The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance is crucial when it is concerned with HVAC and cooling systems. It will help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan that you pay the monthly cost to have your system checked, fixed or cleaned as needed.

It’s also a good idea to perform some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around outdoor units clear of clutter will help ensure proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils in the condenser in your air conditioner are the mainstay of the cooling process. If they’re dirty the system is likely to struggle to cool and could even fail. This is why cleaning them is a crucial part of HVAC maintenance. Fortunately, it is also relatively simple to complete. This easy DIY task will help you save money, avoid expensive repairs and extend the life span of your air cooling.

First and foremost, it is crucial to shut off the power to your unit. You can do this by turning off the breaker in your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will stop your motors and other electrical components from being oversaturated while cleaning.

Once the power is off, you can begin to clean up any large debris that is obstructing the air condenser unit. This includes cleaning off any sticks, leaves or other debris that have been accumulating on or around the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has crevice attachments is a great option to get into the crevices and nooks and loosen any dust, dirt or other debris that has collected.

Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before you begin however, make sure you have a few key tools. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate, a pump up garden sprayer and an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label, then rinse with the garden hose. When washing the coils it is important to not use excessive force since the fins can bend easily.

You should examine the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time, hail or rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other things can harm the coil’s fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins to ensure improved airflow and coil performance.

Once the coils and fins are in good shape, you can return to your house and turn on your air conditioning. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to ensure temperatures are within the normal range.

Cleaning the Ductwork

Your HVAC system works by bringing air from outside, cooling it and then distributing it throughout your home. The air travels from the evaporator coil in your condenser unit to the vents and registers of your home through a duct system. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other contaminants if they are not cleaned and sealed correctly. This can clog the air filters which can reduce the effectiveness of your system and can strain your AC unit.

In most cases, cleaning the ductwork is not an easy job and requires expert equipment and techniques. There are a few actions you can take regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and working well. First, make sure you change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens out of building in the ducts. This will also help prevent clogging, which can lead to a reduced system efficiency and a higher cost for energy.

Cleaning the area around the vent openings is an additional method to keep your ducts clean. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can eliminate all cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time, and assist in improving airflow through the vent. It’s also important to ensure that your ducts are properly sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.

If ducts aren’t cleaned regularly, they could build up a myriad of contaminants like dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of respiratory issues and allergies particularly for children and the elderly. In addition, moisture in ductwork may cause the growth of mold, which releases spores into the air and can cause health issues for those suffering from respiratory ailments.

It is recommended to clean your ducts once every three to five years to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC works 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. You can only be sure that your ducts are in good condition by having them checked. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA can employ special testing methods in order to measure the amount particulates found in your ductwork. They can then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an important component of the system. It has to be able to supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning properly, it can affect your productivity and result in delays for your equipment. Preventive maintenance can help spot small issues early, preventing excessive downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by making sure that your equipment in the best condition possible.

A common indication of a problem with a compressor is a decrease in cooling capacity, however this could be due to many different causes. One possibility is that a compressor could be overworking because of poor airflow. This can cause bearings to wear down and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a clogged filter. If the filter is clogged, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. It is crucial to change or clean the filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

A blocked filter can cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings must be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A worn-out belt or pulley could cause the compressor to overheat, causing other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will get rid of the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will check for leaks in the hoses, as well as a tight seal on the pressure sensor and compressor.

A puddle of liquid close to the compressor could be a sign of an issue. This could be a risky issue that needs to be addressed right away. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the compressor that is running and then contact a professional.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat acts like the boss of your HVAC system, and it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing that a technician will look at when trouble occurs. It’s also among the most often neglected maintenance items, yet an appropriately maintained thermostat is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Check your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors can become dirty over time, which could cause the device to display inaccurately. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly by using a separate thermometer can assist you in avoiding these issues and help you save energy.

A defective sensor or a flawed calibration could cause your system to cycle on and off constantly. This is referred to as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. This issue can be solved by replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.

Check the breakers for your thermostat and HVAC equipment if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll need to be reset to allow the thermostat to be able to communicate with the system again.

Check your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Look for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to the sun. Lastly, the fan blades should be checked for signs of rust or damage. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as it possibly can.

Basic hvac maintenance is a great way to cut down on energy costs and ensure comfort in your commercial space. It also increases the life of heating and cooling equipment. You can ensure that your building stays at all times comfortable by identifying issues with your thermostat, setting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Make sure that if you have any other issues, or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system you should always consult a professional.