The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it comes to your cooling and heating system, maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies have a maintenance plan that charges an annual fee to have the system checked and cleaned or repaired when 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 of your condenser for your air conditioner are the primary component of the cooling process. If they are dirty, your system will struggle to cool, and it could even fail. Cleaning them is an essential component of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to accomplish. This easy DIY task can avoid the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills, and prolong the longevity of your AC unit.
It is crucial to disconnect power from your unit before you disconnect it. You can do this by shutting off the breaker in your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will keep your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated when cleaning.
Once the power is off, you can start taking down any large objects that could be hindering the condenser air. This includes cleaning up any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice attachment is a great way to reach into the crevices and nooks and get rid of dust, dirt or other debris that has accumulated.
The coils must be cleaned. Be sure to have the necessary tools in your arsenal before you start. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates and a pump-up garden sprayer and an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the label of the product and rinse with the hose. When washing the coils it is essential not to use too much force since the fins can be bent easily.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should examine them for signs of damage. Over time, hail and rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other objects can cause damage to the coil’s fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins for improved airflow and coil performance.
Once you have a good coil and fin setup then you can switch on your air conditioner. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to make sure temperatures are normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air in from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout the home. Air is moved from the evaporator inside the condenser to your home’s registers and vents through the system duct. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they could be laden with dust and other contaminants. This could block air filters which reduces the effectiveness of your system as well as strains your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork is a difficult task that requires professional equipment and techniques. But, there are things you can do on a regular basis to ensure that your ducts stay clean and well-functioning. To stop dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, it is recommended to change your filter frequently. This also helps to prevent the clogging that can result in a lower efficiency of the system and high energy bills.
Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is an additional way to keep your ducts cleaner. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will remove all the crumbs, cobwebs and other debris that has been accumulating over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. It’s also important to make sure your ducts are properly 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 could build up a myriad of contaminants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory and allergies, especially in children and the elderly. Moisture in ductwork can also lead to the growth of mold, which releases spores into air and can cause health issues for those who suffer from respiratory issues.
It is 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 and you regularly change your filters it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be required at all. The best way to be able to tell for sure is by having your ducts examined. An accredited contractor can use specific testing methods to determine the amount of particulates in your ductwork, and will suggest appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an important component of the system. It should be able provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning in the way it should, this can impact your productivity and cause delays for your equipment. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by keeping your equipment as efficient as possible.
A common indication of a problem with a compressor is a reduction in cooling capacity, however this could be due to many different causes. One possibility is that the compressor may be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can wear out the bearings and diminish the lifespan of the compressor. A clogged air filter is another frequent problem. If the filter is clogged it could reduce the airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. To prevent this, it is important to clean or change the filters frequently, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A blocked filter can cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings are wearing out and require to be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is recommended. A pulley or belt that is loose could cause the compressor to overheat, causing other issues. It is also a good idea to drain your compressor on a regular basis. This will remove the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team can examine for air leaks within the hoses as well as an adequate seal between the compressor and pressure switch.
A small puddle of water around the compressor can be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This can be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, turn off the air compressor and call an expert.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not too surprising that a technician will look at the thermostat first when there is any issue. A properly maintained thermostat is crucial to the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most neglected maintenance items. The most common signs that your thermostat is in need of a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the sensors on your thermostat can get dirty. This can cause it to display incorrectly. You can prevent these issues by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with a separate thermometer.
A faulty sensor, or a flawed calibration could cause your system to cycle on and off in a continuous manner. This is referred to as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. The problem can be fixed 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 the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll require resetting to allow the thermostat to connect with the system again.
It’s also important to check your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Check for signs of dirt or dust, and make sure the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to sunlight. Examine the fan blades for signs of rust and damage. These simple checks can help avoid costly repairs in the near future, and will ensure that your equipment is operating as smoothly as it can.
Basic hvac maintenance is a great way to save energy and maintain comfort in your commercial space. It will also extend the life of heating and cooling equipment. By identifying issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries and fuses, you’ll be able keep your building warm all year round. Remember to call a professional if you are having any other problems or are unsure of what’s the issue with your system.
