The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is crucial when it concerns cooling and heating systems. It will allow you to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan where you pay an affordable monthly fee to get the system checked out, fixed or cleaned if necessary.
It’s also a good idea to perform a few DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area surrounding the outdoor units free of debris will promote proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils inside the condenser of your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty the system will be unable to cool properly and could even fail. Cleaning them is a crucial part of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, fairly easy to do. This easy DIY task will save you money, prevent expensive repairs and extend the life span of your air conditioner.
It is crucial to disconnect power from your unit before you disconnect it. You can do this by shutting off the breaker on your electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will safeguard your electrical components and motors from being flooded when cleaning.
After the power has been shut off, you can begin to clear any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This means cleaning up any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum that has a crevice tool is an excellent way to reach into the nooks, crannies, and loosen dirt or dust that has built up.
The next step is to clean the coils. Before you do this however, make sure you have some essential tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates as well as a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the instructions on the product’s label and rinse with the hose. It is important not to use excessive pressure when washing the coils as the fins can easily be bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, look them over for any indications of damage. Over time, hail and rocks that are thrown by lawnmowers and other items could damage the coil fins. If the fins are bent, a low-cost tool called a fin comb can straighten them for better air flow and to aid in the operation of the coils more effectively.
When you have a great coil and fin setup, you can switch on your air conditioner. After approximately 24 hours, you should check the thermostat and ensure that the temperatures are in line with normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring outside air into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout your home. The air is moved from the evaporator coil inside the condenser unit to your home’s vents and registers through a duct system. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they may become loaded with dust and other contaminants. This could block air filters, which decreases the efficiency of your system and burdens your AC unit.
Cleaning ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires expert equipment and methods. However, there are a few things you can do regularly to ensure your ducts remain clean and well-functioning. First, change your filter regularly to keep dust and allergens from building in the ducts. This also helps to stop the clogging that could lead to reduced system efficiency and higher energy costs.
Another way to keep your ducts tidy is to regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner can remove all dust and crumbs that build up over time and assist in improving airflow through the vent. It’s also important to ensure that your ducts are properly sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts aren’t cleaned regularly, they could accumulate a variety of contaminants like dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can trigger allergies and respiratory conditions particularly in children and the elderly. The moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, releasing spores that are harmful to people suffering from respiratory issues.
It is recommended to clean your ductwork every three to five years to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. However, if your ducts are well-sealed and you change your filters regularly it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be necessary at all. You can only be certain that your ducts are in good condition by having them checked. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to gauge the amount of particulates in your ductwork and will suggest appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a critical component of the system. It has to be able to deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating in the way it should it could affect your productivity and lead to downtime for your equipment. However, preventive maintenance can assist in identifying issues that are minor and avoid excessive downtime. Performing these routine checks can also help you save money by keeping your unit in good working order for as long as it is possible.
A decrease in cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem in a compressor. This can be caused by several different factors. A compressor may be operating too hard due to poor airflow. This can wear out the bearings and decrease the lifespan of the compressor. Another common problem is a blocked filter. Filters that are clogged can reduce airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is important to clean or change the filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
A clogged filter may also cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings must be replaced. It is recommended to replace belts and pulleys regularly. A worn belt or pulley can slip and lead to compressor overheating and other problems. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will eliminate moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also examine for air leaks within the hoses as well as an adequate seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
A puddle of liquid in the vicinity of the compressor could be an indicator of leak. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, switch off the air compressor and contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not a surprise that a technician will examine the thermostat first if there’s a problem. A properly maintained thermostat is vital to the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items. Common signs that your thermostat is in need of an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which can cause the device to display incorrectly. You can prevent these issues by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a the use of a separate thermometer.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration could lead to your system continuously switching on and off, which is referred to as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort and result in excessive wear and tear on the compressor. The problem can be fixed by replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat at all it’s recommended to examine the breakers that control both the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has been tripped, it will have to be reset to allow the thermostat to communicate with the system.
It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Check for evidence of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to sunlight. Check the fan blades for signs of damage and rust. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it possibly can.
Basic maintenance of hvac is a great way to save energy and maintain comfort in your commercial space. It will also extend the life of heating and cooling equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building comfortable all year. Remember to call a professional if you are experiencing any other issues or unsure of what is wrong with your system.
