The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it concerns your heating and cooling system, regular maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan where you pay a low monthly rate to get the system checked, repaired or cleaned when necessary.
You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around the outdoor units free of clutter will help ensure the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils of the condenser of your air conditioner are the primary component of the cooling process. If they are dirty, your system will struggle to cool properly and could even fail. Cleaning them is an essential component of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, fairly easy to do. This simple DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the life span of your air conditioner.
It is essential to disconnect the power source from your unit first. This can be accomplished by shutting off the breaker inside the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated while cleaning.
When the power is turned off it is now time to clear any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This includes sweeping away any leaves, sticks or other debris that have built up on or around the unit. Using a shop vacuum with crevice attachments is a great method to reach into the crevices and nooks and loosen dust, dirt or other debris that has accumulated.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Make sure you have some essential tools in your arsenal before you begin. These will include a coil cleaner concentrate, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the instructions on the product’s label and rinse with the hose. It is important not to use too much pressure when washing the coils, as the fins can easily be bent.
It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time, hail and stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other things can harm the coil’s fins. If the fins are bent, a cost-effective 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 setup then you can start your air conditioner. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to confirm that the temperatures are in good shape.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring outside air into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout the house. The air travels from the evaporator coil of your condenser unit to your house’s vents and registers through a system of ducts. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they could become clogged with dirt and other contaminates. This could block air filters, which decreases the effectiveness of your system and burdens your AC unit.
In most instances, cleaning ductwork isn’t an easy task and requires the help of professional equipment and methods. But, there are things you can do on a regular basis to make sure your ducts are in good condition and function properly. To stop dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, it is recommended to change your filter regularly. This will also help to prevent the clogging that can lead to reduced system efficiency and higher energy costs.
Another way to help keep your ducts clean is to regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all of the cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time, and help to improve airflow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts have been sealed tightly and are insulated to prevent moisture from getting in, which could result in mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that have not been cleaned on a regular basis can be filled with a wide variety of contaminants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues particularly in children and the elderly. In addition, moisture in ductwork may result in the growth of mold which releases spores into the air and poses health concerns for those who suffer from respiratory issues.
It’s generally recommended that you get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is working effectively. However, if your ducts are sealed properly and you clean your filters frequently it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be necessary at all. You can only be certain that your ducts are in good condition by having them checked. A contractor accredited by the EPA will use special testing techniques to determine the amount of particles found in your ductwork. They will then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It needs to operate correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning properly, it can affect your productivity and cause downtime for equipment. Preventive maintenance can help identify minor issues earlier, avoiding unnecessary downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by ensuring that your unit as good as possible.
A decrease in cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem in the compressor. It could be caused by a variety of reasons. A compressor could be working too hard due insufficient airflow. This can cause the bearings to wear down and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a blocked filter. Filters that have become blocked can reduce airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this, it is crucial to clean or replace the filters regularly based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.
A blocked filter can cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings require to be changed. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A worn belt or pulley can cause slippage and cause overheating of the compressor and other issues. It is recommended to drain the compressor regularly. This can remove accumulated moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can also look for air leaks in the hoses, and ensure a tight seal between the compressor and pressure switch.
A puddle of water near the compressor could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This could be a risky issue and should be repaired immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, turn off the air compressor and contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not too surprising that a technician will always examine the thermostat first if there’s a problem. It’s also one of the most often neglected maintenance items, but an appropriately maintained thermostat is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s operation. Common indicators that your thermostat needs periodic inspections include incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the thermostat’s sensors may become dirty. This could cause it to display inaccurately. Regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with a separate thermometer will help you avoid these problems and conserve energy.
A faulty sensor or calibration could lead to your system continuously turning on and off this is known as short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort, and cause unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. These issues can be resolved by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way It’s an excellent idea to look at the breakers that control the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped then you’ll have to reset it in order for your thermostat to communicate again with the system.
It’s also important to check your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Check for evidence of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Finally, the fan blades need to be examined 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 possibly can.
Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial property is a great way to reduce energy costs, maintain comfort and extend the longevity of your heating and cooling equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and replacing the batteries and fuses, you’ll be able keep your building cool all year. Make sure to contact a professional if you are experiencing any other issues or unsure of what is going on with your system.