The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is key when it concerns cooling and heating systems. It will help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies have a service plan that charges a monthly fee to have your system checked, repaired or cleaned as needed.
You should also carry out some DIY maintenance throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the areas around outdoor units clear of any debris to ensure the proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils of your air conditioner condenser are the primary component of the cooling process. If they are dirty, you system will struggle to cool and may even breakdown. This is why cleaning them is a vital part of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to accomplish. This simple DIY task will save you money, avoid expensive repairs and extend the lifespan of your air cooling.
It is crucial to disconnect the power source from your unit first. You can do this by turning off the breaker on your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will keep your motors and other electrical components from being oversaturated during cleaning.
Once the power is off, you can start clearing any large objects that could be hindering the air condenser. This means sweeping off any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has built up around or on the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice attachments is a great way to get into the nooks and crevices and loosen dust, dirt or other debris that may have accumulated.
The coils must be cleaned. Be sure to have a few essential tools on hand before you start. This will include a concentrate of the coil cleaner, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden 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 too much pressure when washing the coils since the fins could easily be bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should look them over for any indications of damage. Over time, hail or rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other things can harm the coil’s fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins to ensure improved airflow and coil performance.
If the fins and coils are in good shape Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the fins and coils, you can go back to your home and start your air conditioner. After approximately 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat and ensure that the temperatures are in line with normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is designed to bring air from outside into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout your home. The air is moved from the evaporator coil of your condenser unit and then to your house’s vents and registers through a network of ducts. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other pollutants if they are not cleaned and sealed correctly. This can block the air filters which reduces the effectiveness of your system as well as strains your AC unit.
In the majority of cases, cleaning the ductwork isn’t an easy task and requires professional equipment and techniques. There are a few things you can do regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and in good working order. To prevent dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, change your filter regularly. This will also help prevent clogging, which can result in a decrease in system efficiency and a higher cost for energy.
Another way to help keep your ducts tidy is to regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. Utilizing the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all the cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time, and aid in improving air flow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed tightly and are insulated to prevent moisture from getting in, which could cause mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that are not cleaned on a regular basis can be filled with a wide variety of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can cause allergies and respiratory problems particularly in the elderly and children. In addition, moisture in ductwork may result in the growth of mold, which releases spores into air and poses health risks for those suffering from respiratory problems.
It is recommended to clean your ductwork every three to five year to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. If your ducts have been well-sealed, and you replace your filter on a regular basis It may not be necessary to clean them. The best way to know for sure is by having your ducts tested. A contractor accredited by the EPA will use specific testing methods to determine the amount of particles present in your ductwork. They can then recommend cleaning schedules that are suitable for your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential component of the system. It needs to operate properly to deliver cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working in the way it should it could affect your productivity and lead to the equipment to shut down. However, preventive maintenance can assist in identifying issues that are minor and avoid excessive downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by keeping your unit as good as possible.
A loss of cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem with a compressor. It could be caused by several different causes. A compressor may be working 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 blocked filter. Filters that are blocked can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To avoid this, it is crucial to clean or replace the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
A clogged filter may also cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings require to be replaced. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is recommended. A belt or pulley that is loose can slip and lead to compressor overheating and other problems. It is recommended to drain the compressor regularly. This will get rid of the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team can also check for air leaks in the hoses, and ensure an adequate seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
A puddle of liquid in the vicinity of the compressor could be a sign of a leak. This could be a risky problem and needs to be fixed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, turn off the compressor that is running and then contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is like the head of your entire HVAC system, and it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing a technician will look at when trouble arises. A well-maintained thermostat is essential for the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most neglected maintenance items. The most common signs that your thermostat needs a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which can cause the device to display incorrectly. You can prevent these issues by checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a the use of 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 referred to as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. These issues can be resolved by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.
Check the breakers for both your thermostat and HVAC equipment in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll require resetting in order for the thermostat to connect with the system once more.
It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Look for signs of dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to sunlight. Examine the fan blades for signs of damage and rust. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it possibly can.
Basic hvac maintenance is a great method to save energy and maintain comfort in your commercial space. It also increases the lifespan of heating and cooling equipment. You can keep your building at all times comfortable by identifying issues with your thermostat, resetting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional if you are having other issues or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system.
