The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

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

It is also recommended to perform DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area surrounding the outdoor units free of any debris will ensure the proper flow of air.

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 is likely to struggle to cool and could even fail. Cleaning them is a vital component of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to complete. This simple DIY task can avoid the need for expensive repairs, save you money on your energy bills, and extend the life of your air conditioning unit.

It is the first step. It is crucial to shut off the power to your unit. This can be accomplished by shutting off the breaker inside your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will stop your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded during cleaning.

Once the power is off, you can begin to clear any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This means sweeping off any sticks, leaves or other debris that has been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum with crevice tools is a great tool to reach into the nooks and crannies and remove dust or dirt that has been accumulating.

The next step is to clean the coils. Before you do this however, ensure you have some essential tools. This will include a coil cleaner concentrate and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label, then rinse with the hose. It is important not to use excessive pressure when washing the coils as the fins can easily be bent.

After the coils have been cleaned, you should look them over for any indications of damage. Over time hail or stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other items can damage the coil’s fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins to ensure improved airflow and coil performance.

When you have a great coil and fin set up then you can start your air conditioner. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to confirm that temperatures are within the normal range.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is designed to bring outside air into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout your home. The air moves from the evaporator coil inside your condenser unit and then to the vents and registers of your home through a duct system. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other contaminants if they are not cleaned and sealed properly. This can clog the air filters which can reduce the effectiveness of your system and burdens your AC unit.

Cleaning the ductwork can be a challenging task that requires specialized equipment and methods. However, there are some things you can do on a regular basis to ensure that your ducts stay clean and functioning well. First, make sure you change your filter regularly to keep dust and allergens out of building up in the ducts. This will also help to prevent the clogging that can cause a decrease in system efficiency and high energy bills.

Another way to keep your ducts clean is to regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time and assist in improving air flow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed tightly and are lined to stop moisture from entering, which can result in mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that have not been regularly cleaned can become loaded with a myriad of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of respiratory issues and allergies, especially in children and the elderly. The moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, releasing microbes that can harm those suffering from respiratory ailments.

It is recommended to clean your ducts once every three to five year to get rid of these toxins and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. However If your ducts are well-sealed and you clean your filters frequently, duct cleaning may not be necessary at all. The best way to be able to tell for sure is by having your ducts examined. A contractor that is certified 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 an important component of the system. It should be able supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating as it should, this can affect the efficiency of your business and lead to interruption to your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to aid in identifying 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 loss in cooling capacity, however this could be caused by a number of different factors. One possibility is that a compressor could be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can cause wear on the bearings and reduce the life of the compressor. A clogged air filter is a different problem. If the filter has become clogged it could reduce the airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. It is important to change or clean the filters according to manufacturer’s instructions.

In addition, a clogged filter can create a rattling sound inside the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings must be changed. Regularly replacing pulleys and belts is recommended. A pulley or belt that is loose can slip, causing the compressor to overheat and create other issues. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor frequently. This will get rid of moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will look for leaks in the pipes, and ensure an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.

Finally, a small puddle of water around the compressor could be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This could be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the air compressor. Contact a professional.

Check the Thermostat

It’s not surprising that a technician will always look at the thermostat first when there’s a problem. It’s also among the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, but a properly maintained thermostat is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Check your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

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

A malfunctioning sensor or calibration could cause your system to keep switching on and off, which is referred to as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort as well as cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. This issue can be solved by simply replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breakers.

If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat at all it’s a good idea to check the breakers that control the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped then you’ll have to reset it to allow your thermostat to communicate again with the system.

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

Basic maintenance of hvac is a great way to reduce energy costs and keep your comfort in a commercial space. It also increases the lifespan of heating and cooling equipment. You can keep your building comfortable throughout the year by identifying issues with your thermostat, setting your breaker, and then replacing your batteries. Remember to call an expert if you’re having other issues or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system.

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