The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it concerns your heating and cooling system, regular maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan that you pay the monthly cost to have your system checked out, fixed or cleaned if needed.
You should also carry out some DIY maintenance throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units free of any debris to ensure the proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in the condenser of your air conditioner are at the heart the cooling process. If they’re dirty the system will struggle to cool properly and may even break down. This is why cleaning them is a crucial aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to do. This simple DIY task will eliminate the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills and extend the life of your air conditioning unit.
It is vital to cut off power from your unit before you disconnect it. This can be done by shutting off the breaker in your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will stop your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded when cleaning.
After the power has been shut off and you are able to clear any large debris obstructing the air condenser unit. This will include sweeping away any leaves, sticks or other debris that has accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum that has crevice tools is an excellent way to reach into the nooks and crannies, and loosen dirt or dust that has been accumulating.
The next step is to clean the coils. Before doing this, though, make sure that you have in your possession some essential tools. This will include a coil cleaner concentrate and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the instructions on the label, then rinse with the garden hose. When washing the coils it is essential not to use too much force since the fins can be bent easily.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should examine them for signs of damage. Over time, hail and rocks thrown from lawnmowers or other items can damage coil fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and coil performance.
When the fins and coils are in good condition, you can go back to your home and turn on your air conditioning. After approximately 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat and ensure that the temperatures are in line with normal.
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 in the condenser to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by the system of ducts. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they can become loaded with dirt and other contaminates. This can block the air filters, which decreases the efficiency of your system and strains your AC unit.
In the majority of cases, cleaning the ductwork is not an easy task and requires expert equipment and techniques. But, there are things you can do regularly to ensure your ducts are clean and well-functioning. First, make sure you change your filter regularly to prevent dust and allergens out of building in the ducts. This also helps to keep the clogs from occurring which can lead to reduced system efficiency and a high energy bill.
Another way to help keep your ducts tidy is to regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner can remove all the dust and crumbs that build up over time and help to improve air flow 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.
Ducts that are not regularly cleaned are likely to be contaminated with a variety of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory issues and allergies particularly for children and the elderly. Moisture in ductwork can also cause the growth of mold which releases spores in the air and poses health risks for those with respiratory problems.
It is generally recommended to have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to remove these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is working effectively. However If your ducts are well-sealed and you clean your filters frequently it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be required at all. The best way to be able to tell for sure is by having your ducts tested. A licensed contractor can employ special testing methods to measure the amount of dust particles in your ductwork and will recommend the appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on the specific circumstances.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It has to be able to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working in the way it should and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and lead to equipment downtime. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to aid in identifying minor issues early and help avoid prolonged downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by making sure that your equipment as efficient as possible.
A loss of cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem in the compressor. This could be caused by a variety of reasons. A compressor may be operating too hard due to poor airflow. This can cause wear on the bearings and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. A clogged air filter is a different issue. If the filter is clogged it could reduce the airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. It is important to clean or replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
A clogged filter may also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are worn out and must be replaced. Regularly replacing pulleys and belts is recommended. A belt or pulley that is loose can slip and lead to compressor overheating and other problems. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor on a regular basis. This can remove accumulated moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. 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 leak. This could be a dangerous problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor. Consult a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not surprising that a technician will always look at the thermostat first when there is an issue. A well-maintained thermostat is essential for the efficient operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most neglected maintenance items. Examine your thermostat if you observe inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which may cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly with a separate thermometer will help you avoid these problems and help you save energy.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration can also lead to your system continuously turning on and off, which is referred to as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. Fortunately the majority of these issues can be fixed with simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat at all It’s an excellent idea to look at the breakers that control both the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, it will have to be reset to allow the thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.
It’s also important to check your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Examine for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t excessively exposed to the sun. Finally, the fan blades should be checked for any signs of rust or damage. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as possible.
Basic hvac maintenance is a great strategy to reduce energy costs and ensure comfort in your commercial space. It can also prolong the life of cooling and heating equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries and fuses, you’ll be able keep your building cool all year round. Make sure to contact a professional if you are having any other problems or are unsure of what’s going on with your system.