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. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan that you pay an affordable monthly fee to have your system checked, fixed or cleaned if required.

It’s also recommended to do some of the 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 proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils in your condenser for your air conditioner 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 essential component of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to accomplish. This easy DIY task will save you money, avoid expensive repairs and extend the life span of your air conditioner.

It is vital to cut off power from your unit first. You can do this by shutting off the breaker on your electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will keep your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded when cleaning.

Once the power has been shut off, you can start taking down any large objects that could be hindering the condenser’s air. This means cleaning up any sticks, leaves or other debris that have been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice attachments is a great way to get into the nooks and crevices and remove dust, dirt or other debris that has collected.

The coils need to be cleaned. Before you begin however, ensure that you have in your possession several essential tools. These will include a concentrate of the coil cleaner, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the label, and then rinse with the hose. It is essential not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils, since the fins could easily be bent.

After the coils have been cleaned, look them over for any signs of damage. 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 cost-effective tool known as a fin-comb can straighten them to improve air flow and assist in ensuring that the coils operate more effectively.

After you have a proper coil and fin setup, you can switch on your air conditioner. After around 24 hours, you can check the thermostat and make sure that the temperature is normal.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system works to bring outside air into your home, cool it, and then distribute it throughout the house. The air is transported from the evaporator inside your condenser unit to your home’s registers and vents through the system duct. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they could become clogged with dust and other pollutants. This can block the air filters which reduces system efficiency and puts strain on your AC unit.

Cleaning the ductwork is a difficult task that requires specialized equipment and methods. However, there are some things you can do regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and well-functioning. First, make sure you change your filter regularly to prevent dust and allergens from building in the ducts. This will also help keep clogs from occurring, which could result in a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy bills.

Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is another method to keep your ducts cleaner. Utilizing the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner can remove all of the cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time, and will assist in improving air flow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed well and are protected from moisture entering, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that have not been regularly cleaned are likely to be contaminated with a variety of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can trigger respiratory issues and allergies particularly for children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to grow in the ductwork, which releases microbes that can harm people suffering from respiratory issues.

It’s generally recommended that you get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to remove these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is working efficiently. If your ducts are sealed properly, and you replace your filter on a regular basis, it may not be necessary to clean them. You can only be sure by having your ducts examined. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to measure the amount of particles in your ductwork, and can recommend appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on your particular situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an important component of the system. It has to function properly to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working properly it could affect your productivity and lead to downtime for your equipment. Preventive maintenance can help identify minor issues earlier, avoiding unnecessary downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by keeping your unit as good as possible.

A reduction in cooling capacity is a common indication of a problem with the compressor. This could be caused by a variety of reasons. A compressor could be working too hard due to inadequate airflow. This can cause the bearings to wear out and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a clogged filter. If the filter is clogged it can impede airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. To prevent this, it is important to clean or replace the filters regularly based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.

In addition, a clogged filter may also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are worn out and require to be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is a good idea. A loose belt or pulley could cause the compressor to overheat and cause other issues. It is also a good idea 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 can also examine for air leaks within the hoses as well as a tight seal between the compressor and pressure switch.

A puddle of liquid in the vicinity of the compressor could be a sign of a leak. This is a risky issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, turn off the air compressor and contact a professional.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat is kind of like the boss of your HVAC system, and 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, but maintaining your thermostat properly is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Examine your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors can become dirty over time, which can cause the device to display incorrectly. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly by using a separate thermometer can aid in avoiding these issues and save energy.

A faulty sensor, or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to turn off and on continuously. This is called short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and result in excessive wear and tear on the compressor. The problem can be fixed by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.

If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat at all it’s recommended to examine the breakers that control the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped then you’ll have to reset it in order for your thermostat to communicate again with the system.

Check your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Check for dirt or dust and make sure that the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to the sun. Examine the fan blades for signs of damage and rust. These simple checks can help avoid costly repairs in the near future, and will ensure that your equipment is operating as efficiently as it can.

Basic HVAC maintenance is a great method to cut down on energy costs and keep your comfort in a commercial space. It also increases the life of cooling and heating equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker and replacing the batteries and fuses, you’ll be able keep your building warm all year round. Be sure to call a professional in case you experience any other issues, or are unsure about the issue, always call in an expert.

Explore More

Ductless Air Conditioner Cost

October 31, 2024 0 Comments 0 tags

Ductless Air Conditioner Cost A ductless system can be a fantastic solution for many homes which do not have ductwork. They are also more efficient than conventional central systems. The

How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

December 25, 2024 0 Comments 0 tags

How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, including dust, mildew and even mold. These contaminants are then spread throughout the