The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it concerns your heating and cooling system, regular 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 offer a service plan where you pay an affordable monthly fee to have your system checked, fixed or cleaned if required.
You should also carry out some DIY maintenance throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the areas around outdoor units clear of debris to promote the proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils of the condenser of your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, you system will struggle to cool, and it could even breakdown. Cleaning them is a crucial aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to do. This easy DIY task will eliminate the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills and prolong the life of your air conditioning unit.
In the beginning, it is crucial to shut off the power to your unit. This can be accomplished by turning 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 getting overloaded when cleaning.
Once the power has been turned off, you can begin clearing any large objects that could be hindering the condenser air. This includes cleaning up any leaves, sticks, or other debris that have accumulated around or on the unit. A shop vacuum with crevice tools is an excellent way to get into the nooks, crannies and remove dust or dirt that has been accumulating.
The coils require to be cleaned. Before you begin however, ensure that you have on-hand some essential tools. These will include a concentrate of the coil cleaner, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance to the directions on the label, then rinse it off using a hose. When washing the coils it is important to not use too much force since the fins can bend easily.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should examine them for signs of damage. Over time, the impact of hail and stones that are thrown by lawnmowers and other items can damage coil fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins to ensure improved airflow and coil performance.
If the fins and coils are in good shape If you are satisfied with the condition of your fins and coils, return to your home and start your air conditioner. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to ensure the temperatures are in good shape.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring outside air into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout your house. Air is transported from the evaporator inside your condenser unit to your home’s registers and vents via the system duct. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they could be laden with dirt and other contaminates. This causes air filters to become blocked and reduces system efficiency and puts strain on your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork is an extremely difficult job that requires professional equipment and methods. There are some things you can do regularly to keep your ducts clean and working well. To stop dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, you should change your filter on a regular basis. This also helps to prevent the clogging that can cause a decrease in system efficiency and a high energy bill.
Vacuuming 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 dust and crumbs that build up over time and help to improve airflow through the vent. It’s also important to make sure your ducts are tightly sealed and insulated to keep out moisture, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts are not regularly cleaned, they may build up a myriad of contaminants like dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of respiratory and allergies, especially for older people and children. The moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, releasing spores that are 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. If your ducts are sealed properly, and you regularly change your filter it might not be necessary to clean them. The best way to be able to tell for sure is by having your ducts tested. An accredited contractor can use specific testing methods to determine the amount of particulates within your ductwork, and will suggest appropriate cleaning schedules based on the specific circumstances.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential element of the system. It should be able supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working as it should, this could affect your productivity and result in downtime for equipment. Preventive maintenance can help identify minor issues early, preventing excessive downtime. Performing these routine checks can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment is in good condition for as long as is possible.
A typical indication of a problem with a compressor is a reduction in cooling capacity, although it could be caused by a number of different factors. One possibility is that a compressor could be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can wear out the bearings and reduce the life of the compressor. A clogged air filter is a different problem. If the filter has become clogged it could reduce the airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. It is crucial to change or clean the filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A clogged filter may also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings need to be changed. It is recommended to replace belts and pulleys regularly. A worn-out belt or pulley can cause the compressor to overheat, causing other problems. It is also a good idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will eliminate the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will examine for leaks in hoses, and an adequate seal around the compressor and pressure sensor.
A puddle of liquid near the compressor could be an indicator of a leak. This could be a risky issue that needs to be addressed right away. If you suspect a leak, shut off the air compressor. Contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is like the head of your HVAC system, so it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing a technician will inspect when a problem arises. A well-maintained thermostat is crucial to the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most overlooked maintenance items. The most common signs that your thermostat is in need of an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which could cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly with a separate thermometer will assist you in avoiding these issues and help you save energy.
A malfunctioning sensor, or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to cycle on and off constantly. This is called short cycling. This can affect your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be fixed with simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breakers.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat at all It’s a good idea to check the breakers that regulate the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, you will need to reset it to allow your thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.
It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Examine for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat is not overly exposed to the sun. Lastly, the fan blades should be checked for signs of damage or rust. These simple checks will help prevent costly repairs in the future, and ensure your equipment is operating as smoothly as possible.
Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial property 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 keep your building at all times comfortable by identifying problems with your thermostat, resetting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Just remember that if you have any other issues or are unsure of the issue you should always consult an expert.