The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance is crucial when it comes to heating and cooling systems. It will help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that you pay a low monthly rate to have the system checked, fixed or cleaned if required.

You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area surrounding outdoor units free of clutter will help ensure the proper flow of air.

Clean the Condenser

The coils inside the condenser in your air conditioner are the heart of the cooling process. If they are dirty, your system will struggle to cool, and it could even fail. Cleaning them is a crucial aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to do. This simple DIY task will help you save money, avoid expensive repairs and extend the life of your air conditioner.

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 prevent your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded during cleaning.

Once the power is off, you can start removing any large debris that may be blocking the condenser’s air. This means taking away any leaves, sticks or other debris that have accumulated on or around the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has a crevice attachment is a great option to reach into the nooks and crannies and loosen any dirt, dust or other debris that has accumulated.

The coils need to be cleaned. Make sure you have some essential tools on hand prior to beginning. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate, a pump up garden sprayer, and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the instructions on the label, then rinse it off with a garden hose. When washing the coils it is important not to apply too much force as the fins can bend easily.

After the coils have been cleaned, examine them for indications of damage. Over time hail, stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other things can harm the coil fins. If the fins are bent, a low-cost tool called a fin comb can straighten them to improve air flow and assist in ensuring that the coils operate more efficiently.

When you have a great coil and fin set up then you can switch on your air conditioner. After approximately 24 hours, you can check the thermostat and ensure that the temperature is normal.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system works by bringing air in from outside, cooling it and then distributing it throughout your home. The air is transported from the evaporator of the condenser to your home’s registers and vents through the system ducts. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other contaminants when they aren’t maintained and sealed correctly. This could block air filters which reduces the effectiveness of your system and burdens your AC unit.

In most instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy task that requires expert equipment and methods. There are a few things you can do to keep your ducts tidy and functioning properly. To avoid dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, change your filter on a regular basis. This also helps to keep the clogs from occurring which can cause a decrease in system efficiency and high energy bills.

Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is a different way to keep your ducts clean. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner can remove all of the cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time and aid in improving air flow through the vent. It’s 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 are not cleaned regularly, they could accumulate a variety of contaminants like dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory and allergies particularly for children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to develop in the ductwork, releasing microbes that can harm people suffering from respiratory issues.

It is recommended to clean your ducts every three to five years to get rid of these toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is functioning efficiently. If your ducts have been well-sealed, and you replace your filter on a regular basis it might not be necessary to clean them. You can only be certain by having your ducts examined. A licensed contractor can employ specific testing methods to determine the amount of particulates within your ductwork, and will recommend the appropriate cleaning schedules based on your particular situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an essential component of the system. It must be able to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning properly, it can impact the efficiency of your business and lead to interruption to your equipment. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues early, preventing excessive downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by making sure that your equipment in the best condition possible.

A decrease in cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem with a compressor. It could be caused by a variety of factors. A compressor may be working too hard due to inadequate airflow. This could wear out the bearings and decrease the life of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another frequent problem. Filters that are blocked can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this from happening, it is crucial to clean or replace the filters regularly based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

A blocked filter could cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings need to be replaced. It is recommended to replace belts and pulleys regularly. A pulley or belt that is loose can slip, causing the compressor to overheat and cause other issues. It is recommended to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This can remove accumulated moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can also examine for air leaks within the hoses as well as a tight seal between the compressor and pressure switch.

A puddle of liquid near the compressor could be a sign of an issue. This could be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, switch off the air compressor and call an expert.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat acts like the head of your HVAC system, and it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing that a technician will check when trouble occurs. It’s also among the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, but an appropriately maintained thermostat is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s operation. Examine your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time, the sensors on your thermostat will become dirty. This can cause it to display inaccurately. Regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with a separate thermometer will aid in avoiding these issues and help you save energy.

A faulty sensor or calibration can also result in your system constantly switching on and off this is known as short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately the majority of these issues can be fixed with the simple act of replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breakers.

If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat at all, it’s a good idea to check the breakers that control both the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has been tripped, it will require resetting to allow the thermostat to communicate with the system once more.

It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Look for evidence of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t too exposed to sunlight. Finally, the fan blades must be inspected for signs of rust or damage. These simple checks will help prevent expensive repairs in the future, and ensure your equipment is operating as smoothly as it can.

Basic HVAC maintenance is a great way to save energy and ensure comfort in your commercial building. It can also prolong the life of cooling and heating equipment. By identifying issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker and replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building warm all year. Be sure to call a professional should you encounter any other issues, or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system make sure to contact an expert.