The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it is about your heating and cooling system, maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that you pay an affordable monthly fee to have your system checked, fixed or cleaned when needed.

It is also recommended to perform DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around the outdoor units free of debris will promote the proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils inside your air conditioner’s condenser are the core of the cooling process. If they are dirty the system will struggle to cool properly and could even fail. Cleaning them is an important aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to do. This easy DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the lifespan of your air cooling.

It is crucial to disconnect power from your unit before you disconnect it. You can do this by turning off the breaker at your electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will keep your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated while cleaning.

After the power has been shut off and you are able to clean up any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This will include cleaning up any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has been accumulating on or around the unit. Using a shop vacuum with a crevice attachment is a great option to reach into the crevices and nooks and loosen any dirt, dust or other debris that has collected.

The coils need to be cleaned. Before you do this however, ensure you have several essential tools. These will include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the label, then rinse it off with the hose. When washing the coils, it is important to not use too much force as the fins can bend easily.

You should inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time hail or stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other objects can cause damage to the coil’s fins. If the fins are bent, a low-cost tool known as a fin comb can straighten them for better air flow and also to help the coils function more efficiently.

After you have a proper coil and fin set up then you can start your air conditioner. After around 24 hours, you can check the thermostat and ensure that temperatures are normal.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout the home. The air travels from the evaporator coil of 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 if they are not cleaned and sealed properly. This can clog the air filters which can reduce the effectiveness of your system as well as strains your AC unit.

In the majority of cases, cleaning the ductwork isn’t an easy task that requires expert equipment and techniques. There are some things you can do to keep your ducts tidy and working well. To prevent dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts, you should change your filter on a regular basis. This also helps to keep the clogs from occurring which can result in a lower efficiency of the system and a high energy bill.

Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is a different way to keep your ducts in good shape. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will take away all traces of dust, crumbs and other messes that have accumulated over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed tight and protected from moisture getting in, which could result in mold and other biological contaminants.

If ducts aren’t cleaned regularly, they can collect a variety of pollutants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can trigger respiratory and allergies particularly for older people and children. Moisture in ductwork can also result in the growth of mold which releases spores in the air and poses health concerns for those suffering from respiratory issues.

It is recommended to clean your ducts once every three to five year to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However, if your ducts are well-sealed and you change your filters regularly it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be necessary at all. You can only be sure that your ducts are in good condition by having them checked. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA will use special testing techniques to measure the amount particulates that are present in your ductwork. They will then suggest cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your particular situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an essential element of the system. It has to function properly to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating properly, it can impact the efficiency of your business and lead to downtime for equipment. Preventive maintenance can help spot minor issues earlier, avoiding excessive downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by ensuring that your equipment as efficient as possible.

A loss of cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem in the compressor. It could be caused by a variety of causes. A compressor may be working too hard due to inadequate airflow. This could cause bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. Another common problem is a clogged filter. If the filter is clogged, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. It is essential to clean or change the filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

A blocked filter can cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are worn out and require to be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace belts and pulleys regularly. A pulley or belt that is loose could cause the compressor to overheat and create other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the 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 can also look for air leaks in the hoses as well as a tight seal between the compressor and pressure switch.

A pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor can be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This can be a dangerous issue and should be repaired immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, shut off the air compressor and contact a professional.

Check the Thermostat

It’s not surprising that a technician will check the thermostat first when there is any issue. It’s also one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items, yet a properly maintained thermostat is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Check your thermostat if you observe inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time, the sensors on your thermostat can become dirty. This could cause it to display in a wrong manner. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly with a separate thermometer will help you avoid these problems and conserve energy.

A faulty sensor or calibration can also cause your system to keep turning on and off that 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 fixed with simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting the breaker.

If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way It’s an excellent idea to look at the breakers that control both the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll need to be reset in order for the thermostat to connect with the system.

Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Look for evidence of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to sunlight. Examine the fan blades for signs of rust and damage. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as it possibly can.

Basic maintenance of hvac is a great method to reduce energy costs and ensure comfort in your commercial space. It also increases the lifespan of heating and cooling equipment. You can keep your building cool throughout the year by identifying issues with your thermostat, setting your breaker and changing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional should you encounter any other issues or are unsure about the issue you should always consult a professional.