The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is key when it is concerned with cooling and heating systems. It will allow you to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that you pay the monthly cost to have the system checked out, fixed or cleaned as necessary.
It’s also an excellent idea to carry out some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units free of clutter will help ensure proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils inside the condenser in your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they are dirty, you system will struggle to cool, and it could even breakdown. Cleaning them is an essential aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to do. This simple DIY task can prevent the need for expensive repairs, and save you money on your energy bills, and prolong the life of your air conditioning unit.
In the beginning, it is essential to cut off the power to your unit. You can do this by turning off the breaker at your electrical box or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will keep your motors and other electrical components from being oversaturated during cleaning.
Once the power is off it is now time to clear any large debris that is obstructing the air condenser unit. This will include cleaning up any leaves, sticks or other debris that has built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice tools is a great way to get into the nooks, crannies, and loosen dirt or dust that has accumulated.
The coils need to be cleaned. Make sure you have a few essential tools on hand before you begin. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate as well as a pump-up garden sprayer as well as the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the label of the product and then rinse using the hose. When washing the coils, it is important to not use too much force as the fins can be bent easily.
You should inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time hail, stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other items can damage the coil fins. If the fins are bent, a low-cost tool called a fin comb can straighten them to improve air flow and also to help the coils function more effectively.
Once you have a good coil and fin setup then you can start your air conditioner. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to make sure temperatures are within the normal range.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it and distributing it throughout your home. The air travels from the evaporator coil of your condenser unit to your home’s vents and registers through a system of ducts. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other contaminants when they aren’t cleaned and sealed properly. This can block the 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. However, there are some actions you can take regularly to ensure that your ducts stay in good condition and function properly. To prevent dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, change your filter on a regular basis. This will also help to prevent clogging, which can lead to a reduced system efficiency and higher energy costs.
Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is an additional method to keep your ducts clean. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will get rid of all traces of dust, crumbs and other debris that have been accumulating over time. This will improve airflow through the vent. It’s also important to make sure your ducts are tightly sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that have not been cleaned on a regular basis are likely to be contaminated with a myriad of pollutants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory issues and allergies particularly for older people and children. The moisture in ductwork can result in 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 ducts cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is operating efficiently. However it is possible that 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 for sure is by having your ducts examined. A certified contractor can employ specific testing methods to determine the amount of particulates in your ductwork and can recommend appropriate cleaning schedules based on your specific 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 in the way it should and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and lead to the equipment to shut down. Preventive maintenance can help identify minor issues early, preventing excessive downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by ensuring that your unit as good as possible.
A reduction in cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem with a compressor. This can be caused by a variety of reasons. A compressor could be working too hard due to poor airflow. This could cause bearings to wear down and decrease the life of the compressor. A clogged air filter is another frequent issue. If the filter is blocked it can impede airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. To prevent this from happening, it is important to clean or replace the filters on a regular basis, based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.
A clogged filter may also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are wearing out and must be replaced. Regularly replacing pulleys and belts is a good idea. A worn belt or pulley can slip and lead to overheating of the compressor and other issues. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor frequently. This will remove the accumulated moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also check for leaks in the pipes, and ensure a tight seal on the compressor and pressure sensor.
A pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor could be an indication of a leak in the refrigerant. This is a potentially dangerous problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor. Get a professional to assist you.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the boss of your entire HVAC system, and it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will inspect when a problem occurs. A well-maintained thermostat is crucial to the smooth operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most frequently neglected maintenance items. The most common signs that your thermostat requires a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which could cause the device to display inaccurately. You can prevent these issues by ensuring the accuracy of your thermostat by using a the use of a separate thermometer.
A malfunctioning sensor, or a flawed calibration could cause your system to cycle on and off in a continuous manner. This is called short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort as well as cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. Fortunately this can be resolved with the simple act of replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting the breakers.
Check the breakers for your HVAC equipment and thermostat If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat. If the breaker has been tripped, it will need to be reset in order for the thermostat to connect with the system once more.
It is also essential to examine your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Check for indications of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t too exposed to sunlight. Check the fan blades for signs of damage and rust. These simple checks can help avoid costly repairs in the future, and help ensure that your equipment is operating as efficiently as possible.
Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial property is an excellent method to cut energy consumption, ensure comfort, and extend the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building comfortable all year. Be sure to call a professional if you are experiencing any other issues or aren’t sure what’s the issue with your system.
