The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it is about your heating and cooling system, regular maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan where you pay the monthly cost to have your system checked, repaired or cleaned when necessary.

You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the areas around outdoor units clear of debris to promote the proper flow of air.

Clean the Condenser

The coils of your condenser for your air conditioner are at the heart the cooling process. If they’re dirty, you system will struggle to cool and could even breakdown. Cleaning them is an essential component of HVAC maintenance. It’s also relatively simple to complete. This simple DIY task will save you money, prevent expensive repairs and extend the life of your air conditioner.

First and foremost, it is important to disconnect the power to your unit. You can do this by turning off the breaker on the electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will keep your motors and other electrical components from being oversaturated during cleaning.

Once the power has been shut off, you can begin taking down any large debris that may be blocking the air condenser. This includes sweeping up any leaves, sticks or other debris that has built up around or on the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has crevice attachments is a great way to reach into the crevices and nooks and loosen dust, dirt or other debris that has collected.

The coils require to be cleaned. Make sure you have the necessary tools in your arsenal prior to beginning. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates as well as a pump-up garden sprayer, and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the instructions on the product’s label and then rinse it off using the hose. It is essential not to apply too much pressure when washing the coils since the fins could easily be bent.

It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time hail and stones 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 assist in ensuring that the coils operate more efficiently.

Once you have a good coil and fin set up, you can start your air conditioner. After approximately 24 hours, you can check the thermostat to ensure that the temperatures are in line with normal.

Cleaning the Ductwork

Your HVAC system works to bring air from outside into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout your house. Air is transported from the evaporator of the condenser to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by a system duct. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they may become loaded with dirt and other contaminates. This can block the air filters and reduces the efficiency of the system and puts strain on your AC unit.

In the majority of instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy task that requires the help of professional equipment and techniques. However, there are some things you can do regularly to ensure your ducts remain clean and functioning well. To stop dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts, change your filter on a regular basis. This will also help to stop clogging, which could lead to a reduced system efficiency and higher energy costs.

Another way to help keep your ducts clean is by regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will remove all traces of dust, crumbs and other debris that has built up over time. This will improve airflow through the vent. It’s also important to ensure that your ducts are properly sealed and insulated to keep out moisture, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that are not cleaned on a regular basis can be filled with a wide variety of pollutants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory and allergies, especially for children and the elderly. The moisture in ductwork can cause the growth of mold, which releases spores into air and poses health concerns for those suffering from respiratory ailments.

It is generally recommended that you get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to remove the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is working efficiently. However, if your ducts are sealed 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 dust particles within your ductwork, and can recommend suitable cleaning schedules based upon your specific situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an essential element of the system. It has to function properly to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working in the way it should, this can impact your productivity and result in downtime for equipment. However, preventive maintenance can help catch minor issues early and prevent unnecessary downtime. Performing these routine checks can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment is in good condition for as long as it is possible.

A loss of cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem with a compressor. This could be caused by several different reasons. One possibility is that the compressor may be overworking because of poor airflow. This can cause the bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. A blocked air filter is a different issue. If the filter is clogged it can impede airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. It is crucial to clean or change the filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

A blocked filter could cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings are wearing out and must be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace belts and pulleys on a regular basis. A worn-out belt or pulley can slip, causing the compressor to overheat and create other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor regularly. This will remove the accumulated moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also examine for air leaks within the hoses and an adequate seal between the compressor and pressure switch.

A puddle of liquid near the compressor could be a sign of a leak. This is a potentially dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the compressor that is running and then contact a professional.

Check the Thermostat

It’s not surprising that technicians will always check the thermostat first when there’s an issue. It’s also one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items, yet an appropriately maintained thermostat is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Common indicators that your thermostat requires a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which may cause the device to display inaccurately. You can avoid these problems by ensuring the accuracy of your thermostat with an additional thermometer.

A faulty sensor or calibration may lead to your system continuously switching off and on, which is referred to as short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be fixed with simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting its breaker.

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 has tripped, it’ll require resetting to allow the thermostat to connect with the system once more.

Check your thermostat for indications of wear and tear. Check for indications of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to sunlight. Examine the fan blades for signs of damage and rust. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as it possibly can.

The simple maintenance of hvac systems on your commercial property is an excellent way to cut down on energy costs, maintain comfort, and extend the longevity of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building warm all year. Be sure to call a professional if you have any other issues or are unsure about what’s wrong with your system, always call in a professional.