The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it comes to your cooling and heating system, routine maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan where you pay a low monthly rate to have your system checked, fixed or cleaned if required.
It’s also recommended to do some DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around outdoor units free of clutter will help ensure the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils that make up the condenser of your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they are dirty the system is likely to struggle to cool and may even fail to function properly. This is why cleaning them is an essential component of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, quite simple to do. This easy DIY task can prevent the need for expensive repairs, save you money on your energy bills, and prolong the longevity of your AC unit.
It is vital to cut off power from your unit first. This can be done by shutting off the breaker at the electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your motors and electrical components from being oversaturated when cleaning.
When the power is turned off, you can begin to remove any large debris that is obstructing the air condenser unit. This means sweeping off 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 option to get into the nooks and crannies and remove any dust, dirt or other debris that has accumulated.
The next step is to clean the coils. Before you begin, though, make sure you have some essential tools. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate and a pump-up garden sprayer as well as an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the directions on the product’s label and then rinse using the hose. When washing the coils, it is important not to apply excessive 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, rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other items can damage the coil’s fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool called a fin comb can straighten them to improve air flow and to help the coils function more effectively.
Once the coils and fins are in good shape If you are satisfied with the condition of your fins and coils, go back to your home and start your air conditioner. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to confirm that temperatures are within the normal range.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air in from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout your home. The air is transported from the evaporator inside the condenser to your home’s registers and vents via a system of ducts. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they may be laden with dust and other pollutants. This can block the air filters, which in turn reduces system efficiency and strains your AC unit.
Cleaning ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires specialized equipment and methods. There are a few actions you can take regularly to keep your ducts tidy and working well. To stop dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, you should change your filter on a regular basis. This will also help to keep the clogs from occurring which can result in a lower efficiency of the system and a high energy bill.
Cleaning the area around the vent openings is a different method to keep your ducts in good shape. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will remove all traces of dust, crumbs and other debris that has built up over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed tight and lined to stop moisture from entering, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that are not cleaned on a regular basis can be filled with a myriad of pollutants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory and allergies, especially in children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to develop in the ductwork, which releases the spores that can be harmful to those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It is generally recommended that you have your ducts cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is operating effectively. However it is possible that if your ducts are well-sealed and you regularly change your filters the cleaning of your ducts may not be required at all. You can only be certain by having your ducts examined. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to measure the amount of particles in your ductwork, and can recommend appropriate cleaning schedules based on your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a critical component of the system. It must be able to deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating as it should and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and lead to the equipment to shut down. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to help catch minor issues early and prevent unnecessary downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by making sure that your equipment as efficient as possible.
A loss of cooling capacity is a typical indication of a problem with a compressor. This could be caused by a variety of causes. A compressor may be operating too hard due to inadequate airflow. This could cause the bearings to wear down and decrease the life of the compressor. A clogged air filter is a different issue. Filters that have become blocked can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To avoid this, it is essential to clean or replace the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
A clogged filter may also cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are worn out and must be replaced. It is recommended to replace belts and pulleys regularly. A belt or pulley that is loose can slip and lead to compressor overheating and other issues. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will look for leaks in the pipes, and ensure a tight seal on the pressure sensor and compressor.
Finally, a puddle of water near the compressor can be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This could be a dangerous problem that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor and call a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the head of your HVAC system, and it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will look at when trouble occurs. A well-maintained thermostat is crucial to the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most overlooked maintenance items. Common indicators that your thermostat needs an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which can cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly with a separate thermometer will aid in avoiding these issues and help you save energy.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration may result in your system constantly switching off and on that is known as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort as well as cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. Fortunately this can be fixed with the simple act of replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breakers.
Check the breakers for both your HVAC and thermostat if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped it, you’ll need to reset it in order for your thermostat to communicate again with the system.
Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Find signs of dirt or dust, and make sure the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Check the fan blades for evidence of damage or rust. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as it possibly can.
Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial property is an excellent method to cut energy consumption, ensure comfort and extend the longevity of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building comfortable all year round. Remember to call an expert if you’re experiencing any other issues or are unsure of what’s going on with your system.
