The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it concerns your cooling and heating system, regular maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. The majority of HVAC companies have a service plan that allows you to pay an annual fee to have your system checked, repaired or cleaned as required.
It is also recommended to perform DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area surrounding outdoor units free of clutter will help ensure proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your air conditioner condenser are at the heart the cooling process. If they are dirty your system is likely to struggle to cool and could even fail. Cleaning them is a vital component of HVAC maintenance. It’s also fairly easy to do. This easy DIY task will save you money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the life of your air cooling.
It is essential to disconnect the power source from your unit first. This can be accomplished by turning off the breaker in your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will safeguard your electrical components and motors from being flooded during cleaning.
After the power is off, you can start removing any large debris that could be blocking the condenser’s air. This will include taking away any sticks, leaves or other debris that have built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum that has crevice tools is a great tool to get into the nooks, crannies and remove dust or dirt that has been accumulating.
The coils require to be cleaned. Make sure you have a few essential tools available before you begin. These will include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the instructions on the label, and then rinse it off using a hose. When washing the coils it is important not to apply too much force since the fins are easily bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, inspect them for any indications of damage. Over time, the impact of hail and stones thrown from lawnmowers or other objects can cause damage to coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and coil performance.
Once you have a good coil and fin set up and you are ready to turn on your air conditioner. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to ensure the temperatures are in good shape.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is designed to bring air from outside into your home, cool it, and then distribute it throughout your house. The air moves from the evaporator coil inside your condenser unit to your house’s vents and registers through a duct system. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they may be laden with dirt and other contaminates. This clogs the air filters and reduces system efficiency and puts strain on your AC unit.
Cleaning ductwork can be a difficult task that requires specialized equipment and methods. There are some things you can do regularly to keep your ducts clean and functioning properly. To stop dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, it is recommended to change your filter frequently. This will also help keep clogs from occurring, which could lead to a reduced system efficiency and higher energy costs.
Another method to keep your ducts clean is by regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will get rid of all traces of dust, crumbs and other debris that has built up over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that aren’t cleaned on a regular basis can become loaded with a myriad of pollutants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory and allergies particularly for children and the elderly. In addition, moisture in ductwork may 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 recommended to clean your ductwork every three to five year to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. If your ducts have been well-sealed, and you regularly change your filter it might not be necessary to clean them. You can only be sure by having your ducts checked. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to gauge the amount of particles within your ductwork, and can recommend appropriate cleaning schedules based on your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential element of the system. It should be able provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating as it should it could affect your productivity and lead to the equipment to shut down. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to aid in identifying minor issues early and avoid excessive downtime. Conducting these regular checks can also help you save money by keeping your unit in good shape for as long as it is possible.
A reduction in cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem in a compressor. It could be caused by several different factors. A compressor may be working too hard due insufficient airflow. This can cause the bearings to wear down and decrease the life of the compressor. A blocked air filter is a different issue. Filters that are blocked can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this, it is important to clean or replace the filters frequently, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
In addition, a clogged filter may also cause rattling noises in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings must be replaced. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is recommended. A worn-out belt or pulley can slip, causing the compressor to overheat, causing other issues. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will get rid of moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can examine for air leaks within the hoses, and ensure 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 an issue. This is a potentially dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, turn off the air compressor and call a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not too surprising that a technician will always check the thermostat first when there is any issue. It’s also one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items, but an appropriately maintained thermostat is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Examine your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which can cause the device to display inaccurately. Regularly checking your thermostat’s accuracy by using a separate thermometer can help you avoid these problems and conserve energy.
A defective sensor or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to cycle on and off continuously. This is called short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be corrected by the simple act of replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting the breaker.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way It’s recommended to examine the breakers that regulate the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker tripped, you will need to reset it in order for your thermostat to communicate again with the system.
It is also essential to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Look for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t excessively exposed to the sun. Lastly, the fan blades need to be examined for any signs of rust or damage. These simple checks will help prevent expensive repairs in the future, and ensure your equipment is operating as efficiently as it is possible.
Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent method to cut energy costs, maintain comfort and prolong the longevity of your heating and cooling equipment. It is possible to keep your building cool throughout the year by identifying any issues with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker, and then replacing your batteries. Make sure that should you encounter any other issues or are unsure of what’s wrong with your system make sure to contact an expert.