The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it comes to your heating and cooling system, maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies have a service plan that charges each month to have the system inspected and cleaned, or repaired as needed.
It’s also recommended to do some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around outdoor units free of debris to promote proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in the condenser in your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, you system will struggle to cool and may even fail. Cleaning them is a crucial part of HVAC maintenance. It’s also fairly easy to do. This easy DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs and prolong the life of your air conditioner.
It is essential to disconnect power from your unit before you disconnect it. This can be done by shutting off the breaker at your electrical box or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will keep your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded while cleaning.
Once the power is off and you are able to remove any large debris that is obstructing the air condenser unit. This includes sweeping up any leaves, sticks, or other debris that has built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum that has crevice tools is an excellent way to reach into the nooks and crannies, and loosen dirt or dust that has been accumulating.
The coils need to be cleaned. Be sure to have the necessary tools in your arsenal before you begin. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates, a pump up garden sprayer and an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the instructions on the label, and then rinse with a hose. When washing the coils, it is important to not use too much force as the fins can be bent easily.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should examine them for signs of damage. Over time, hail, stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other things can harm the coil fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and coil performance.
If the fins and coils are in good shape, you can go back to your home and turn on your air conditioner. 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 the home. The air is transported from the evaporator in the condenser to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by a system ducts. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they can be laden with dust and other pollutants. This can block the air filters, which decreases the effectiveness of your system as well as can strain your AC unit.
In the majority of cases, cleaning the ductwork is not an easy task that requires professional equipment and methods. There are some actions you can take regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and working well. First, you should change your filter regularly to prevent dust and allergens out of building into the ducts. This will also help to prevent clogging, which can result in a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy costs.
Another way to help keep your ducts tidy is to regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all the cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time and help to improve airflow through the vent. Also, make sure that your ducts are sealed tight and lined to stop moisture from entering, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they can accumulate a variety of contaminants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of respiratory and allergies particularly in children and the elderly. Moisture in ductwork can also result in the growth of mold, which releases spores in the air and poses health risks for those who suffer from respiratory ailments.
It is generally recommended that you have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system functions efficiently. If your ducts are sealed well and you regularly change your filter, it may not be necessary to clean them. You can be certain by having your ducts checked. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to measure the amount of dust particles in your ductwork, and will recommend the suitable cleaning schedules based upon the specific circumstances.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial component of the system. It needs to operate correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning properly it could affect your productivity and result in equipment downtime. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues earlier, avoiding excessive downtime. Conducting these regular checks can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment is in good working order for as long as possible.
A common sign of a compressor problem is a loss in cooling capacity, however this could be due to a number of different factors. One possibility is that a compressor could be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This can cause bearings to wear down and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another common problem. Filters that are clogged can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this, it is crucial to clean or change the filters frequently, according to the recommendations of the manufacturer.
A blocked filter could cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings must be replaced. It is recommended to replace pulleys and belts on a regular basis. A pulley or belt that is loose could cause the compressor to overheat and create other issues. It is recommended to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will eliminate the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will check for leaks in the pipes, and ensure an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.
Lastly, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor could be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect a leak, shut off the air compressor. Contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is like the head of your HVAC system, and it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will check when trouble arises. It’s also one of the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, yet a properly maintained thermostat is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Common indicators that your thermostat is in need of periodic inspections include incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the sensors on your thermostat can become dirty. This could cause it to display incorrectly. Regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a separate thermometer can assist you in avoiding these issues and save energy.
A defective sensor or a faulty calibration can cause your system to turn off and on in a continuous manner. This is called short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. The problem can be fixed by replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breaker.
Check the breakers for both your HVAC and thermostat if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, you will need to reset it to allow your thermostat to reconnect with the system.
Check your thermostat for indications of wear and tear. Find indications of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t too exposed to sunlight. The fan blades need to be examined for any indications of rust or damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as possible.
Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent method to cut energy costs, maintain comfort and extend the life of your cooling and heating equipment. You can ensure that your building stays cool throughout the year by identifying issues with your thermostat, resetting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Just remember that if you have any other issues, or are unsure about the issue, always call in a professional.
