The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is essential when it is concerned with cooling and heating systems. It will help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies have a service plan where you pay each month to have the system inspected and cleaned or repaired when required.
You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units free of any debris to ensure proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils that make up the condenser in your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they are dirty your system will struggle to cool properly and may even break down. Cleaning them is an essential component of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to accomplish. This simple DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs and prolong the lifespan of your air conditioner.
It is vital to cut off power from your unit before you disconnect it. This can be done 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 being oversaturated during cleaning.
After the power has been shut off and you are able to remove any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This means sweeping off any sticks, leaves or other debris that has been accumulating around or on the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has a crevice attachment is a great way to reach into the nooks and crannies and loosen dust, dirt or other debris that has collected.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Make sure you have a few essential tools available before you begin. This will include a coil cleaner concentrate, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the instructions on the label, and then rinse it off with a water hose. It is essential not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils as the fins can easily be bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should examine them for indications of damage. Over time, hail and rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other things can harm the coil fins. If the fins are bent, a low-cost tool known as a fin-comb can straighten them for better air flow and also to assist in ensuring that the coils operate more efficiently.
After you have a proper coil and fin set up and you are ready to turn on your air conditioner. After approximately 24 hours, you can check the thermostat and make sure that the temperature is 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. The air travels from the evaporator coil of the condenser unit to your house’s vents and registers through a duct system. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other contaminants when they aren’t maintained and sealed correctly. This can clog the air filters which reduces the effectiveness of your system as well as burdens your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork can be a difficult task that requires expert equipment and techniques. There are some actions you can take regularly to keep your ducts clean and in good working order. First, you should change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens out of building in the ducts. This also helps to prevent the clogging that can result in a lower efficiency of the system and higher energy costs.
Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is a different method to keep your ducts in good shape. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner can remove all the dust and crumbs that build up over time, and aid in improving airflow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts have been sealed tightly and are protected from moisture entering, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that aren’t regularly cleaned are likely to be contaminated with a myriad of contaminants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can worsen allergies and respiratory problems especially in children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, which releases microbes that can harm those with respiratory problems.
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 is operating effectively. If your ducts are sealed well and you replace your filter on a regular basis it might not be necessary to clean them. The best way to know for sure is by having your ducts tested. A certified contractor can employ specific testing methods to determine the amount of particles in your ductwork, and can recommend appropriate cleaning schedules based on your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an important component of the system. It must function correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning as it should, this could affect your productivity and cause downtime for equipment. Regular maintenance can help you identify small issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by keeping your equipment as efficient as possible.
A common sign of a compressor issue is a decrease in cooling capacity, however this could be caused by a number of different factors. A compressor may be working too hard due to inadequate airflow. This can cause bearings to wear down and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. A blocked air filter is a different problem. Filters that are blocked can reduce airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is important to clean or change the filters according to manufacturer’s guidelines.
In addition, a clogged filter could create a rattling sound inside the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings are wearing out and need to be replaced. It is recommended to replace pulleys and belts regularly. A worn-out belt or pulley can slip, causing the compressor to overheat and create other problems. It is also a great 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 also check for leaks in the pipes, and ensure an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.
Finally, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor can be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This can be a dangerous issue and should be repaired right away. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the compressor that is running and then contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the boss of your entire HVAC system, so it’s not a surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will inspect when a problem arises. It’s also one of the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, yet an appropriately maintained thermostat is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Check your thermostat if you notice incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can become dirty over time, which could cause the device to display inaccurately. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly with a separate thermometer will assist you in avoiding these issues and conserve energy.
A malfunctioning sensor, or a faulty calibration can cause your system to cycle on and off continuously. This is known as short cycling. This can negatively impact your comfort and result in excessive wear and tear on the compressor. The problem can be fixed by replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.
Make sure you check the breakers on both your HVAC and thermostat if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it will need 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 dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat is not overly exposed to the sun. Lastly, the fan blades need to be examined for any signs of rust or damage. These simple checks will help prevent expensive repairs in the future, and will ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it is possible.
The simple maintenance of hvac systems on your commercial building is an excellent way to cut down on the cost of energy, maintain comfort and extend the life of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker and replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building cool all year round. Be sure to call a professional if you are experiencing any other issues or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system.
