The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it concerns your heating and cooling system, maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan where you pay each month to have the system checked, repaired or cleaned as required.
It’s also an excellent idea to carry out 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 proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils inside your air conditioner’s condenser are the mainstay of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool and may even breakdown. This is why cleaning them is a vital part of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to accomplish. This simple DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs and prolong the life of your air cooling.
First and foremost, it is essential to cut off the power supply to your unit. This can be accomplished by shutting off the breaker in your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your electrical components and motors from being flooded during cleaning.
When the power is turned off, you can begin to remove any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This includes sweeping away any leaves, sticks or other debris that has been accumulating on or around the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has crevice attachments is a great method to get into the crevices and nooks and remove any dust, dirt or other debris that has collected.
The next step is to clean the coils. Before you do this however, make sure that you have on-hand some essential tools. These will include a concentrate of the coil cleaner and a pump-up garden hose and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the directions on the product label and rinse with the hose. It is essential not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils, because the fins may be bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should look them over for any signs of damage. Over time, hail and rocks that are thrown by lawnmowers and other items can damage coil fins. If the fins are bent, a low-cost tool called a fin comb can straighten them for better air flow and also to help the coils function more effectively.
If the fins and coils are in good shape Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the fins and coils, you can return to your home and turn on your air conditioning. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to make sure temperatures are within the normal range.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air in from outside, cooling it and distributing it throughout the home. Air is moved from the evaporator inside your condenser to your home’s registers and vents through a system of ducts. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they can be laden with dust and other contaminants. This can block the air filters and reduces the efficiency of the system and strains your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires expert equipment and techniques. There are a few actions you can take regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and working well. To prevent dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts, it is recommended to change your filter on a regular basis. This also helps to stop the clogging that could result in a lower efficiency of the system and high energy bills.
Another method to keep your ducts clean is to regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all the cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time and aid in improving air flow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are tightly sealed and insulated to keep out moisture, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that have not been cleaned on a regular basis can become loaded with a myriad of contaminants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can worsen allergies and respiratory problems, particularly in the elderly and children. Moisture in ductwork can also lead to the growth of mold, which releases spores into air and poses health concerns for those with respiratory problems.
It is recommended that you clean your ducts once every three to five years to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. If your ducts are sealed properly, and you replace your filter on a regular basis It may not be necessary to clean them. You can only be sure by having your ducts examined. A contractor accredited by the EPA will use specific testing methods to determine the amount of particulates that are present in your ductwork. They can then recommend cleaning schedules that are suitable for your situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential component of the system. It has to be able to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working as it should it could affect your productivity and cause the equipment to shut down. Preventive maintenance can help identify minor issues early, preventing excessive downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by ensuring that your equipment in the best condition possible.
A common sign of a compressor problem is a decrease in cooling capacity, but this could be due to many different causes. A compressor may be working too hard due to inadequate airflow. This can cause bearings to wear down and decrease the life of the compressor. Another common issue is a blocked filter. Filters that have become blocked can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is essential to clean or change the filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A blocked filter can cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are worn out and need to be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace pulleys and belts on a regular basis. A worn belt or pulley can slip and lead to compressor overheating and other problems. It is also a good idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will get rid of the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will examine for leaks in hoses, as well as an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.
Finally, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor could be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This is a risky issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, shut off the air compressor and call an expert.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not a surprise that a technician will check the thermostat first when there’s any issue. It’s also among the most frequently neglected maintenance items, but an appropriately maintained thermostat is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s operation. Check your thermostat if notice incorrect temperature readings, non-responsive controls or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the sensors on your thermostat can get dirty. This can cause it to display in a wrong manner. You can avoid this issue by ensuring the accuracy of your thermostat using a the use of a separate thermometer.
A defective sensor or a faulty calibration can cause your system to turn off and on continuously. This is known as short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be fixed with the simple act of replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breaker.
Make sure you check the breakers on both your HVAC equipment and thermostat If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat. If the breaker has been tripped, it will need to be reset to allow the thermostat to communicate with the system again.
It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. 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. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as possible.
Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial building is a great way to reduce energy consumption, ensure comfort, and extend the lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment. You can keep your building comfortable throughout the year by identifying issues with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker and changing your batteries. Make sure that should you encounter any other issues or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system make sure to contact a professional.
