The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is essential when it comes to HVAC and cooling systems. It will allow you to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan where you pay an annual fee to have your system checked and cleaned, or repaired as needed.
You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the areas around outdoor units clear of clutter to allow for 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’re dirty your system is likely to struggle to cool and may even break down. Cleaning them is a crucial aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s also quite simple to do. This simple DIY task will eliminate the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills, and extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.
It is vital to cut off the power source from your unit first. You can do this by shutting off the breaker at the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will safeguard your motors and electrical components from being flooded when cleaning.
Once the power is off and you are able to remove any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This includes cleaning up any sticks, leaves or other debris that has been accumulating around or on the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice attachments is a great way to get into the nooks and crevices and loosen any dust, dirt or other debris that has accumulated.
The next step is to clean the coils. Make sure you have some essential tools in your arsenal prior to beginning. This will include a concentrate of the coil cleaner and a pump-up garden hose and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label, then rinse it off with the water hose. When washing the coils it is important to not use excessive force since the fins can bend easily.
You should examine the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time, hail or stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other things can harm the coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins to ensure improved airflow and coil performance.
Once the coils and fins are in good shape If you are satisfied with the condition of your fins and coils, return to your home and switch on your air conditioning. After around 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat and make sure that temperatures are normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it and distributing it throughout your home. Air is moved from the evaporator inside your condenser to your home’s registers and vents through a system of ducts. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t maintained and sealed properly. This can block the air filters which can reduce the effectiveness of your system and strains your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires specialized equipment and methods. There are a few things you can do to keep your ducts tidy and functioning properly. First, you should change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens out of building into the ducts. This can also help keep clogs from occurring, which could cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy costs.
Another method to keep your ducts tidy is to regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will get rid of all the cobwebs, crumbs and other messes that have built up over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. It is also essential to ensure that 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 cause a flare-up of respiratory and allergies particularly in children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to develop in the ductwork, which releases the spores that can be harmful to people suffering from respiratory issues.
It is recommended that you clean your ducts every three to five years to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is functioning efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are well-sealed and you change your filters regularly it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be required at all. The best way to be able to tell the truth is to have your ducts tested. A contractor accredited by the EPA can use special testing methods in order to measure the amount particulates found in your ductwork. They will then suggest cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an important element of the system. It should be able provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working as it should, it can affect your productivity and cause the equipment to shut down. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues early, preventing excessive downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by ensuring that your equipment as efficient as possible.
A typical sign of a compressor issue is a loss in cooling capacity, however this could be due to many different causes. A compressor could be working too hard due to inadequate airflow. This can wear out the bearings and diminish the lifespan of the compressor. A blocked air filter is a different problem. Filters that are clogged can reduce airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is important to clean or change the filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
A blocked filter could cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings require to be changed. It is recommended to replace belts and pulleys on a regular basis. A loose belt or pulley can cause the compressor to overheat, causing other problems. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will get rid of moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also look for air leaks in the hoses as well as an adequate seal between the compressor and pressure switch.
A small puddle of water around the compressor could be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This could be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the air compressor. Get a professional to assist you.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the boss of your HVAC system, and it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing that a technician will look at when trouble occurs. It’s also one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items, yet an appropriately maintained thermostat is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Check your thermostat if find inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which may cause the device to display incorrectly. You can avoid this issue by ensuring the accuracy of your thermostat by using a a separate thermometer.
A faulty sensor or calibration may result in your system constantly switching 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. The problem can be fixed by replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way, it’s an excellent idea to look at the breakers that regulate the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, it will have to be reset in order for the thermostat to connect with the system again.
It is also essential to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Examine for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat isn’t too much exposed to sunlight. Lastly, the fan blades should be checked for signs of damage or rust. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as it can.
Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial building is a great way to reduce the cost of energy, maintain comfort and extend the longevity of your heating and cooling equipment. You can ensure that your building stays cool throughout the year by identifying issues with your thermostat, setting your breaker and changing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional if you are having other issues or are unsure of what’s going on with your system.
