The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your cooling and heating system, routine maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies have a maintenance plan where you pay each month to have the system inspected and cleaned, or repaired as needed.
It is also recommended to perform DIY maintenance throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units free of debris to promote the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your air conditioner condenser are at the heart the cooling process. If they are dirty your system is likely to struggle to cool and may even fail to function properly. Cleaning them is a crucial component of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to do. This easy DIY task can prevent the need for costly repairs, and save you money on your energy bills, and prolong the life of your air conditioning unit.
It is the first step. It is important to disconnect the power to your unit. You can do this by shutting off the breaker at your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from being oversaturated when cleaning.
When the power is turned off, you can begin to clear any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This includes cleaning off any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has built up around or on the unit. A shop vacuum that has crevice tools is a great way to reach into the nooks, crannies and remove dirt or dust that has accumulated.
The next step is to clean the coils. Make sure you have a few essential tools available prior to beginning. These include a coil cleaner concentrate, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label, and then rinse with a garden hose. When washing the coils it is essential not to use excessive force since the fins are easily bent.
You should examine the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time, the impact of hail and stones thrown from lawnmowers or other objects can cause damage to coil fins. If the fins are bent, a cost-effective tool called a fin comb can straighten them to improve air flow and help the coils function more effectively.
If the fins and coils are in good shape Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the fins and coils, you can return to your house and switch on your air conditioner. After around 24 hours, you can check the thermostat and make sure that the temperatures are in line with normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring outside air into your home, cool it, and then distribute it throughout the house. The air travels from the evaporator coil of your condenser unit to your house’s vents and registers through a duct system. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they may be laden with dust and other contaminants. This can block the air filters which can reduce the effectiveness of your system as well as strains your AC unit.
In the majority of instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy task and requires professional equipment and techniques. But, there are things you can do on a regular basis to ensure that your ducts remain in good condition and function properly. To avoid dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, you should change your filter regularly. This also helps to prevent the clogging that can lead to reduced system efficiency and high energy bills.
Another method to keep your ducts clean is by regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will get rid of all traces of dust, crumbs and other debris that have built up over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts are sealed tightly and are insulated to prevent moisture from entering, which can result in mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts aren’t cleaned regularly, they could build up a myriad of contaminants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues especially for children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to develop in the ductwork, which releases spores that are harmful to those with respiratory problems.
It is recommended to clean your ducts once every three to five year to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. If your ducts are sealed properly, and you regularly change your filter, it may not be necessary to clean them. You can only be sure that your ducts are in good condition by having them checked. A licensed contractor can employ special testing methods to measure the amount of particulates in your ductwork and can recommend appropriate cleaning schedules based on the specific circumstances.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential element of the system. It has to be able to deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating as it should, it can affect your productivity and lead to the equipment to shut down. Preventive maintenance can help identify minor issues early, preventing excessive downtime. Regular checks can 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, although this could be caused by a number of different factors. A compressor may be operating too hard due insufficient airflow. This could cause the bearings to wear down and decrease the life of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another common issue. Filters that have become blocked can reduce airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To avoid this, it is crucial to clean or replace the filters regularly based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.
A blocked filter can cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are wearing out and require to be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is a good idea. A loose pulley or belt could cause slipping and result in compressor overheating and other issues. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor on a regular basis. This will remove the accumulated moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also examine for leaks in hoses, as well as an adequate seal around the compressor and pressure sensor.
Lastly, a small puddle of water around the compressor could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This is a potentially dangerous problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor. Get a professional to assist you.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the head of your entire HVAC system, so it’s not a surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will check when trouble arises. A well-maintained thermostat is essential for the efficient operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most overlooked maintenance items. Examine your thermostat if you observe inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which may cause the thermostat to display inaccurately. Regularly checking your thermostat’s accuracy by using a separate thermometer can aid in avoiding these issues and help you save energy.
A malfunctioning sensor, or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to turn off and on constantly. This is referred to as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. This issue can be solved by replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.
Check the breakers for your thermostat and HVAC equipment if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker tripped, you will need to reset it to allow your thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.
It’s also important to check your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Check for dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat is not overly exposed to the sun. Check the fan blades for signs of damage and rust. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future, and will ensure that your equipment is operating as smoothly as possible.
Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent method to cut energy costs, maintain comfort and extend the longevity of your cooling and heating equipment. You can ensure that your building stays at all times comfortable 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 unsure of what is wrong with your system.
