The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is essential when it comes to cooling and heating systems. It will allow you to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies have a maintenance plan that allows you to pay each month to have the system checked and cleaned, or repaired as required.
It’s also an excellent idea to carry out a few DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area surrounding outdoor units clear of debris will promote proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your air conditioner condenser are at the heart the cooling process. If they are dirty, you system will struggle to cool and may even fail. Cleaning them is an essential aspect of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to do. This simple DIY task will save you money, avoid costly repairs and prolong the life span of your air cooling.
In the beginning, it is essential to cut off the power supply to your unit. You can do this by shutting off the breaker in your electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will safeguard your motors and electrical components from being over-saturated during cleaning.
Once the power has been shut off, you can begin removing any large debris that may be hindering the condenser’s air. This includes sweeping up any leaves, sticks, or other debris that have accumulated around or on the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice tool is a great tool to get into the nooks and crannies and remove dirt or dust that has accumulated.
The coils require to be cleaned. Before you begin, though, make sure you have a few key tools. This will include a concentrate of the coil cleaner and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the instructions on the label, and then rinse it off using a garden hose. It is essential not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils since the fins could easily be bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should examine them for indications 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 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 return to your home and start your air conditioning. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to ensure the temperatures are in good shape.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works to bring outside air into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout the home. Air is moved from the evaporator inside your condenser to your home’s registers and vents through a system of ducts. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other pollutants if they are not cleaned and sealed correctly. This could block air filters which can reduce the efficiency of your system and strains your AC unit.
Cleaning ductwork can be a difficult task that requires professional equipment and methods. There are some things you can do regularly to keep your ducts clean and working well. First, make sure you change your filter regularly to keep dust and allergens from building into the ducts. This will also help to stop clogging, which could result in a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy bills.
Another way to help keep your ducts clean is by regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner can remove all the dust and crumbs that build up over time, and will help to improve airflow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts have been sealed tight and insulated to prevent moisture from entering, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that aren’t regularly cleaned are likely to be contaminated with a myriad of contaminants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can trigger respiratory and allergies particularly in children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to develop in ductwork, which releases the spores that can be harmful to those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It’s generally recommended that you have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is operating efficiently. However If your ducts are sealed and you change your filters regularly the cleaning of your ducts may not be required at all. You can only be sure by having your ducts examined. A certified contractor can employ specific testing methods to determine the amount of particles in your ductwork and will recommend the appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential component of the system. It has to be able to deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning in the way it should, this can affect your productivity and cause delays for your equipment. Fortunately, 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 reduction in cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem in a compressor. This can be caused by several different reasons. A compressor may be working too hard due to inadequate airflow. This can wear out the bearings and reduce the life of the compressor. Another common problem is a clogged filter. If the filter is blocked it can impede airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. To prevent this, it is crucial to clean or replace the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Additionally, a blocked filter may also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings must be changed. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A belt or pulley that is loose can slip and lead to compressor overheating and other issues. It is recommended to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will eliminate moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team can look for air leaks in the hoses as well as a tight seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
A puddle of liquid close to the compressor could be an indicator of a leak. This could be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor. Consult a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not too surprising that a technician will check the thermostat first when there is an issue. It’s also among the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, yet a properly maintained thermostat is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Examine your thermostat if you observe inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can become dirty over time, which may cause the device to display incorrectly. You can avoid these problems by checking the accuracy of your thermostat using a the use of a separate thermometer.
A faulty sensor or calibration could lead to your system continuously switching on and off, which is referred to as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort as well as cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. The problem can be fixed by replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breaker.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat at all, it’s an excellent idea to look at the breakers that control the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. 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 make sure that the thermostat isn’t too much exposed to sunlight. Examine the fan blades for signs of rust and damage. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it possibly can.
Basic HVAC maintenance is a great way to reduce energy costs and keep your comfort in a commercial building. It can also prolong the lifespan of heating and cooling equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker and replacing the batteries and fuses, you’ll be able keep your building comfortable all year round. Be sure to call a professional if you have any other issues, or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system make sure to contact an expert.
