The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is key when it concerns heating and cooling 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 your system checked and cleaned, or repaired as needed.
You should also carry out some DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area surrounding outdoor units clear of debris will promote the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils of the condenser of your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will be unable to cool properly and may even fail to function properly. Cleaning them is a crucial component of HVAC maintenance. It’s also relatively simple to complete. This simple DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the lifespan of your air conditioner.
It is essential to disconnect power from your unit first. This can be accomplished by shutting off the breaker in your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will safeguard your motors and electrical components from being flooded during cleaning.
After the power has been turned off, you can start taking down any large debris that could be hindering the condenser air. This means sweeping up any leaves, sticks, or other debris that have built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum that has a crevice tool is a great way to reach into the nooks, crannies, and loosen dust or dirt that has been accumulating.
The next step is to clean the coils. Make sure you have some essential tools on hand before you begin. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates, a pump up garden sprayer and the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance to the directions on the label, and then rinse it off using a garden 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 signs of damage. Over time hail or rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other objects can cause damage to the coil fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins for better airflow and performance of the coil.
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 start your air conditioning. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to confirm that temperatures are within the normal range.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it, and then distributing it throughout your home. The air travels from the evaporator coil in your condenser unit to your house’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 causes air filters to become blocked which reduces the efficiency of the system and strains your AC unit.
In most instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy task that requires professional equipment and techniques. However, there are a few actions you can take regularly to make sure your ducts stay clean and well-functioning. First, make sure you change your filter regularly to keep dust and allergens from accumulating into the ducts. This will also help to keep the clogs from occurring which can lead to reduced system efficiency and a high energy bill.
Another way to help keep your ducts clean is to regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can eliminate all of the cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time and aid in improving air flow through the vent. It’s also important to make sure your ducts are tightly sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they could collect a variety of pollutants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of respiratory and allergies particularly in children and the elderly. The moisture in ductwork can cause the growth of mold which releases spores into air and can cause health issues for those who suffer from respiratory ailments.
It is recommended that you clean your ducts once every three to five year to eliminate these contaminates 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 by having your ducts examined. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA can use special testing techniques to determine the amount of particles found in your ductwork. They can then recommend cleaning schedules that are suitable for your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential component of the system. It must be able to deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning as it should, this can impact your productivity and cause interruption to your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can help catch minor issues early and prevent unnecessary downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by making sure that your unit as good as possible.
A common indication of a problem with a compressor is a decrease in cooling capacity, although this could be due to many different causes. One possibility is that a compressor could be overworking because of poor airflow. This can cause the bearings to wear down and decrease the life of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another frequent issue. Filters that are blocked can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is important to clean or replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
A blocked filter could cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings are worn out and require to be replaced. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A worn belt or pulley can cause slippage and cause compressor overheating and other issues. It is also a great 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 can check for air leaks in the hoses as well as an adequate seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
Finally, a puddle of water near the compressor could be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This could be a dangerous problem that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, switch off the air compressor and contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not surprising that a technician will always examine the thermostat first if there is any issue. A properly maintained thermostat is essential for the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most frequently neglected maintenance items. Check your thermostat if find inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the sensors on your thermostat may get dirty. This can cause it to display in a wrong manner. You can prevent these issues by ensuring the accuracy of your thermostat by using a an additional thermometer.
A defective sensor or a flawed calibration could cause your system to turn off and on 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. This issue can be solved by replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breaker.
Check the breakers for both your HVAC and thermostat If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, you will need to reset it to allow your thermostat to communicate again with the system.
Check your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Check for indications of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to sunlight. Lastly, the fan blades must be inspected for signs of rust or damage. These simple checks can help avoid costly repairs in the future, and ensure your equipment is running as smoothly as it can.
Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial building is a great way to reduce the cost of energy, maintain comfort, and extend the life of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building comfortable all year round. Make sure that should you encounter any other issues or are unsure about the issue, always call in an expert.
