The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance is crucial when it comes to heating and cooling systems. It will allow you to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan that you pay a low monthly rate to have your system checked, repaired or cleaned when needed.

It’s also recommended to do some of the DIY maintenance tasks 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 airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils in the condenser of your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, you system will struggle to cool and could even breakdown. Cleaning them is a crucial component of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to accomplish. This easy DIY task can prevent the need for expensive repairs, save you money on your energy bills and extend the longevity of your AC unit.

It is crucial to disconnect power from your unit first. This can be accomplished by turning off the breaker inside your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will safeguard your electrical components and motors from being over-saturated during cleaning.

Once the power is off, you can begin to clear any large debris obstructing the air condenser unit. This means sweeping up any leaves, sticks or other debris that have accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum with a crevice tool is a great tool to get into the nooks and crannies and remove dust or dirt that has built up.

The coils require to be cleaned. Before doing this however, make sure that you have in your possession some essential tools. This will include a coil cleaner concentrate and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the directions on the label of the product and rinse with the hose. It is essential not to apply too much pressure when washing the coils, as the fins can easily be bent.

It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time hail and stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other items can damage the coil’s fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins for better airflow and coil performance.

If the fins and coils are in good condition If you are satisfied with the condition of your fins and coils, return to your home and start your air conditioner. After around 24 hours, you should check the thermostat and make sure that the temperatures are in line with normal.

Cleaning the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is designed to bring air from outside into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout the house. The air moves from the evaporator coil inside your condenser unit to your house’s vents and registers through a duct system. The ducts could become blocked with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t cleaned and sealed correctly. This can block the air filters and reduces system efficiency and strains your AC unit.

Cleaning ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires professional equipment and methods. But, there are things you can do on a regular basis to ensure your ducts stay clean and well-functioning. First, you should change your filter regularly to prevent dust and allergens out of building up in the ducts. This also helps to prevent the clogging that can lead to reduced system efficiency and higher energy costs.

Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is an additional method to keep your ducts clean. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will get rid of all traces of dust, crumbs and other debris that have built up over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts are sealed tight and protected from moisture getting in, which could result in mold and other biological contaminants.

If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they can build up a myriad of contaminants like dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory and allergy conditions particularly in children and the elderly. Moisture in ductwork can also cause the growth of mold, which releases spores into air and can cause health issues for those who suffer from respiratory problems.

It is recommended that you clean your ductwork every three to five years to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are sealed properly and you change your filters regularly the cleaning of your ducts may not be necessary at all. You can only be sure by having your ducts checked. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to measure the amount of particulates in your ductwork, and can recommend suitable cleaning schedules based upon the specific circumstances.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an essential element of the system. It must be able to deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working as it should and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and lead to equipment downtime. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. Regularly checking your unit can also help you save money by keeping your unit in good condition for as long as is possible.

A reduction in cooling capacity is a typical indication of a problem with a compressor. This could be caused by several different factors. One possibility is that a compressor may be working too hard due to poor airflow. This could cause bearings to wear out and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another common issue. Filters that are clogged can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this, it is important to clean or change the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.

A blocked filter could cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings must be changed. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is a good idea. A loose pulley or belt can cause slippage and cause compressor overheating and other issues. It is recommended to drain the compressor regularly. This will remove the accumulated moisture that can corrode the motor and other components. A professional service team can examine for air leaks within the hoses and a tight seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.

A puddle of liquid near the compressor could be an indication of leak. This could be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor. Get a professional to assist you.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat acts like the head of your HVAC system, so it’s not a surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will inspect when a problem occurs. A well-maintained thermostat is crucial to the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items. Common indicators that your thermostat needs an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time the sensors on your thermostat will become dirty. This could cause it to display incorrectly. You can prevent these issues by checking the accuracy of your thermostat using a the use of a separate thermometer.

A faulty sensor or calibration could lead to your system continuously switching on and off that is known as short cycling. This can negatively impact your comfort, and cause unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. The problem can be fixed by replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.

Check the breakers for both your HVAC equipment and thermostat in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker tripped it, you’ll need to reset it to allow your thermostat to reconnect with the system.

Check your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Check for dirt or dust and make sure that the thermostat isn’t too much exposed to sunlight. Finally, the fan blades should be checked for any indications of rust or damage. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as possible.

Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent way to cut down on energy costs, maintain comfort and prolong the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. You can keep your building comfortable throughout the year by identifying problems with your thermostat, setting your breaker, and then replacing your batteries. Be sure to call an expert if you’re having any other problems or aren’t sure what’s going on with your system.