The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it comes to your cooling and heating system, routine maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan that charges an affordable monthly fee to have the system checked out, fixed or cleaned as needed.
It’s also a good idea to perform some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the space around outdoor units free of debris to promote the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your air conditioner condenser are at the heart the cooling process. If they’re dirty your system will struggle to cool properly and may even break down. Cleaning them is an essential aspect of HVAC maintenance. Fortunately, it is also fairly easy to do. This easy DIY task will save you money, avoid expensive repairs and extend the lifespan of your air conditioner.
It is essential to disconnect power from your unit first. You can do this by shutting off the breaker on your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your electrical components and motors from being oversaturated when cleaning.
When the power is turned off it is now time to clear any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This will include taking away any sticks, leaves, or other debris that have been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice attachments is a great method to get into the nooks and crannies and loosen any dirt, dust or other debris that has collected.
The coils must be cleaned. Before you begin, though, make sure that you have in your possession some essential tools. These include a concentrate of the coil cleaner and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label, then rinse it off with a water hose. When washing the coils it is important to not use excessive force since the fins are easily bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should look them over for any indications of damage. Over time hail or stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other items can damage the coil’s fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and performance of the coil.
After you have a proper coil and fin set up then you can start your air conditioner. After about 24 hours, you should check the thermostat and make sure that the temperatures are in line with normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air in from outside, cooling it, and then distributing it throughout your home. The air travels from the evaporator coil of your condenser unit and then to your house’s vents and registers through a network of ducts. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they can become loaded with dust and other pollutants. This can block the air filters which reduces the efficiency of the system and puts strain on your AC unit.
In the majority of instances, cleaning ductwork isn’t an easy task and requires professional equipment and methods. But, there are things you can do regularly to ensure your ducts remain clean and well-functioning. To prevent dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, you should change your filter on a regular basis. This will also help to prevent the clogging that can result in a lower efficiency of the system and a high energy bill.
Another way to keep your ducts clean is by regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner can remove all the dust and crumbs that build up over time and aid in improving air flow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts have been sealed tightly and are protected from moisture getting in, which could result in mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts aren’t cleaned regularly, they can build up a myriad of contaminants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of allergies and respiratory conditions, especially for children and the elderly. The moisture in ductwork can lead to the growth of mold, which releases spores in the air and can cause health issues for those who suffer from respiratory issues.
It is generally recommended to have your ducts cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is operating efficiently. However If your ducts are well-sealed and you clean your filters frequently the cleaning of your ducts may not be necessary at all. You can be certain by having your ducts checked. A licensed contractor can employ special testing methods to measure the amount of particulates in your ductwork, and will recommend the suitable cleaning schedules based upon your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial component of the system. It has to function properly to deliver cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning in the way it should, this can impact your productivity and result in delays for your equipment. Regular maintenance can help you identify small issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by keeping your equipment as efficient as possible.
The most common indication of a problem with a compressor is a loss in cooling capacity, although this could be due to a number of different factors. A compressor may be working too hard due to inadequate airflow. This can cause the bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. A clogged air filter is another common problem. If the filter has become clogged it can impede airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. 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 indicate that the bearings are wearing out and must be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace pulleys and belts regularly. A pulley or belt that is loose could cause the compressor to overheat, causing 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 will also check for leaks in the hoses, and a tight seal on the pressure sensor and compressor.
A puddle of liquid in the vicinity of the compressor could be a sign of leak. This is a serious problem and needs to be fixed right away. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the compressor that is running and then contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is 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, but maintaining your thermostat properly is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s proper operation. Common signs that your thermostat is in need of periodic inspections include incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the thermostat’s sensors can get dirty. This can cause it to display in a wrong manner. Regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with a separate thermometer will help you avoid these problems and help you save energy.
A defective sensor or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to cycle on and off continuously. This is called short cycling. This can affect your comfort, and cause unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. This issue can be solved by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way it’s a good idea to check the breakers that control both the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll have to be reset in order for the thermostat to communicate with the system again.
Check your thermostat for indications of wear and damage. Check for dirt or dust and make sure that the thermostat is not excessively exposed to the sun. Lastly, the fan blades should be checked for any signs of rust or damage. These simple checks can prevent expensive repairs in the future, and help ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it is possible.
Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial property is a great way to reduce energy consumption, ensure comfort and extend the longevity of your heating and cooling equipment. You can keep your building comfortable throughout the year by identifying any issues with your thermostat, resetting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional if you have any other issues or aren’t sure the issue, always call in an expert.
