The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is essential when it concerns heating and cooling systems. It will allow you to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan where you pay an affordable monthly fee to get the system checked, repaired or cleaned when necessary.
You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the space around outdoor units free of any debris to ensure 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 your system will be unable to cool properly and may even break down. Cleaning them is a crucial aspect of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, fairly easy to do. This easy DIY task will eliminate the need for costly repairs, and save you money on your energy bills and prolong the life of your air conditioning unit.
It is vital to cut off the power source from your unit first. You can do this by turning off the breaker at your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated while cleaning.
After the power has been turned off, you can begin removing any large debris that could be blocking the condenser’s air. This means taking away any leaves, sticks or other debris that has accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice tool is a great tool to reach into the nooks and crannies and remove dust or dirt that has built up.
The coils need to be cleaned. Before doing this however, ensure that you have on-hand a few key tools. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate, a pump up garden sprayer and the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the product label and then rinse using the hose. When washing the coils, it is essential not to use excessive force since the fins can be bent easily.
It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time hail, rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other objects can cause damage to the coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins for better airflow and coil performance.
When the fins and coils are in good condition, you can return to your house and switch on your air conditioner. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to confirm that temperatures are within the normal range.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout the home. The air is transported from the evaporator inside your condenser unit to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by the system duct. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they could become loaded with dirt and other contaminates. This could block air filters, which decreases the effectiveness of your system as well as strains your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires expert equipment and techniques. However, there are a few things you can do on a regular basis to ensure that your ducts remain in good condition and function properly. To stop dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts, you should change your filter frequently. This will also help to stop the clogging that could result in a lower efficiency of the system and higher energy costs.
Another way 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 the cobwebs, crumbs and other debris that have accumulated over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. It is also important to make sure your ducts are sealed and insulated to keep out moisture which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts aren’t cleaned regularly, they could collect a variety of pollutants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory issues and allergies particularly for children and the elderly. In addition, moisture in ductwork may cause the growth of mold, which releases spores into the air and poses health concerns for those who suffer from respiratory ailments.
It is recommended to clean your ducts every three to five year to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. However If your ducts are sealed properly and you clean your filters frequently it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be required at all. The best way to determine for sure is by having your ducts examined. A licensed contractor can employ special testing methods to measure the amount of particulates within your ductwork, and will suggest suitable cleaning schedules based upon your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential element of the system. It has to be able to supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating as it should, this could affect your productivity and result in delays for your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to help catch minor issues early and avoid excessive downtime. Conducting these regular checks can also help you save money by ensuring that your equipment is in good working order for as long as is possible.
A loss of cooling capacity is a common indication of a problem with a compressor. This could be caused by several different reasons. One possibility is that a compressor could be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This can wear out the bearings and decrease the life of the compressor. A clogged air filter is another frequent issue. Filters that have become blocked can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this from happening, it is crucial to clean or change the filters regularly based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.
A blocked filter can cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings need to be replaced. It is recommended to replace pulleys and belts regularly. A loose belt or pulley can cause the compressor to overheat, causing other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will get rid of moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will check for leaks in the pipes, and ensure a tight seal on the compressor and pressure sensor.
A puddle of liquid in the vicinity of the compressor could be an indicator of an issue. This is a serious problem and needs to be fixed right away. If you suspect there is a leak, turn off the compressor that is running and then contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not too surprising that a technician will examine the thermostat first if there is any issue. A well-maintained thermostat is crucial to the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most neglected maintenance items. Examine your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the thermostat’s sensors can get dirty. This could cause it to display incorrectly. Regularly checking your thermostat’s accuracy with a separate thermometer will assist you in avoiding these issues and save energy.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration can also result in your system constantly switching off and on this is known as short cycling. This can negatively impact your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. Fortunately this can be fixed with simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.
Check the breakers for both your HVAC equipment and thermostat If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll require resetting in order for the thermostat to be able to communicate with the system once more.
Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Examine for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat is not too much exposed to sunlight. The fan blades need to be examined for signs of rust or damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as it can.
Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent method to cut energy costs, maintain comfort and extend the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. It is possible to keep your building comfortable throughout the year by identifying issues with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker, and then replacing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional in case you experience any other issues or are unsure about the issue you should always consult an expert.