The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is essential when it concerns heating and cooling systems. It will allow you to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan where you pay each month to have your system checked and cleaned, or repaired as required.
It’s also recommended to do some DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the space around outdoor units free of any debris to ensure the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in the condenser in your air conditioner are the heart of the cooling process. If they’re dirty your system will struggle to cool properly and may even break down. Cleaning them is a crucial aspect of HVAC maintenance. Fortunately, it is also quite simple to do. This easy 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 essential to disconnect the power source from your unit first. This can be done by turning off the breaker on the electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your motors and electrical components from being flooded when cleaning.
Once the power has been turned off, you can begin removing any large objects that could be hindering the air condenser. This includes sweeping up any leaves, sticks or other debris that have built up around or on the unit. A shop vacuum with crevice tools is a great tool to get into the nooks and crannies and remove dirt or dust that has been accumulating.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Make sure you have the necessary tools available before you start. This will include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the instructions on the label of the product and rinse with the hose. It is crucial not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils because the fins may be bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should examine them for indications of damage. Over time, hail, rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other items can damage the coil fins. If the fins are bent, a low-cost tool known as a fin comb can straighten them for better air flow and assist in ensuring that the coils operate more effectively.
After you have a proper coil and fin set up and you are ready to start your air conditioner. After about 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat and ensure that temperatures are normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works by bringing air from outside, cooling it and distributing it throughout your home. Air is moved from the evaporator inside your condenser unit to your home’s registers and vents through the system ducts. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other contaminants when they aren’t cleaned and sealed correctly. This can block the air filters which reduces the efficiency of your system and burdens your AC unit.
In most cases, cleaning the ductwork isn’t an easy task that requires professional equipment and methods. But, there are things you can do regularly to make sure your ducts are clean and well-functioning. First, you should change your filter regularly to keep dust and allergens from accumulating up in the ducts. This will also help prevent clogging, which can cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy costs.
Another way to keep your ducts clean is by regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will take away all the crumbs, cobwebs and other messes that have built up over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. It is also important to make sure your ducts are sealed and sealed with insulation 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 myriad of pollutants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can cause allergies and respiratory issues especially for children and the elderly. In addition, moisture in ductwork may cause the growth of mold which releases spores in the air and can cause health issues for those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It is generally recommended to have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is operating effectively. However, if your ducts are well-sealed and you change your filters regularly, duct cleaning may not be required at all. The best way to determine for sure is by having your ducts examined. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to gauge the amount of dust particles within your ductwork, and will suggest appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential component of the system. It must function correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working as it should, this can affect the efficiency of your business and lead to downtime for equipment. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues earlier, avoiding unnecessary downtime. Conducting these regular checks can also save you money by keeping your unit in good working order for as long as is possible.
A typical sign of a compressor problem is a decrease in cooling capacity, however it could be caused by a number of different factors. One possibility is that the compressor may be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can wear out the bearings and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another common problem is a blocked filter. Filters that have become blocked can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is important to clean or change the filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
A clogged filter may also cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are wearing out and need to be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace belts and pulleys on a regular basis. A belt or pulley that is loose can slip and lead to compressor overheating and other problems. It is recommended to drain the compressor regularly. This will remove the accumulated moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also check for air leaks in the hoses and a tight seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
Finally, a small puddle of water around the compressor could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This could be a risky issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, switch off the compressor that is running and then contact an expert.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the head of your entire HVAC system, and it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing a technician will look at when trouble arises. It’s also among the most often neglected maintenance items, but an appropriately maintained thermostat is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Common signs that your thermostat needs an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the thermostat’s sensors can become dirty. This can cause it to display inaccurately. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly by using a separate thermometer can assist you in avoiding these issues and conserve energy.
A faulty sensor or calibration can also cause your system to keep turning on and off this is known as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be corrected by simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breakers.
Make sure you check the breakers on both your thermostat and HVAC equipment in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it will need to be reset to allow the thermostat to communicate with the system again.
It’s also important to check your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Find indications of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Examine the fan blades for evidence of damage or rust. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as it can.
Basic hvac maintenance is a great way to cut down on energy costs and maintain comfort in your commercial property. It can also prolong the lifespan of heating and cooling equipment. You can keep your building comfortable throughout the year by identifying any issues with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Remember to call a professional if you are having any other problems or aren’t sure what’s the issue with your system.
