The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is crucial when it is concerned with 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 an annual fee to have the system checked and cleaned, or repaired as required.
You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the space around outdoor units free of debris to promote proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your air conditioner condenser are the primary component of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool and could even fail. Cleaning them is an essential part of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, relatively simple to complete. 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 shutting 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.
Once the power has been turned off, you can start clearing any large debris that could 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 crevice tools is a great tool to reach into the nooks, crannies and remove dirt or dust that has accumulated.
The coils require to be cleaned. Before you begin however, make sure that you have on-hand a few key tools. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate and a pump-up garden sprayer and the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label, then rinse it off with a hose. When washing the coils, it is essential not to use too much force as the fins can be bent easily.
After the coils have been cleaned, look them over for any signs of damage. Over time, the impact of hail and stones thrown from lawnmowers or other items can damage coil fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool called a fin comb can straighten them for better air flow and to assist in ensuring that the coils operate more effectively.
After you have a proper coil and fin set up, you can start your air conditioner. After about 24 hours, you should check the thermostat and ensure that temperatures are normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works to bring air from outside into your home, cool it, and then distribute it throughout the home. Air is transported from the evaporator of the condenser to your home’s registers and vents via the system ducts. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they may become clogged with dust and other contaminants. This can block the air filters and reduces the efficiency of the system and strains your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires specialized equipment and techniques. There are some actions you can take regularly to keep your ducts tidy and functioning properly. First, make sure you change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens out of building into the ducts. This will also help to keep clogs from occurring, which could result in a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy costs.
Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is a different way to keep your ducts in good shape. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner can remove all of the dust and crumbs that build up over time, and aid in improving airflow through the vent. It’s also important to make sure your ducts are properly sealed and insulated to keep out moisture, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that aren’t regularly cleaned can become loaded with a variety of contaminants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can trigger respiratory and allergies, especially for children and the elderly. Moisture in ductwork can also lead to the growth of mold, which releases spores into air and can cause health issues for those suffering from respiratory issues.
It is generally recommended that you have your ducts cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminants and ensure your HVAC system functions effectively. If your ducts are well-sealed, and you regularly change your filter it might not be necessary to clean them. You can be certain by having your ducts examined. A licensed contractor can employ specific testing methods to determine the amount of particulates in your ductwork and can recommend appropriate cleaning schedules based on your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential component of the system. It has to function correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working properly, it can affect your productivity and cause interruption to your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can assist in identifying issues that are minor and prevent unnecessary downtime. Regularly checking your unit can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment is in good working order for as long as is possible.
A common indication of a problem with a compressor is a decrease in cooling capacity, however this could be caused by various factors. One possibility is that a compressor could be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can cause wear on the bearings and reduce the life of the compressor. A blocked air filter is a different issue. If the filter is clogged it can impede airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. It is crucial to clean or replace the filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A blocked filter can cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings require to be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace belts and pulleys regularly. A loose belt or pulley could cause the compressor to overheat, causing other problems. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will eliminate moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team can look for air leaks in the hoses, and ensure an adequate seal between the compressor and pressure switch.
A puddle of liquid in the vicinity of the compressor could be an indication of an issue. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor and call a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat acts like the boss of your HVAC system, so it’s not a surprise that it’s the first thing that a technician will check when trouble arises. It’s also one of the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, yet a properly maintained thermostat is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Examine your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which may cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. Regularly checking your thermostat’s accuracy with a separate thermometer will aid in avoiding these issues and save energy.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration could cause your system to keep switching on and off this is known as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort and result in excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately this can be fixed with simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting the breaker.
Check the breakers for both your HVAC and thermostat if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has been tripped, it will require resetting in order for the thermostat to communicate with the system once more.
It’s also important to check your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Examine for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat is not overly exposed to the sun. Lastly, 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 is running as smoothly as it possibly can.
Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial property is an excellent way to cut down on energy costs, maintain comfort and prolong the longevity of your heating and cooling equipment. You can keep your building cool throughout the year by identifying problems with your thermostat, resetting your breaker and changing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional if you are having any other problems or unsure of what is the issue with your system.