The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it comes to your heating and cooling system, regular maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan where you pay an affordable monthly fee to have the system checked, repaired or cleaned when needed.
It’s also a good idea to perform some DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units free of any debris to ensure the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your condenser for your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they are dirty, you system will struggle to cool and could even breakdown. Cleaning them is an important component of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, relatively simple to complete. This easy DIY task can prevent the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills and prolong the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.
First and foremost, it is essential to cut 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 protect your motors and electrical components from being flooded during cleaning.
After the power is off, you can begin taking down any large debris that may be hindering the condenser air. This means taking away any sticks, leaves or other debris that have been accumulating on or around the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has a crevice attachment is a great option to get into the nooks and crevices and remove any dirt, dust or other debris that may have accumulated.
The coils need to be cleaned. Before doing this however, make sure you have several essential tools. 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 label and rinse with the hose. It is important not to use excessive pressure when washing the coils since the fins could easily be bent.
You should examine the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, hail, rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other objects can cause damage to 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 help the coils function more effectively.
After you have a proper coil and fin setup and you are ready to turn on your air conditioner. After about 24 hours, you should check the thermostat to ensure that temperatures are normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is designed to bring air from outside into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout your house. The air travels from the evaporator coil inside your condenser unit to your home’s vents and registers through a network of ducts. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t maintained and sealed correctly. This can block the air filters and reduces the efficiency of your system and puts strain on your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires expert equipment and techniques. However, there are a few things you can do regularly to ensure that your ducts remain clean and functioning well. First, you should change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens from building up in the ducts. This will also help to stop the clogging that could cause a decrease in system efficiency and a high energy bill.
Another way to keep your ducts clean is by regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. Utilizing the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner can remove all the cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time and aid in improving air flow through the vent. It is also essential to ensure that your ducts are properly sealed and insulated to keep out moisture, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that are not cleaned on a regular basis can be filled with a wide variety of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory and allergies, especially for children and the elderly. The moisture can cause mold to grow in ductwork, which releases spores that are harmful to people suffering from respiratory issues.
It is recommended that you clean your ducts once every three to five years to get rid of these toxins and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However, if your ducts are sealed and you change your filters regularly the cleaning of your ducts may not be required at all. The best way to be able to tell the truth is to have your ducts examined. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA will use special testing methods in order to determine the amount of particulates found in your ductwork. They will then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential component of the system. It has to function properly to deliver cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning in the way it should it could affect your productivity and cause equipment downtime. Preventive maintenance can help spot minor issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by making sure that your unit as good as possible.
A reduction in cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem with a compressor. It could be caused by a variety of factors. A compressor may be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can cause the bearings to wear down and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another frequent issue. If the filter is blocked it can impede airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. It is important to clean or replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A blocked filter could cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are wearing out and must be replaced. It is recommended to replace belts and pulleys on a regular basis. A worn-out belt or pulley can cause the compressor to overheat and create other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor on a regular basis. 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, and ensure an adequate seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
Lastly, a small puddle of water around the compressor could be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This could be a risky issue and should be repaired immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, switch off the compressor that is running and then contact an expert.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is like the boss of your HVAC system, so it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing that a technician will inspect when a problem occurs. It’s also one of the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, yet maintaining your thermostat properly is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s operation. Common indicators that your thermostat requires an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which may cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. Regularly checking your thermostat’s accuracy by using a separate thermometer can help you avoid these problems and conserve energy.
A defective sensor or a faulty calibration can 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 excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately the majority of these issues can be resolved with simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting its breakers.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat at all It’s an excellent idea to look at the breakers that control the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker tripped it, you’ll need to reset it to allow your thermostat to communicate again with the system.
It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Look for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat is not too much exposed to sunlight. Finally, the fan blades should be checked for any signs of damage or rust. These simple checks can help avoid costly repairs in the future, and will ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it is possible.
Basic hvac maintenance is a great method to cut down on energy costs and ensure comfort in your commercial space. It also increases the life of heating and cooling equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, setting the breaker and replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building comfortable all year. Be sure to call a professional should you encounter any other issues, or aren’t sure the issue you should always consult an expert.
