The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is key when it comes to heating and cooling systems. It will help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan where you pay a monthly fee to have the system inspected, repaired or cleaned as required.
It’s also an excellent idea to carry out a few 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 flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your condenser for your air conditioner are the primary component of the cooling process. If they are dirty, your system will struggle to cool and may even fail. Cleaning them is a crucial component of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, fairly easy to do. This simple DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the life span of your air conditioner.
It is vital to cut off the power source from your unit first. This can be done by shutting off the breaker at your electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will stop your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated during cleaning.
After the power has been shut off, you can begin taking down any large debris that may be hindering the condenser’s air. This will include taking away any leaves, sticks or other debris that have been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice attachments is a great option to get into the crevices and nooks and loosen any dirt, dust or other debris that may have accumulated.
The coils require to be cleaned. Make sure you have some essential tools on hand before you start. These will include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden hose and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label of the product and then rinse using the hose. It is important not to use excessive pressure when washing the coils as the fins can easily be bent.
You should inspect the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time, hail and rocks dropped by lawnmowers or 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 assist in ensuring that the coils operate more efficiently.
Once the coils and fins are in good condition, you can go back to your home and start your air conditioning. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to ensure temperatures are within the normal range.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works 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 and then to your home’s vents and registers through a network of ducts. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other pollutants if they are not cleaned and sealed correctly. This can clog the air filters which can reduce the efficiency of your system and can strain your AC unit.
Cleaning ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires professional equipment and techniques. However, there are a few things you can do on a regular basis to ensure your ducts stay in good condition and function properly. To stop dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts, it is recommended to change your filter regularly. This also helps to stop the clogging that could cause a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy costs.
Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is a different method to keep your ducts in good shape. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will get rid of all traces of dust, crumbs and other messes that have accumulated over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. It’s also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed and insulated to keep out moisture, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that aren’t cleaned on a regular basis can become loaded with a variety of pollutants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of respiratory and allergies, especially in children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to develop in ductwork, which releases spores that are harmful to those with respiratory problems.
It is generally recommended that you get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is operating effectively. However, if your ducts are sealed properly and you regularly change your filters the cleaning of your ducts may not be required at all. You can only be sure by having your ducts checked. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to measure the amount of particles in your ductwork, and will suggest suitable cleaning schedules based upon your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a critical component of the system. It must be able to supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning as it should, this can impact your productivity and result in interruption to your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can assist in identifying issues that are minor and prevent unnecessary downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by ensuring that your unit as good as possible.
A typical indication of a problem with a compressor is a decrease in cooling capacity, but this could be due to many different causes. One possibility is that a compressor may be overworking because of poor airflow. This can cause bearings to wear down and decrease the life of the compressor. Another common issue is a clogged filter. Filters that are blocked can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is essential to change or clean the filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
A clogged filter may also cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are worn out and need to be replaced. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is a good idea. A pulley or belt that is loose can cause the compressor to overheat and create other issues. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor on a regular basis. This will get rid of moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will look for leaks in the hoses, as well as a tight seal on the pressure sensor and compressor.
A puddle of liquid near the compressor could be a sign of leak. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor. Consult a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat acts like the head of your HVAC system, and it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing a technician will check when trouble occurs. It’s also one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items, but maintaining your thermostat properly is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Examine your thermostat if you notice incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the thermostat’s sensors may become dirty. This could cause it to display inaccurately. You can prevent these issues by checking the accuracy of your thermostat using a an additional thermometer.
A faulty sensor, or a flawed calibration could cause your system to turn off and on continuously. This is called short cycling. This can affect your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately this can be corrected by the simple act of replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting the breaker.
Check the breakers for your HVAC and thermostat in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll require resetting in order for the thermostat to communicate with the system again.
It is also essential to examine your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Check for signs of dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Lastly, the fan blades must be inspected for any signs of damage or rust. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as it can.
The simple maintenance of hvac systems on your commercial property is an excellent method to cut energy costs, maintain comfort and prolong the longevity of your cooling and heating equipment. It is possible to keep your building cool throughout the year by identifying problems with your thermostat, setting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional should you encounter any other issues, or aren’t sure the issue make sure to contact a professional.
