The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is essential when it is concerned with cooling and heating systems. It can help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan where you pay an affordable monthly fee to get the system checked, repaired or cleaned as required.
It’s also an excellent idea to carry out some DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. This includes 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 air conditioner condenser are at the heart the cooling process. If they are dirty, your system will struggle to cool and may even breakdown. Cleaning them is a crucial component of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, relatively simple to complete. This simple DIY task can avoid the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills and extend the life of your air conditioning unit.
In the beginning, it is essential to cut off the power supply to your unit. This can be accomplished by shutting off the breaker inside the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated while cleaning.
After the power has been shut off it is now time to clear any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This includes cleaning up any leaves, sticks, or other debris that has built up around or on the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has a crevice attachment is a great option to reach into the nooks and crevices and remove any dirt, dust or other debris that has accumulated.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before you begin however, ensure you have some essential tools. This will include a concentrate of the coil cleaner and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the product’s label and then rinse it off using the hose. When washing the coils it is essential not to use too much force as the fins are easily bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, examine them for indications of damage. Over time, the impact of hail and stones thrown from lawnmowers or other items could damage the coil fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool known as a fin-comb can straighten them for better air flow and to help the coils function more efficiently.
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 switch on your air conditioner. After about 24 hours, you should check the thermostat and ensure that the temperature is normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works by bringing air in from outside, cooling it and distributing it throughout your home. Air is moved from the evaporator in your condenser unit to your home’s registers and vents via a system ducts. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they could become loaded with dust and other pollutants. This can block the air filters, which in turn reduces system efficiency and strains your AC unit.
In the majority of cases, cleaning the ductwork is not an easy task and requires expert equipment and methods. There are some things you can do to keep your ducts tidy and working well. To avoid dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, you should change your filter on a regular basis. This will also help to keep clogs from occurring, which could result in a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy bills.
Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is another way to keep your ducts in good shape. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner can remove all of the dust and crumbs that build up over time, and will help to improve airflow through the vent. It’s also important to ensure that your ducts are properly sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that aren’t cleaned on a regular basis can be filled with a myriad of contaminants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can trigger respiratory and allergies particularly in children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to grow in ductwork, which releases microbes that can harm people suffering from respiratory issues.
It is generally recommended to get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminants and ensure 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 necessary at all. The best way to know for sure is by having your ducts examined. A contractor that is certified by the EPA will use special testing techniques to determine the amount of particles that are present in your ductwork. They will then suggest cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a critical element of the system. It must function correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working as it should and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and result in downtime for your equipment. However, preventive maintenance can help catch minor issues early and avoid excessive downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by making sure that your unit as good as possible.
A typical indication of a problem with a compressor is a decrease in cooling capacity, however this could be caused by many different causes. A compressor may be working too hard due to inadequate airflow. This could cause bearings to wear out and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another common problem is a clogged filter. Filters that are clogged can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is important to change or clean the filters according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Additionally, a blocked filter could also cause rattling noises in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings need to be changed. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A belt or pulley that is loose could cause slipping and result in overheating of the compressor and other issues. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will get rid of moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will examine for leaks in hoses, as well as an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.
Lastly, a small puddle of water around the compressor can be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This is a potentially dangerous problem that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the air compressor and call a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is like the boss of your entire HVAC system, and it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing that a technician will inspect when a problem arises. A properly maintained thermostat is vital to the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most overlooked maintenance items. Examine your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which may 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 conserve energy.
A faulty sensor, or a flawed calibration could cause your system to cycle on and off constantly. This is referred to as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. These issues can be resolved by simply replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breakers.
Check the breakers for your HVAC and thermostat in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped then you’ll have to reset it to allow your thermostat to communicate again with the system.
Check your thermostat for indications of wear and tear. Find signs of dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to sunlight. Examine the fan blades for signs of damage and rust. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as it possibly can.
Basic HVAC maintenance is a great strategy to cut down on energy costs and ensure comfort in your commercial property. It can also prolong the life of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building cool all year round. Make sure that in case you experience any other issues, or aren’t sure the issue, always call in an expert.
