The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is crucial when it concerns heating and cooling systems. It can help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that you pay the monthly cost to have your system checked out, fixed or cleaned if needed.
It’s also recommended to do some 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 proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils that make up your air conditioner’s condenser are the heart of the cooling process. If they are dirty the system will be unable to cool properly and could even fail. This is why cleaning them is a vital aspect of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to do. This simple DIY task can prevent the need for expensive repairs, save you money on your energy bills, and extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.
First and foremost, it is essential to cut off the power to your unit. This can be accomplished by turning off the breaker inside your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will safeguard your electrical components and motors from being over-saturated during cleaning.
After the power has been shut off, you can begin clearing any large objects that could be blocking the condenser’s air. This means taking away any sticks, leaves, or other debris that have accumulated on or around the unit. Using a shop vacuum with a crevice attachment is a great method to reach into the crevices and nooks and loosen dust, dirt or other debris that may have accumulated.
The coils require to be cleaned. Make sure you have a few essential tools in your arsenal before you start. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate as well as a pump-up garden sprayer, and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the label of the product and then rinse using the hose. When washing the coils, it is important to not use too much force as the fins can bend easily.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should look them over for any indications of damage. Over time, hail and stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other items can damage the coil’s fins. If the fins are bent, a cost-effective tool known as a fin comb can straighten them for better air flow and assist in ensuring that the coils operate more effectively.
Once you have a good coil and fin setup then you can start your air conditioner. After approximately 24 hours, you can check the thermostat to ensure that the temperature is normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air in from outside, cooling it, and then distributing it throughout your home. Air is moved from the evaporator of the condenser to your home’s registers and vents through a system duct. The ducts could become blocked with dust and other contaminants if they are not cleaned and sealed properly. This can block the air filters and reduces system efficiency and strains your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork can be a difficult task that requires professional equipment and techniques. However, there are a few things you can do regularly to make sure your ducts stay 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 clogging, which can cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy costs.
Vacuuming the area around 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 accumulated over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. It’s also important to make sure your ducts are 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 collect a variety of pollutants such as dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can trigger respiratory and allergies particularly in children and the elderly. The moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, which releases microbes that can harm people suffering from respiratory issues.
It’s generally recommended that you get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is operating efficiently. If your ducts have been sealed properly, and you change your filter regularly, it may not be necessary to clean them. The best way to determine the truth is to have your ducts tested. An accredited contractor can use specific testing methods to determine the amount of dust particles within your ductwork, and can recommend appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on your particular situation.
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, this can affect the efficiency of your business and lead to delays for your equipment. Preventive maintenance can help identify minor issues earlier, avoiding excessive downtime. Regularly checking your unit can also save you money by keeping your unit in good condition for as long as is possible.
The most common sign of a compressor problem is a loss in cooling capacity, but this could be due to various factors. One possibility is that a compressor may be overworking because of poor airflow. This can cause the bearings to wear down and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another common issue. If the filter has become clogged, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. To prevent this from happening, it is essential to clean or replace the filters frequently, according to the recommendations of the manufacturer.
Additionally, a blocked filter can create a rattling sound inside the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are worn out and require to be replaced. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is recommended. A pulley or belt that is loose could cause the compressor to overheat and create 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 examine for leaks in hoses, and an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.
A puddle of liquid near the compressor could be a sign of an issue. This is a potentially dangerous problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect a leak, shut off the air compressor. Get a professional to assist you.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is like the head of your entire HVAC system, so it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will inspect when a problem occurs. It’s also one of the most often neglected maintenance items, but maintaining your thermostat properly is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Common indicators that your thermostat needs a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which can cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. Regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with a separate thermometer will assist you in avoiding these issues and save energy.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration could lead to your system continuously switching off and on this is known as short cycling. This can affect your comfort, and cause unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. Fortunately this can be fixed with simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting its breakers.
Check the breakers for your HVAC equipment and thermostat in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll have to be reset in order for the thermostat to communicate with the system once more.
Check your thermostat for indications of wear and tear. Look for indications of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Finally, the fan blades need to be examined for any signs of damage or rust. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it possibly can.
The simple maintenance of hvac systems on your commercial property is a great way to reduce the cost of energy, maintain comfort and prolong the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and replacing the batteries and fuses, you’ll be able keep your building cool all year round. Be sure to call an expert if you’re having any other problems or are unsure of what’s wrong with your system.
