cause other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor regularly. This will get rid of moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will check for leaks in the pipes, and ensure an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.
A puddle of liquid close to the compressor could be an indication of an issue. This is a serious issue and should be repaired immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, switch off the air compressor and contact an expert.
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 essential for the efficient operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items. The most common signs that your thermostat needs a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the sensors on your thermostat can get dirty. This could cause it to display incorrectly. Regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a separate thermometer can help you avoid these problems and conserve energy.
A faulty sensor or calibration can also result in your system constantly switching off and on that is known as short cycling. This can negatively impact your comfort, and cause unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately the majority of these issues can be fixed with the simple act of replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting its breaker.
Check the breakers for both your HVAC and thermostat in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it will have to be reset to allow the thermostat to connect with the system again.
Check your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Look for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat is not overly exposed to the sun. Finally, the fan blades need to be examined for signs of damage or rust. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as it possibly can.
Basic maintenance of hvac is a great method to save energy and keep your comfort in a commercial building. It also increases the life of cooling and heating equipment. You can ensure that your building stays comfortable throughout the year by identifying problems with your thermostat, setting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional should you encounter any other issues or are unsure about what’s wrong with your system, always call in an expert.