The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance is crucial when it concerns heating and cooling systems. It can help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan where you pay the monthly cost to have the system checked, repaired or cleaned as needed.

You should also carry out some DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area surrounding the outdoor units free of any debris will ensure the proper flow of air.

Clean the Condenser

The coils that make up your air conditioner’s condenser are the core of the cooling process. If they are dirty, you system will struggle to cool, and it could even fail. Cleaning them is a crucial aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to do. This simple DIY task will eliminate the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills, and extend the longevity of your AC unit.

It is the first step. It is essential to cut off the power supply to your unit. You can do this by shutting off the breaker in your electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your electrical components and motors from being over-saturated during cleaning.

After the power has been shut off, you can start clearing any large debris that may be blocking the air condenser. This will include cleaning up any leaves, sticks or other debris that have been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum that has crevice tools is an excellent way to reach into the crevices, nooks and remove dirt or dust that has built up.

The next step is to clean the coils. Be sure to have some essential tools in your arsenal prior to beginning. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates as well as a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the instructions on the product label and then rinse using the hose. It is important not to use too much pressure when washing the coils, since the fins could easily be bent.

After the coils have been cleaned, you should examine them for indications of damage. Over time, hail and rocks thrown from lawnmowers or other items could damage the 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 setup, you can switch on your air conditioner. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to ensure the temperatures are in good shape.

Cleaning the Ductwork

Your HVAC system works to bring outside air into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout your home. Air is transported from the evaporator of your condenser unit to your home’s registers and vents through the system duct. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t maintained and sealed properly. This causes air filters to become blocked, which in turn reduces the efficiency of your system and strains your AC unit.

In the majority of instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy task and requires the help of professional equipment and techniques. However, there are a few actions you can take on a regular basis to ensure your ducts are in good condition and function properly. First, make sure you change your filter regularly to keep dust and allergens from building into the ducts. 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 method to keep your ducts in good shape. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will take away all traces of dust, crumbs and other debris that has been accumulating over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. It is also essential to make sure your ducts are tightly sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.

If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they can collect a variety of pollutants like dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can trigger respiratory and allergies particularly for older people and children. In addition, moisture in ductwork may cause the growth of mold which releases spores in the air and can cause health issues for those suffering from respiratory problems.

It’s generally recommended that you have your ducts cleaned every three to five years to remove the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is operating effectively. However, if your ducts are sealed properly and you clean your filters frequently, duct cleaning may not be necessary at all. The best way to be able to tell for sure is by having your ducts examined. A contractor that is certified by the EPA can use special testing techniques to determine the amount of particulates present in your ductwork. They can then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your particular situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an essential element of the system. It needs to operate properly to deliver cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working properly, it could affect your productivity and result in delays for your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to help catch minor issues early and help avoid prolonged downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment as efficient as possible.

A loss of cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem with a compressor. This can be caused by a variety of causes. One possibility is that a compressor could be overworking because of poor airflow. This can wear out the bearings and diminish the lifespan of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a blocked filter. Filters that are blocked can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this, it is crucial to clean or change the filters frequently, according to the recommendations of the manufacturer.

A blocked filter could also cause rattling noises in the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings require to be replaced. Regularly replacing pulleys and belts is a good idea. A worn belt or pulley can cause slippage and cause overheating of the compressor and other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor regularly. This will eliminate moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will check for leaks in the hoses, as well as an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.

A small puddle of water around the compressor can be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This is a serious issue and should be repaired immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, turn off the compressor that is running and then contact an expert.

Check the Thermostat

It’s not surprising that a technician will check the thermostat first when there is a problem. A properly maintained thermostat is essential for the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most frequently neglected maintenance items. Common indicators that your thermostat is in need of an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time the thermostat’s sensors can get dirty. This can cause it to display inaccurately. You can prevent these issues by ensuring the accuracy of your thermostat using a an additional thermometer.

A malfunctioning sensor or calibration may lead to your system continuously turning on and off, which is referred to as short cycling. This can negatively impact 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 thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.

Check the breakers for your thermostat and HVAC equipment in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker tripped, you will need to reset it in order for your thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.

Check your thermostat for indications of wear and tear. Find signs of dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. The fan blades need to be examined for any signs of damage or rust. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as it possibly can.

Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial property is a great way to reduce energy consumption, ensure comfort, and extend the lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and replacing the batteries and fuses, you’ll be able keep your building comfortable all year. Be sure to call a professional if you are experiencing any other issues or unsure of what is wrong with your system.