The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it is about your cooling and heating system, maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies have a service plan where you pay an annual fee to have the system inspected and cleaned, or repaired as needed.

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 free of any debris will ensure the proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils in the condenser of your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool and could even fail. This is why cleaning them is an essential aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to do. This easy DIY task will eliminate the need for expensive repairs, save you money on your energy bills and extend the longevity of your AC unit.

First and foremost, it is important to disconnect the power source to your unit. This can be done by turning off the breaker at the electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your motors and electrical components from being over-saturated during cleaning.

Once the power is off, you can start taking down any large objects that could be blocking the air condenser. This means cleaning up any sticks, leaves or other debris that has built up on or around the unit. Using a shop vacuum with a crevice attachment is a great option to reach into the nooks and crevices and get rid of any dirt, dust or other debris that has accumulated.

The coils require to be cleaned. Be sure to have the necessary tools on hand prior to beginning. These include a concentrate for coil cleaning, 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 using the hose. When washing the coils it is important to not use too much force since the fins can bend easily.

After the coils have been cleaned, inspect them for any indications of damage. Over time, hail and rocks that are thrown by lawnmowers and other items could damage the coil fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool known as a fin-comb can straighten them to improve air flow and to aid in the operation of the coils more effectively.

If the fins and coils are in good condition Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the fins and coils, you can return to your house and switch on your air conditioning. After approximately 24 hours, you should check the thermostat and ensure that the temperature is normal.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring outside air into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout the house. The air is moved from the evaporator coil inside your condenser unit to your home’s vents and registers through a network of ducts. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they may become loaded with dust and other contaminants. This clogs the air filters, which in turn reduces the efficiency of the system and strains your AC unit.

Cleaning the ductwork can be a difficult task that requires specialized equipment and methods. But, there are things you can do on a regular basis to ensure your ducts are clean and well-functioning. To stop dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, change your filter regularly. This can also help stop the clogging that could lead to reduced system efficiency and higher energy costs.

Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is an additional way to keep your ducts cleaner. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will take away all the crumbs, cobwebs and other messes that have been accumulating over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. It’s also important to ensure that your ducts are tightly sealed and insulated to keep out moisture, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.

If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they could accumulate a variety of contaminants like dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory and allergy conditions particularly in children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, which releases microbes that can harm people suffering from respiratory issues.

It is recommended that you clean your ducts every three to five years to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However, if your ducts are sealed and you regularly change your filters the cleaning of your ducts may not be required at all. The best way to be able to tell for sure is by having your ducts examined. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA can use specific testing methods to measure the amount particulates found in your ductwork. They will then recommend cleaning schedules that are suitable for your specific situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a critical component of the system. It must be able to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working as it should it could affect your productivity and cause equipment downtime. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. Performing these routine checks can also help you save money by keeping your unit in good condition for as long as is possible.

A reduction in cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem in a compressor. This could be caused by a variety of factors. A compressor may be operating too hard due insufficient airflow. This could cause the bearings to wear down and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another frequent issue. Filters that are clogged can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is crucial to change or clean the filters according to manufacturer’s guidelines.

A blocked filter can cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings are worn out and must be replaced. Regularly replacing pulleys and belts is a good idea. A belt or pulley that is loose could cause slipping and result in compressor overheating and other issues. It is also a good idea to drain your compressor frequently. This can remove accumulated moisture that could 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 the pressure switch.

A puddle of water near the compressor could be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This can be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed right away. If you suspect 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 look at the thermostat first when there’s a problem. A properly maintained thermostat is vital to the smooth operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most overlooked maintenance items. Check your thermostat if find inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time the thermostat’s sensors may get dirty. This can cause it to display incorrectly. You can avoid these problems by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with a separate thermometer.

A malfunctioning sensor, or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to cycle on and off constantly. This is called short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort as well as cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. These issues can be resolved by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.

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 will have to be reset to allow the thermostat to communicate with the system again.

It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Look for indications of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Finally, the fan blades need to be examined for any indications of rust or damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as possible.

Basic hvac maintenance is a great strategy to save energy and maintain comfort in your commercial property. It will also extend the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. You can ensure that your building stays cool throughout the year by identifying problems with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker, and then replacing your batteries. Make sure to contact a professional if you are having other issues or aren’t sure what’s the issue with your system.