The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance is essential when it comes to cooling and heating systems. It can help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan where you pay a low monthly rate to get the system checked, repaired or cleaned as necessary.

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

Clean the Condenser

The coils inside the condenser of your air conditioner are the mainstay of the cooling process. If they’re dirty your system will be unable to cool properly and could even fail. Cleaning them is a crucial aspect of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, fairly easy to do. This easy DIY task can prevent the need for costly repairs, and save you money on your energy bills, and extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.

It is essential to disconnect power from your unit before you disconnect it. This can be done by shutting off the breaker on your electrical box or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your motors and electrical components from being oversaturated during cleaning.

After the power is off, you can begin taking down any large objects that could be blocking the condenser air. This includes sweeping off any sticks, leaves or other debris that has accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice tool is a great tool to get into the nooks, crannies and remove dust or dirt that has accumulated.

The coils must be cleaned. Be sure to have some essential tools in your arsenal prior to beginning. These will include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden hose and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the label, then rinse it off using the garden hose. It is essential not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils as the fins can easily be bent.

After the coils have been cleaned, examine them for indications of damage. Over time, hail and rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other things can harm the coil fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool known as a fin-comb can straighten them for better air flow and to aid in the operation of the coils more efficiently.

After you have a proper coil and fin setup then you can turn on your air conditioner. After about 24 hours, you should check the thermostat to ensure that temperatures are normal.

Cleaning the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout the home. The air travels from the evaporator coil of your condenser unit and then to the vents and registers of your home through a system of ducts. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they can be laden with dust and other pollutants. This can block the air filters which reduces the effectiveness of your system as well as can strain your AC unit.

In most instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy task that requires expert equipment and techniques. There are a few actions you can take regularly to keep your ducts tidy and in good working order. First, make sure you change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens from building in the ducts. This also helps to prevent the clogging that can result in a lower efficiency of the system and high energy bills.

Another method to keep your ducts clean is to regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner can remove all cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time, and will help to improve air flow through the vent. It’s also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that have not been cleaned on a regular basis are likely to be contaminated with a myriad of contaminants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can trigger respiratory issues and allergies, especially for older people and children. Moisture can also cause mold to grow in the ductwork, releasing microbes that can harm people suffering from respiratory issues.

It is generally recommended to have your ducts cleaned every three to five years to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system functions efficiently. However, if your ducts are well-sealed and you clean your filters frequently, duct cleaning may not be necessary at all. You can be certain by having your ducts examined. A contractor accredited by the EPA can employ special testing methods in order to measure the amount particulates present in your ductwork. They will then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an important component of the system. It must function properly to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating in the way it should it could affect your productivity and cause equipment downtime. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to assist in identifying issues that are minor and prevent unnecessary downtime. Regularly checking your unit can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment is in good condition for as long as possible.

A loss of cooling capacity is a typical indication of a problem with the compressor. It could be caused by a variety of causes. One possibility is that a compressor could be overworking because of poor airflow. This could wear out the bearings and diminish the life 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 crucial to clean or replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Additionally, a blocked filter could create a rattling sound inside the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings require to be replaced. Regularly replacing pulleys and belts is a good idea. A loose pulley or belt can slip and lead to compressor overheating and other problems. It is recommended to drain the compressor regularly. This will help remove moisture that can corrode the motor and other components. A professional service team will also examine for air leaks within the hoses and an adequate seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.

A puddle of liquid close to the compressor could be an indication of an issue. This can be a dangerous issue and should be repaired right away. If you suspect there is a leak, shut off the air compressor and call a professional.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat is like the head of your entire HVAC system, so it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing that a technician will check when trouble occurs. It’s also among the most often neglected maintenance items, but maintaining your thermostat properly is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s proper operation. Common signs that your thermostat is in need of an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which could cause the device to display incorrectly. You can prevent these issues by ensuring the accuracy of your thermostat using a a separate thermometer.

A defective sensor or a faulty calibration can cause your system to turn off and on in a continuous manner. This is called short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort as well as cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be fixed with simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its 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 has tripped, it will require resetting in order for the thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.

It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Check for dirt or dust and make sure that the thermostat is not too much exposed to sunlight. The fan blades must be inspected for signs of rust or damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future, and will ensure that your equipment is operating as efficiently as possible.

Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent way to cut down on the cost of energy, maintain comfort, and extend the life of your heating and cooling equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker and replacing the batteries and fuses, you’ll be able keep your building cool all year. Make sure to contact a professional if you are experiencing any other issues or aren’t sure what’s going on with your system.