The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it comes to your heating and cooling system, regular maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. The majority of HVAC companies have a service plan where you pay an annual fee to have your system checked and cleaned or repaired when required.

It’s also a good idea to perform some DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units clear of clutter will help ensure the proper flow of air.

Clean the Condenser

The coils of your air conditioner condenser are at the heart the cooling process. If they are dirty your system is likely to struggle to cool and may even break down. Cleaning them is an important part of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, fairly easy to do. This easy DIY task will eliminate the need for expensive repairs, and save you money on your energy bills, and prolong the longevity of your AC unit.

It is crucial to disconnect power from your unit before you disconnect it. This can be accomplished by shutting off the breaker in your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will keep your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded when cleaning.

After the power has been shut off, you can begin to clear any large debris that is obstructing the air condenser unit. This will include taking away any sticks, leaves or other debris that have accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice tool is an excellent way to reach into the nooks, crannies and remove dirt or dust that has built up.

The next step is to clean the coils. Before you do this however, ensure that you have in your possession a few key tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates, a pump up garden sprayer, and the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the instructions on the label, then rinse it off using a garden hose. It is crucial not to apply too much pressure when washing the coils, because the fins may be bent.

You should inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time hail, rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other things can harm the coil fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins for better airflow and performance of the coil.

Once you have a good coil and fin setup then you can turn on your air conditioner. After approximately 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat and ensure that the temperatures are in line with normal.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it and distributing it throughout your home. The air is moved from the evaporator coil in your condenser unit and then to your house’s vents and registers through a network of ducts. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they can become loaded 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 isn’t an easy task that requires professional equipment and techniques. But, there are things you can do regularly to ensure that your ducts stay in good condition and function properly. First, make sure you change your filter regularly to keep dust and allergens out of building into the ducts. This will also help to keep the clogs from occurring which can cause a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy costs.

Another method to keep your ducts clean is to regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will remove all traces of dust, crumbs and other debris that has been accumulating over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are properly sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that have not been regularly cleaned are likely to be contaminated with a wide variety of contaminants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can worsen allergies and respiratory problems particularly in children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to develop in the ductwork, which releases spores that are harmful to those suffering from respiratory ailments.

It is recommended that you clean your ductwork every three to five year to get rid of these toxins and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. If your ducts have been well-sealed, and you replace your filter on a regular basis It may not be necessary to clean them. You can only be certain that your ducts are in good condition by having them checked. A licensed contractor can employ special testing methods to measure the amount of particles in your ductwork and will recommend the suitable cleaning schedules based upon the specific circumstances.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an important component of the system. It should be able supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning as it should, this can affect your productivity and cause delays for your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to aid in identifying minor issues early and help avoid prolonged downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by making sure that your equipment as efficient as possible.

The most common sign of a compressor problem is a loss in cooling capacity, although this could be due to many different causes. One possibility is that a compressor could be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This could cause the bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. A clogged air filter is a different problem. If the filter is clogged it could reduce the airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. To avoid this, it is essential to clean or change the filters regularly based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Additionally, a blocked filter can also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This can 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 belt or pulley could cause slipping and result in compressor overheating and other issues. It is recommended to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also examine for air leaks within the hoses as well as an adequate seal between the compressor and pressure switch.

Finally, a small puddle of water around the compressor can be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This could be a risky problem and needs to be fixed right away. If you suspect a leak, shut off the air compressor. Contact a professional.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat is like the head of your entire HVAC system, so it’s not a surprise that it’s the first thing that a technician will inspect when a problem occurs. It’s also among the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, but a properly maintained thermostat is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s operation. Check your thermostat if observe inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which can cause the device to display inaccurately. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly by using a separate thermometer can assist you in avoiding these issues and save energy.

A faulty sensor or calibration could cause your system to keep switching on and off that is known as short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort, and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately this can be fixed with simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.

If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat at all it’s an excellent idea to look at the breakers that control the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker tripped then you’ll have to reset it in order for your thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.

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

Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent way to cut down on energy consumption, ensure comfort and prolong the longevity of your cooling and heating equipment. You can keep your building comfortable throughout the year by identifying problems with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker, and then replacing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional in case you experience any other issues or are unsure about what’s wrong with your system you should always consult an expert.

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