The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it concerns your cooling and heating system, routine maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. The majority of HVAC companies have a maintenance plan that allows you to pay each month to have your system checked and cleaned, or repaired as needed.

It is also recommended to perform DIY maintenance throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the areas around outdoor units clear of any debris to ensure proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils that make up your air conditioner’s condenser are the mainstay of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool and may even breakdown. Cleaning them is a crucial component of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to accomplish. This simple DIY task can avoid the need for expensive repairs, and save you money on your energy bills and extend the life of your air conditioning unit.

First and foremost, it is crucial to shut off the power source to your unit. This can be done by turning off the breaker in your electrical box or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded while cleaning.

Once the power has been turned off, you can start removing any large objects that could be blocking the condenser’s air. This includes taking away any leaves, sticks or other debris that have built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice attachment is a great option to reach into the nooks and crannies and loosen any dirt, dust or other debris that has collected.

The coils must be cleaned. Be sure to have the necessary tools in your arsenal before you start. This will include a concentrate of the coil cleaner, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label, and then rinse it off with the garden hose. When washing the coils it is essential not to use too much force as the fins are easily bent.

After the coils have been cleaned, examine them for indications of damage. Over time, hail or rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other objects can cause damage to the coil’s fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool known as a fin-comb can straighten them for better air flow and also to assist in ensuring that the coils operate more efficiently.

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 conditioner. After about 24 hours, you should check the thermostat to ensure that temperatures are normal.

Cleaning the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it and distributing it throughout the home. The air moves from the evaporator coil in your condenser unit and then to your home’s vents and registers through a network of ducts. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other pollutants if they are not cleaned and sealed properly. This can block the air filters and reduces the efficiency of the system and strains your AC unit.

In most instances, cleaning ductwork isn’t an easy task that requires the help of professional equipment and techniques. However, there are some things you can do regularly to make sure your ducts are clean and functioning well. To prevent dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts, you should change your filter regularly. This can also help stop the clogging that could result in a lower efficiency of the system and higher energy costs.

Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is another method to keep your ducts clean. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will remove all the cobwebs, crumbs and other debris that has been accumulating over time. This will improve 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 can be filled with a wide variety of pollutants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of allergies and respiratory conditions particularly for children and the elderly. Moisture in ductwork can also cause the growth of mold which releases spores in the air and can cause health issues for those with respiratory issues.

It is generally recommended to have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is working effectively. However If your ducts are well-sealed and you regularly change your filters it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be required at all. You can be certain by having your ducts checked. A certified contractor can employ specific testing methods to determine the amount of dust particles within your ductwork, and will suggest suitable cleaning schedules based upon your specific situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a crucial component of the system. It needs to operate correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating properly it could affect your productivity and cause downtime for your equipment. Preventive maintenance can help spot small issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. Performing these routine checks can also help you save money by ensuring that your equipment is in good shape for as long as is possible.

The most common sign of a compressor issue is a reduction in cooling capacity, however this could be due to a number of different factors. One possibility is that a compressor could be overworking because of poor airflow. This can cause bearings to wear out and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another common problem is a blocked filter. Filters that are clogged can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this, it is important to clean or change the filters regularly based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.

A blocked filter could cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are wearing out and require to be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is recommended. A worn-out belt or pulley can cause the compressor to overheat and create other problems. It is also a good idea to drain your compressor frequently. This will remove 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.

Lastly, a puddle of water near the compressor can be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This is a risky problem that must be dealt with 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 look at the thermostat first when there is any issue. It’s also one of the most often neglected maintenance items, but a properly maintained thermostat is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Check your thermostat if find inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which can cause the thermostat to display inaccurately. Regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a separate thermometer can aid in avoiding these issues and save energy.

A faulty sensor or calibration could lead to your system continuously turning on and off this is known as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. Fortunately this can be fixed with simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breakers.

Check the breakers for your HVAC and thermostat in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker tripped, you will need to reset it in order for your thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.

It is also essential to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Check for evidence of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Examine the fan blades for signs of damage and rust. These simple checks can help avoid costly repairs in the future, and will ensure that your equipment is operating as smoothly as it can.

Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial property is a great way to reduce energy consumption, ensure comfort and prolong the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building warm all year. Be sure to call an expert if you’re experiencing any other issues or unsure of what is going on with your system.