The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your heating and cooling system, regular maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that you pay an affordable monthly fee to have your system checked, fixed or cleaned as necessary.
It’s also recommended to do some DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units free of debris to promote the proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in the condenser of your air conditioner are the mainstay of the cooling process. If they’re dirty the system is likely to struggle to cool and may even break down. Cleaning them is an important part of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to do. This easy DIY task can avoid the need for costly repairs, and save you money on your energy bills, and prolong the life of your air conditioning unit.
First and foremost, it is important to disconnect the power supply to your unit. You can do this by turning off the breaker on your electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded while cleaning.
When the power is turned off, you can begin to remove any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This will include cleaning up any leaves, sticks or other debris that has been accumulating on or around the unit. Using a shop vacuum with a crevice attachment is a great method to get into the crevices and nooks and remove dust, dirt or other debris that has collected.
The coils require to be cleaned. Before doing this, though, make sure you have several essential tools. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate as well as a pump-up garden sprayer as well as the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the directions on the product’s label and then rinse it off using the hose. It is important not to use too much pressure when washing the coils as the fins can easily be bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, inspect them for any indications of damage. Over time hail or stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other items can damage the coil’s fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and coil performance.
After you have a proper coil and fin setup and you are ready to switch on your air conditioner. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to confirm that temperatures are within the normal range.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works by bringing air from outside, cooling it and then distributing it throughout your home. The air is transported from the evaporator in your condenser to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by the system duct. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other contaminants when they aren’t cleaned and sealed correctly. This can clog the air filters which reduces the effectiveness of your system as well as burdens your AC unit.
In most instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy task and requires the help of professional equipment and techniques. There are a few things you can do to keep your ducts tidy and functioning properly. First, make sure you change your filter on a regular basis to prevent dust and allergens from building up in the ducts. This can also help prevent clogging, which can lead to a reduced system efficiency and higher energy bills.
Cleaning the area around the vent openings is another way to keep your ducts cleaner. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all the cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time and help to improve air flow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture which can lead to 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 cause respiratory and allergy conditions especially 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 who suffer from respiratory issues.
It is generally recommended to have your ducts cleaned every three to five years to remove these contaminants and ensure your HVAC system is working efficiently. If your ducts are well-sealed, and you replace your filter on a regular basis, it may not be necessary to clean them. The best way to know the truth is to have your ducts examined. A certified contractor can employ specific testing methods to determine the amount of particles within your ductwork, and will suggest appropriate cleaning schedules based on your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a critical element of the system. It must be able to supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating in the way it should it could affect your productivity and cause equipment downtime. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to assist in identifying issues that are minor and prevent unnecessary downtime. Conducting these regular checks can also save you money by keeping your unit in good shape for as long as is possible.
The most common indication of a problem with a compressor is a loss in cooling capacity, although this could be due to various factors. One possibility is that the compressor may be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This could cause the bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a blocked filter. Filters that are blocked can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this, it is crucial to clean or change the filters frequently, according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
A blocked filter could cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings need to be changed. It is recommended to replace pulleys and belts on a regular basis. A belt or pulley that is loose can cause slippage and cause overheating of the compressor and other issues. It is also a good 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 pipes, and ensure an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.
A small puddle of water around the compressor can be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This can be a dangerous issue and should be repaired immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the air compressor. Contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the head of your HVAC system, so it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will inspect when a problem arises. A well-maintained thermostat is essential for the efficient operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most neglected maintenance items. The most common signs that your thermostat requires periodic inspections include incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can become dirty over time, which could cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. You can avoid this issue by checking the accuracy of your thermostat using a an additional thermometer.
A faulty sensor, or a flawed calibration could cause your system to cycle on and off continuously. This is known as short cycling. This can affect your comfort, and cause unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. These issues can be resolved by simply replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breakers.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat at all It’s an excellent idea to look at the breakers that regulate the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped it, you’ll need to reset it to allow your thermostat to communicate again with the system.
Check your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Look for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat is not overly exposed to the sun. Lastly, the fan blades need to be examined for indications of rust or damage. These simple checks will help prevent costly repairs in the future, and ensure your equipment is operating as smoothly as possible.
The simple maintenance of hvac systems on your commercial building is a great way to reduce energy costs, maintain comfort, and extend the life of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, setting the breaker and replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building comfortable all year. Be sure to call a professional if you are having any other problems or are unsure of what’s the issue with your system.
