The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it is about your cooling and heating system, routine maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan that you pay a low monthly rate to get the system checked out, fixed or cleaned when needed.

It’s also a good idea to perform some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the space around outdoor units free of any debris to ensure the proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils that make up your air conditioner’s condenser are the heart of the cooling process. If they are dirty, your system will struggle to cool properly and may even fail to function properly. Cleaning them is a crucial component of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to do. This simple DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs and prolong the life of your air cooling.

It is vital to cut off power from your unit before you disconnect it. This can be done by shutting off the breaker inside your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will keep your motors and other electrical components from being oversaturated when cleaning.

Once the power is off it is now time to remove any large debris that is obstructing the air condenser unit. This means sweeping up any sticks, leaves or other debris that has accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum with a crevice tool is a great tool to reach into the crevices, nooks, and loosen dirt or dust that has been accumulating.

The coils need to be cleaned. Before doing this, though, make sure that you have on-hand several essential tools. These include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label, then rinse it off using a water hose. It is crucial not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils because the fins may be bent.

After the coils have been cleaned, you should look them over for any indications of damage. Over time, hail or rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other items can damage the coil’s fins. If the fins are bent, a cost-effective tool called a fin comb can straighten them to improve air flow and assist in ensuring that the coils operate more efficiently.

When the fins and coils are in good condition Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the fins and coils, you can return to your house and switch on your air conditioner. After about 24 hours, you should check the thermostat to ensure that the temperatures are in line with normal.

Cleaning the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is designed to bring outside air into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout your house. The air moves from the evaporator coil of your condenser unit to your house’s vents and registers through a network of ducts. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t maintained and sealed correctly. This can block the air filters which can reduce the effectiveness of your system and burdens your AC unit.

In the majority of cases, cleaning the ductwork is not an easy job and requires expert equipment and methods. However, there are some actions you can take on a regular basis to make sure your ducts are clean and well-functioning. First, make sure you change your filter regularly to keep dust and allergens out of building into the ducts. This also helps to stop the clogging that could lead to reduced system efficiency and high energy bills.

Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is a different method to keep your ducts cleaner. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner can remove all the cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time and help to improve air flow through the vent. Also, make sure that your ducts have been sealed tightly and are lined to stop moisture from getting in, which could lead to mold and other biological contaminants.

If ducts aren’t regularly cleaned, they may build up a myriad of contaminants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory and allergies particularly in children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, releasing the spores that can be harmful to people suffering from respiratory issues.

It is recommended that you 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 regularly change your filters the cleaning of your ducts may not be required at all. The best way to know for certain is to have your ducts tested. A contractor accredited by the EPA can employ special testing techniques to determine the amount of particles present in your ductwork. They will then suggest cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your specific situation.

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 operating in the way it should, this can impact your productivity and result in interruption to your equipment. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues earlier, avoiding excessive downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by keeping your equipment in the best condition possible.

A reduction in cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem in the compressor. This could be caused by several different causes. One possibility is that the compressor may be overworking because of poor airflow. This could cause bearings to wear down and decrease the life of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a blocked filter. If the filter is clogged, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. To avoid this, it is important to clean or change the filters frequently, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

A blocked filter can cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are wearing out and need to be replaced. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is a good idea. A loose belt or pulley can slip, causing the compressor to overheat and create other problems. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor frequently. This will remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will check for leaks in the hoses, as well as a tight seal on the pressure sensor and compressor.

A pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor can be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This could be a risky problem and needs to be fixed right away. If you suspect 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’s any issue. A well-maintained thermostat is vital to the smooth operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most frequently neglected maintenance items. Check your thermostat if observe inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which can cause the device to display incorrectly. Regularly checking your thermostat’s accuracy with a separate thermometer will aid in avoiding these issues and conserve energy.

A faulty sensor, or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to turn off and on continuously. This is known as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. This issue can be solved by replacing the batteries in the thermostat 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 tripped, it will need to be reset to allow the thermostat to connect with the system again.

Check your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Look for indications of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Lastly, the fan blades must be inspected for any signs of rust or damage. These simple checks can help avoid expensive repairs in the future, and ensure your equipment is running as smoothly as possible.

The simple maintenance of hvac systems on your commercial property is an excellent method to cut energy consumption, ensure comfort, and extend the lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment. It is possible to keep your building comfortable throughout the year by identifying issues with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Just remember that in case you experience any other issues or are unsure of the issue make sure to contact an expert.