The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your heating and cooling system, maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan that you pay the monthly cost to get the system checked, fixed or cleaned when required.
You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around the outdoor units free of any debris will ensure proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in the condenser of your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they are dirty your system is likely to struggle to cool and could even fail. This is why cleaning them is a vital part of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, relatively simple to complete. This simple DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the lifespan of your air conditioner.
It is the first step. It is crucial to shut off the power supply to your unit. This can be done by shutting off the breaker in the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your electrical components and motors from being oversaturated when cleaning.
Once the power has been turned off, you can start taking down any large objects that could be hindering the condenser’s air. This includes cleaning up any leaves, sticks or other debris that have built up on or around the unit. Using a shop vacuum with crevice attachments is a great option to reach into the nooks and crannies and remove any dirt, dust or other debris that has accumulated.
The coils need to be cleaned. Before doing this however, ensure that you have on-hand a few key tools. These will include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden hose and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the directions on the label of the product and then rinse it off using the hose. It is important not to use too much pressure when washing the coils, since the fins could easily be bent.
You should examine the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time, the impact of hail and stones dropped by lawnmowers or other objects can cause damage to coil fins. If the fins are bent, a low-cost tool known as a fin-comb can straighten them for better air flow and aid in the operation of the coils more efficiently.
Once you have a good coil and fin setup then you can start your air conditioner. After around 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat to ensure that the temperatures are in line with normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring outside air into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout your house. The air travels from the evaporator coil in your condenser unit and then to your home’s vents and registers through a duct system. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other contaminants when they aren’t maintained and sealed correctly. This could block air filters, which decreases the effectiveness of your system and can strain your AC unit.
In the majority of cases, cleaning the ductwork isn’t an easy job and requires the help of professional equipment and techniques. There are some things you can do regularly to keep your ducts clean and in good working order. To stop dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, you should change your filter regularly. This can also help stop clogging, which could lead to a reduced system efficiency and a higher cost for energy.
Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is an additional way to keep your ducts clean. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will get rid of all traces of dust, crumbs and other debris that has accumulated over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. Also, make sure that your ducts are sealed well and are insulated to prevent moisture from getting in, which could cause mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they can collect a variety of pollutants such as dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of respiratory issues and allergies, especially for children and the elderly. In addition, moisture in ductwork may result in the growth of mold, which releases spores into the air and poses health concerns for those with respiratory ailments.
It is recommended to clean your ductwork every three to five year to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is functioning efficiently. However If your ducts are sealed properly and you regularly change your filters it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be required at all. You can only be certain by having your ducts checked. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to gauge the amount of dust particles in your ductwork, and will recommend the appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential element of the system. It should be able provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working properly, it could affect your productivity and result in delays for your equipment. Preventive maintenance can help identify small issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by ensuring that your equipment as efficient as possible.
A reduction in cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem in the compressor. It could be caused by several different factors. One possibility is that the compressor may be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This could cause bearings to wear down and decrease the life of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a clogged filter. Filters that are clogged can reduce airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this from happening, it is essential to clean or change the filters frequently, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A blocked filter could cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are wearing out and require to be replaced. It is recommended to replace belts and pulleys on a regular basis. A belt or pulley that is loose can cause slippage and cause overheating of the compressor and other issues. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor on a regular basis. This will eliminate the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also look for air leaks in the hoses, and ensure a tight seal between the compressor and pressure switch.
A puddle of liquid close to the compressor could be a sign of an issue. This could be a dangerous problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, switch off the compressor that is running and then contact an expert.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat acts like the boss of your HVAC system, so it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will inspect when a problem occurs. It’s also one of the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, yet an appropriately maintained thermostat is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Common signs that your thermostat needs an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the thermostat’s sensors will get dirty. This could cause it to display incorrectly. You can prevent these issues by checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a an additional thermometer.
A faulty sensor, or a faulty calibration can cause your system to turn off and on in a continuous manner. 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. Fortunately, these issues can often be corrected by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.
Check the breakers for both your HVAC and thermostat if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has been tripped, it will need to be reset to allow the thermostat to connect with the system.
Check your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Check for signs of dirt or dust, and make sure the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Lastly, the fan blades should be checked for any signs of damage or rust. These simple checks will help prevent expensive repairs in the future, and will ensure that your equipment is operating as efficiently as it can.
Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent way to cut down on the cost of energy, maintain comfort, and extend the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. You can ensure that your building stays cool throughout the year by identifying issues with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker, and then replacing your batteries. Make sure to contact a professional if you are having other issues or aren’t sure what’s going on with your system.
