The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your cooling and heating system, regular maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan where you pay an affordable monthly fee to get the system checked, fixed or cleaned when needed.
You should also carry out some DIY maintenance throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around outdoor units free of clutter to allow for proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in the condenser of your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool properly and may even fail to function properly. Cleaning them is a crucial component of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to do. This easy DIY task can prevent the need for expensive repairs, and save you money on your energy bills and extend the longevity of your AC unit.
It is essential to disconnect the power source from your unit first. This can be done by shutting off the breaker inside your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your motors and electrical components from being flooded when cleaning.
When the power is turned off it is now time to clear any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This means sweeping up any sticks, leaves, or other debris that have built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice tool is a great tool to get into the crevices, nooks, and loosen dust or dirt that has built up.
The next step is to clean the coils. Make sure you have some essential tools in your arsenal before you start. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates as well as a pump-up garden sprayer, and an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the instructions on the product’s label and rinse with the hose. It is essential not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils since the fins could easily be bent.
You should examine the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time hail and rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other things can harm the coil fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins to ensure improved airflow and coil performance.
Once you have a good coil and fin setup then you can start your air conditioner. After approximately 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat and ensure that temperatures are normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is designed to bring outside air into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout your home. The air travels from the evaporator coil inside your condenser unit to your house’s vents and registers through a system of ducts. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they can become clogged with dust and other pollutants. This clogs the air filters which reduces system efficiency and strains your AC unit.
In most instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy job and requires expert equipment and methods. There are a few things you can do regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and functioning properly. First, make sure you change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens out of building in the ducts. This also helps to stop the clogging that could result in a lower efficiency of the system and high energy bills.
Another way to keep your ducts clean is to regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will remove all traces of dust, crumbs and other debris that has been accumulating over time. This will improve airflow through the vent. It’s also important to make sure your ducts are sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that aren’t cleaned on a regular basis are likely to be contaminated with a myriad of pollutants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can worsen respiratory and allergy conditions particularly in the elderly and children. The moisture in ductwork can lead to the growth of mold, which releases spores into air and poses health risks for those who suffer from respiratory ailments.
It’s generally recommended that you have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to eliminate the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is working efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are sealed and you regularly change your filters it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be necessary at all. The best way to determine for sure is by having your ducts tested. A contractor accredited by the EPA can use specific testing methods to determine the amount of particulates 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 correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning properly and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and lead to downtime for your equipment. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by making sure that your equipment as efficient as possible.
The most common sign of a compressor problem is a decrease in cooling capacity, however this could be due to many different causes. A compressor may be operating too hard due insufficient airflow. This can wear out the bearings and reduce the life of the compressor. A clogged air filter is a different issue. If the filter is blocked, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. It is essential to clean or replace the filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
A blocked filter may also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings need to be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is recommended. A worn-out belt or pulley can cause the compressor to overheat and cause other problems. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will get rid of moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will also check for leaks in the hoses, and a tight seal on the pressure sensor and compressor.
Lastly, a puddle of water near the compressor could be an indication of a leak in the refrigerant. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor. Contact 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 look at when trouble arises. A well-maintained thermostat is essential for the smooth operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most frequently neglected maintenance items. Examine your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which may cause the device to display inaccurately. You can prevent these issues by ensuring the accuracy of your thermostat with a separate thermometer.
A faulty sensor, or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to turn off and on in a continuous manner. This is known as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort as well as cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. These issues can be resolved by replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breakers.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat at all It’s recommended to examine the breakers that control both the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll need to be reset in order for the thermostat to communicate with the system once more.
Check your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Check for dirt or dust and make sure that the thermostat is not excessively exposed to the sun. Examine the fan blades to find signs of rust and damage. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it possibly can.
Basic HVAC maintenance is a great method to reduce energy costs and maintain comfort in your commercial space. It will also extend the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and replacing the batteries and fuses, you’ll be able keep your building comfortable all year. Make sure that should you encounter any other issues, or aren’t sure the issue, always call in a professional.