The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is essential when it concerns heating and cooling systems. It will allow you to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies have a service plan where you pay a monthly fee to have the system checked, repaired or cleaned as required.
It’s also an excellent idea to carry out some DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units free of any debris to ensure the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils that make up the condenser in your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty the system is likely to struggle to cool and may even fail to function properly. Cleaning them is an essential component of HVAC maintenance. It’s also relatively simple to complete. This easy DIY task will save you money, prevent costly repairs and prolong the life span of your air conditioner.
In the beginning, it is crucial to shut off the power source to your unit. This can be done by shutting off the breaker on your electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your electrical components and motors from being oversaturated when cleaning.
After the power has been shut off it is now time to clean up any large debris obstructing the air condenser unit. This includes sweeping up any leaves, sticks, or other debris that have built up on or around the unit. Using a shop vacuum with a crevice attachment is a great option to get into the nooks and crevices and remove any dirt, dust or other debris that has collected.
The coils need to be cleaned. Before doing this, though, make sure you have several essential tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates as well as a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label, then rinse with a garden hose. When washing the coils it is important not to apply too much force as the fins can bend easily.
After the coils have been cleaned, inspect them 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 are a great way to straighten bent fins for better airflow and coil performance.
Once you have a good coil and fin setup, you can switch on your air conditioner. After around 24 hours, you should check the thermostat and make sure that the temperature is normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works by bringing air in from outside, cooling it and distributing it throughout the home. The air is transported from the evaporator of the condenser to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by a system of ducts. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they could be laden with dust and other pollutants. This causes air filters to become blocked which reduces system efficiency and strains your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires professional equipment and techniques. There are some 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 will also help keep clogs from occurring, which could result in a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy costs.
Another method to keep your ducts tidy is to regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner can remove all the cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time, and will assist in improving air flow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts have been sealed well and are protected from moisture getting in, which could result in mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that have not been cleaned on a regular basis can become loaded with a wide variety of pollutants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can cause respiratory and allergy conditions, particularly for children and the elderly. In addition, moisture in ductwork may result in the growth of mold which releases spores in the air and poses health concerns for those who suffer from respiratory problems.
It is recommended to clean your ducts every three to five year to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC system is functioning efficiently. However If your ducts are well-sealed and you regularly change your filters the cleaning of your ducts may not be necessary at all. You can only be certain by having your ducts examined. A contractor that is certified by the EPA can use special testing methods in order to determine the amount of particles found in your ductwork. They can then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential component of the system. It must function properly to deliver cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working properly, it can affect your productivity and result in equipment downtime. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues earlier, avoiding unnecessary downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by ensuring that your equipment as efficient as possible.
A reduction in cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem in the compressor. This could be caused by a variety of reasons. One possibility is that a compressor could be working too hard due to poor airflow. This could cause bearings to wear out and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. A clogged air filter is a different problem. If the filter has become clogged it could reduce the airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. To prevent this from happening, it is essential to clean or change the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Additionally, a blocked filter may create a rattling sound inside the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are worn out and must be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace pulleys and belts on a regular basis. A loose pulley or belt can slip and lead to overheating of the compressor and other issues. It is also a great idea to drain your 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 ensure a tight seal between the compressor and pressure switch.
Finally, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor can be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This could be a risky problem and needs to be fixed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, turn off the air compressor and contact an expert.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not surprising that technicians will always check the thermostat first when there is a problem. A well-maintained thermostat is crucial to the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most neglected maintenance items. Check your thermostat if observe inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can become dirty over time, which may cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. Regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a separate thermometer can aid in avoiding these issues and conserve energy.
A faulty sensor or calibration can also lead to your system continuously switching off and on, which is referred to as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. Fortunately the majority of these issues can be fixed with simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.
Check the breakers for your thermostat and HVAC equipment If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it will require resetting to allow the thermostat to communicate with the system once more.
It’s also important to check your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Check for dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to the sun. Check the fan blades for evidence of damage or rust. These simple checks can help avoid costly repairs in the future, and ensure your equipment is operating as smoothly as it can.
Basic maintenance of hvac is a great strategy to save energy and ensure comfort in your commercial property. It can also prolong the life of heating and cooling equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building comfortable all year round. Make sure that should you encounter any other issues, or are unsure about what’s wrong with your system make sure to contact a professional.