The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your heating and cooling system, regular maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. The majority of HVAC companies have a service plan where you pay an annual fee to have the system checked, repaired or cleaned as needed.
It’s also recommended to do a few DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around outdoor units free of clutter to allow for the proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils inside the condenser of your air conditioner are the mainstay of the cooling process. If they are dirty your system will be unable to cool properly and may even break down. Cleaning them is an essential component of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to complete. This easy DIY task can prevent the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills and extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.
In the beginning, it is essential to cut off the power 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 prevent your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded when cleaning.
After the power has been shut off and you are able to remove any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This includes sweeping up any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum with a crevice tool is an excellent way to get into the nooks, crannies and remove dirt or dust that has accumulated.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before you do this however, ensure that you have in your possession some essential tools. These will include a concentrate of the coil cleaner and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the instructions on the label, then rinse it off using the water hose. When washing the coils, it is important to not use excessive force since the fins can be bent easily.
After the coils have been cleaned, inspect them for any signs of damage. Over time, the impact of hail and stones that are thrown by lawnmowers and other items can damage coil fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins for better airflow and coil performance.
Once the coils and fins are in good condition If you are satisfied with the condition of your fins and coils, return to your home and start your air conditioning. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to ensure temperatures are normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works to bring air from outside into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout the house. The air is transported from the evaporator of your condenser to your home’s registers and vents through a system ducts. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they may become clogged with dirt and other contaminates. This can block the air filters, which in turn reduces the efficiency of the system and strains your AC unit.
In most cases, cleaning the ductwork is not an easy task and requires expert equipment and methods. There are some actions you can take regularly to keep your ducts clean and in good working order. To avoid dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, you should change your filter on a regular basis. This can also help keep the clogs from occurring which can lead to reduced system efficiency and a high energy bill.
Cleaning the area around the vent openings is another way to keep your ducts cleaner. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all the dust and crumbs that build up over time, and will help to improve air flow through the vent. It is also essential to make sure your ducts are tightly sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts aren’t cleaned regularly, they can accumulate a variety of contaminants such as dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory conditions particularly for children and the elderly. In addition, moisture in ductwork may result in the growth of mold, which releases spores into air and poses health risks for those with respiratory problems.
It is recommended to clean your ducts every three to five year to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However 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 be able to tell for certain is to have your ducts tested. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to measure the amount of dust particles in your ductwork, and can recommend appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on the specific circumstances.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a critical component of the system. It should be able provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working properly, it can affect your productivity and cause delays for your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can aid in identifying minor issues early and help avoid prolonged downtime. Regularly checking your unit can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment is in good shape for as long as is possible.
A decrease in cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem with the compressor. This can be caused by several different factors. One possibility is that a compressor may be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This can wear out the bearings and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. A clogged air filter is another frequent issue. Filters that have become blocked can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this, it is crucial to clean or replace the filters on a regular basis, based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.
In addition, a clogged filter could create a rattling sound inside the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings need to be changed. Regularly replacing pulleys and belts is an excellent idea. A belt or pulley that is loose could cause slipping and result in compressor overheating and other issues. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will get rid of the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will look for leaks in the hoses, and a tight seal on the compressor and pressure sensor.
A puddle of liquid in the vicinity of the compressor could be a sign of leak. This is a potentially dangerous problem that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor. Contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not a surprise that a technician will examine the thermostat first if there is any issue. It’s also among the most frequently neglected maintenance items, yet an appropriately maintained thermostat is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s operation. Common indicators that your thermostat is in need of periodic inspections include incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which may cause the thermostat to display inaccurately. You can avoid these problems by checking the accuracy of your thermostat with the use of a separate thermometer.
A defective sensor or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to turn off and on continuously. This is called short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort, and cause unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be corrected by simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting the breakers.
Check the breakers for both your HVAC and thermostat in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped it, you’ll need to reset it in order for your thermostat to reconnect with the system.
It is also essential to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Examine for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat is not overly exposed to the sun. Lastly, the fan blades need to be examined for indications of rust or damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future, and will ensure that your equipment is operating as efficiently as possible.
Basic hvac maintenance is a great method to save energy and maintain comfort in your commercial building. It will also extend the life of heating and cooling equipment. By identifying issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building comfortable all year round. Make sure to contact a professional if you are having any other problems or unsure of what is going on with your system.