The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it concerns your cooling and heating system, routine maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan where you pay a low monthly rate to have the system checked out, fixed or cleaned if necessary.
It’s also an excellent idea to carry out a few 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 proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils inside the condenser of your air conditioner are the heart of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, you system will struggle to cool and could even breakdown. Cleaning them is an essential component of HVAC maintenance. Fortunately, it is also quite simple to do. This simple DIY task will save you money, prevent costly repairs and prolong the life span of your air cooling.
First and foremost, it is essential to cut off the power to your unit. This can be done by shutting off the breaker on your electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will safeguard your electrical components and motors from being over-saturated during cleaning.
When the power is turned off and you are able to remove any large debris that is obstructing the air condenser unit. This includes sweeping up any leaves, sticks, or other debris that have built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum that has crevice tools is an excellent way to get into the nooks, crannies and remove dust or dirt that has been accumulating.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Make sure you have some essential tools on hand before you begin. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label, then rinse it off with a garden hose. It is essential not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils as the fins can easily be bent.
You should examine the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, hail, rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other things can harm the coil fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and performance of the coil.
Once the coils and fins are in good shape If you are satisfied with the condition of your fins and coils, return to your home and switch on your air conditioner. After approximately 24 hours, you can check the thermostat and make sure that the temperature is normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout your house. The air is moved from the evaporator coil in your condenser unit to your house’s vents and registers through a system of ducts. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other pollutants if they are not cleaned and sealed correctly. This could block air filters which can reduce the effectiveness of your system and can strain your AC unit.
In the majority of instances, cleaning ductwork isn’t an easy task that requires expert equipment and techniques. However, there are some actions you can take regularly to ensure your ducts stay in good condition and function properly. To prevent dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts, change your filter on a regular basis. This can also help prevent clogging, which can result in a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy costs.
Another method to keep your ducts clean is by regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will take away all the cobwebs, crumbs and other messes that have built up over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. Also, make sure that your ducts have been sealed tightly and are insulated to prevent moisture from getting in, which could cause mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they could build up a myriad of contaminants like dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can worsen allergies and respiratory issues, particularly in the elderly and children. The moisture in ductwork can cause the growth of mold, which releases spores in the air and can cause health issues for those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It is recommended that you clean your ducts every three to five years to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However, if your ducts are sealed and you change your filters regularly it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be necessary at all. The best way to know the truth is to have your ducts examined. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to measure the amount of dust particles in your ductwork, and can recommend suitable cleaning schedules based upon your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an important component of the system. It should be able deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating as it should, this could affect your productivity and result in downtime for equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can assist in identifying issues that are minor and prevent unnecessary downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by making sure that your unit as good as possible.
A reduction in cooling capacity is a typical indication of a problem with a compressor. This can be caused by several different factors. A compressor may be operating too hard due to inadequate airflow. This can cause bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a clogged filter. Filters that are blocked can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To avoid this, it is essential to clean or replace the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A blocked filter can cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings require to be replaced. Regularly replacing pulleys and belts is an excellent idea. A belt or pulley that is loose can cause slippage and cause compressor overheating and other problems. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor frequently. This will remove the accumulated moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can examine for air leaks within the hoses as well as a tight seal between the compressor and pressure switch.
A puddle of liquid close to the compressor could be an indication of leak. This is a risky issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the air compressor. Contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not too surprising that a technician will examine the thermostat first if there’s a problem. A properly maintained thermostat is crucial to the smooth operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most frequently neglected maintenance items. Common indicators that your thermostat needs an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which may cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. Regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with a separate thermometer will help you avoid these problems and help you save energy.
A defective sensor or a faulty calibration can cause your system to cycle on and off in a continuous manner. This 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 corrected by the simple act of replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting the breaker.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat at all, it’s a good idea to check the breakers that control the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, you will need to reset it to allow your thermostat to communicate again with the system.
Check your thermostat for indications of wear and damage. Look for evidence of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t too exposed to sunlight. Lastly, the fan blades must be inspected for 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 can.
Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial building is a great way to reduce energy costs, maintain comfort, and extend the life of your heating and cooling equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building warm all year. Make sure that if you have any other issues, or are unsure of what’s wrong with your system you should always consult an expert.