The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is crucial when it comes to HVAC and cooling systems. It can help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that charges an affordable monthly fee to have your system checked, repaired or cleaned if needed.
It’s also a good idea to perform some DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area surrounding outdoor units free of debris will promote the proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in the condenser of your air conditioner are at the heart the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system is likely to struggle to cool and could even fail. Cleaning them is a crucial part of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, fairly easy to do. This simple DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs and prolong the life of your air cooling.
It is the first step. It is important to disconnect the power source to your unit. This can be accomplished by turning off the breaker inside the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will safeguard your motors and electrical components from being over-saturated during cleaning.
After the power has been shut off and you are able to remove any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This includes sweeping off any sticks, leaves, or other debris that have accumulated around or on the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice tool is an excellent way to get into the nooks and crannies, and loosen dirt or dust that has accumulated.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before doing this however, ensure you have some essential tools. This will include a concentrate of the coil cleaner, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance to the instructions on the label, then rinse it off using the hose. When washing the coils, it is essential not to use too much force since the fins are easily bent.
You should examine the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time, the impact of hail and stones that are thrown by lawnmowers and other objects can cause damage to coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and coil performance.
If the fins and coils are in good condition, you can go back to your home and start your air conditioning. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to make sure the temperatures are in good shape.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works by bringing air in from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout the home. Air is transported from the evaporator in the condenser to your home’s registers and vents via the system ducts. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they may be laden with dirt and other contaminates. This causes air filters to become blocked, which in turn reduces system efficiency and strains your AC unit.
In the majority of cases, cleaning the ductwork isn’t an easy task that requires the help of professional equipment and techniques. However, there are a few actions you can take regularly to ensure your ducts remain in good condition and function properly. To prevent dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, change your filter on a regular basis. This will also help keep clogs from occurring, which could cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy bills.
Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is an additional method to keep your ducts cleaner. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will take away all the cobwebs, crumbs and other debris that has been accumulating over time. This will improve airflow through the vent. Also, make sure that your ducts have been sealed tightly and are lined to stop moisture from getting in, which could result in mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts aren’t regularly cleaned, they may build up a myriad of contaminants such as dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can trigger respiratory issues and allergies particularly in children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to develop in the ductwork, releasing spores that are harmful to people suffering from respiratory issues.
It is generally recommended to have your ducts cleaned every three to five years to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is working effectively. However it is possible that if your ducts are sealed properly and you change your filters regularly it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be required at all. The best way to determine for sure is by having your ducts tested. A licensed contractor can employ specific testing methods to determine the amount of particulates in your ductwork, and will recommend the suitable cleaning schedules based upon your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential element of the system. It must be able to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning properly it could affect your productivity and cause equipment downtime. Preventive maintenance can help identify minor issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by keeping your unit as good as possible.
A common sign of a compressor problem is a loss in cooling capacity, although it could be caused by a number of different factors. A compressor may be operating too hard due insufficient airflow. This can cause bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. A clogged air filter is another common issue. If the filter is blocked, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. It is crucial to change or clean the filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
A blocked filter can cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings require to be changed. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is a good idea. A worn belt or pulley could cause slipping and result in overheating of the compressor and other issues. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will help remove moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also check for leaks in the hoses, as well as an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.
A puddle of liquid near the compressor could be an indication of an issue. This is a risky problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, switch off the air compressor and call a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is like the head 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 often neglected maintenance items, yet a properly maintained thermostat is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s operation. Check your thermostat if observe inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the sensors on your thermostat will get dirty. This could cause it to display in a wrong manner. You can avoid these problems by ensuring the accuracy of your thermostat by using a an additional thermometer.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration may cause your system to keep 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 this can be fixed with the simple act of replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting its breakers.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat at all, it’s a good idea to check the breakers that regulate the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has been tripped, it will need to be reset in order for the thermostat to be able to communicate with the system again.
It is also essential to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Find signs of dirt or dust, and make sure the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Examine the fan blades to find signs of damage and rust. These simple checks can help avoid expensive repairs in the future, and will ensure that your equipment is operating as efficiently as possible.
Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent method to cut the cost of energy, maintain comfort and extend the life of your cooling and heating equipment. It is possible to keep your building cool throughout the year by identifying issues with your thermostat, setting your breaker and changing your batteries. Just remember that in case you experience any other issues or are unsure about the issue, always call in an expert.