The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your heating and cooling system, 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 offer a maintenance plan where you pay the monthly cost to have the system checked, fixed or cleaned as necessary.
It’s also recommended to do some DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the areas around outdoor units clear of debris to promote the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in the condenser of your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool and may even fail. This is why cleaning them is a crucial component of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to accomplish. This simple DIY task will eliminate the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills, and prolong the life of your air conditioning unit.
It is vital to cut off power from your unit first. This can be done by turning off the breaker inside your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will keep your motors and other electrical components from being oversaturated while cleaning.
After the power has been shut off, you can begin taking down any large debris that could be blocking the condenser’s air. This includes cleaning up any sticks, leaves, or other debris that have built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum with crevice tools is an excellent way to reach into the crevices, nooks, and loosen dust or dirt that has been accumulating.
The coils must be cleaned. Before you begin, though, make sure that you have in your possession a few key tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates and a pump-up garden sprayer as well as an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the instructions on the label, then rinse it off with a garden hose. When washing the coils, it is important to not use too much force as the fins are easily bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, inspect them for any signs of damage. Over time, the impact of hail and stones thrown from lawnmowers or other items could damage the coil fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and coil performance.
When you have a great coil and fin set up, you can start your air conditioner. After approximately 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat and make sure that temperatures are normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works by bringing air from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout your home. Air is transported from the evaporator of the condenser to your home’s registers and vents via the system duct. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they may become loaded with dirt and other contaminates. This clogs the air filters which reduces the efficiency of the system and puts strain on your AC unit.
Cleaning ductwork can be a difficult task that requires expert equipment and methods. However, there are a few actions you can take on a regular basis to ensure that your ducts are clean and functioning well. To stop dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, it is recommended to change your filter frequently. This also helps to keep the clogs from occurring which can cause a decrease in system efficiency and high energy bills.
Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is an additional method to keep your ducts in good shape. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will get rid of all traces of dust, crumbs and other debris that has been accumulating over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. It’s also important to make sure your ducts are sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that aren’t cleaned on a regular basis are likely to be contaminated 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 the air and can cause health issues for those who suffer from respiratory ailments.
It is generally recommended to get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to remove the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is operating effectively. If your ducts have been sealed properly, and you change your filter regularly It may not be necessary to clean them. The best way to be able to tell for certain is to have your ducts examined. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to gauge the amount of particles in your ductwork, and will suggest appropriate cleaning schedules based on the specific circumstances.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential element of the system. It needs to operate properly to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working as it should it could affect your productivity and result in equipment downtime. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues earlier, avoiding unnecessary downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by keeping your equipment in the best condition possible.
The most common sign of a compressor issue is a loss in cooling capacity, but this could be caused by many different causes. One possibility is that a compressor may be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This could wear out the bearings and decrease the lifespan of the compressor. A clogged air filter is a different issue. If the filter is clogged it can impede airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. It is crucial to clean or change the filters according to manufacturer’s guidelines.
A blocked filter could cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings require to be replaced. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A belt or pulley that is loose could cause slipping and result in compressor overheating and other problems. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will eliminate the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also examine for air leaks within the hoses and an adequate seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
A pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor can be an indication of a leak in the refrigerant. This could be a dangerous problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect a leak, shut off the air compressor. Get a professional to assist you.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the boss of your HVAC system, and it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing that a technician will check 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. Examine your thermostat if you notice incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which can cause the device to display inaccurately. You can avoid these problems by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with the use of a separate thermometer.
A defective sensor or a faulty calibration can cause your system to turn off and on continuously. This is known as short cycling. This can negatively impact your comfort and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. This issue can be solved by replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breaker.
Check the breakers for your HVAC equipment and thermostat If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat. If the breaker tripped it, you’ll need to reset it in order for your thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.
Check your thermostat for indications of wear and damage. Look for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat is not too much 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 is running as smoothly as possible.
Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent way to cut down on energy consumption, ensure comfort and extend the longevity of your heating and cooling equipment. You can keep your building comfortable throughout the year by identifying any issues with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker and changing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional if you are experiencing any other issues or are unsure of what’s the issue with your system.
