The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it concerns your heating and cooling system, routine maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. Most HVAC companies have a maintenance plan that charges a monthly fee to have your system checked, repaired or cleaned as needed.
It’s also a good idea to perform some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area surrounding outdoor units free of any debris will ensure the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in the condenser of your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they are dirty, your system will struggle to cool and may even breakdown. This is why cleaning them is an essential component of HVAC maintenance. Fortunately, it is also quite simple to do. This simple DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the life of your air conditioner.
It is vital to cut off power from your unit before you disconnect it. This can be done by shutting off the breaker in your electrical box or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your motors and electrical components from being over-saturated when cleaning.
Once the power is off it is now time to clear any large debris obstructing the air condenser unit. This means sweeping up any leaves, sticks, or other debris that has accumulated around or on the unit. Using a shop vacuum with a crevice attachment is a great method to get into the nooks and crevices and loosen any dirt, dust or other debris that has collected.
The coils require to be cleaned. Make sure you have the necessary tools on hand prior to beginning. These include a concentrate for coil cleaning, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the product label and rinse with the hose. It is crucial not to apply too much pressure when washing the coils since the fins could easily be bent.
It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, hail and rocks dropped by lawnmowers or other objects can cause damage to coil 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 aid in the operation of the coils more efficiently.
Once you have a good coil and fin setup and you are ready to switch on your air conditioner. After around 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat and make sure that the temperature is normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works to bring outside air into your home, cool it, and then distribute it throughout your house. The air is transported from the evaporator in your condenser unit to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by a system duct. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other contaminants when they aren’t cleaned and sealed properly. This clogs the air filters and reduces the efficiency of the system and puts strain on your AC unit.
In most instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy task and requires professional equipment and techniques. However, there are a few actions you can take regularly to ensure your ducts are clean and functioning well. First, you should change your filter regularly to keep dust and allergens from building up in the ducts. This can also help prevent the clogging that can result in a lower efficiency of the system and higher energy costs.
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, you can eliminate all cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time and aid in improving air flow 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 have not been regularly cleaned can be filled with a variety of contaminants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can trigger respiratory and allergies particularly for older people and children. Moisture in ductwork can also cause the growth of mold, which releases spores into air and poses health risks for those with respiratory problems.
It’s generally recommended that you have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is operating efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are well-sealed and you change your filters regularly, duct cleaning may not be necessary at all. The best way to be able to tell for sure is by having your ducts tested. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to measure the amount of particles in your ductwork, and can recommend appropriate cleaning schedules based on your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It needs to operate properly to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working in the way it should, this could affect your productivity and cause downtime for equipment. However, preventive maintenance can help catch minor issues early and prevent unnecessary downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment as efficient as possible.
The most common indication of a problem with a compressor is a decrease in cooling capacity, however this could be caused by various factors. One possibility is that a compressor may be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can cause wear on the bearings and decrease the lifespan of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a blocked filter. If the filter has become clogged, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. To avoid this, it is important to clean or change the filters regularly based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
In addition, a clogged filter may also cause rattling noises in the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings need to be replaced. Regularly replacing pulleys and belts is a good idea. A loose 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 will remove the accumulated moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also look for leaks in the hoses, as well as a tight seal on the compressor and pressure sensor.
Finally, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor can be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This could be a dangerous problem that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect a leak, turn off the air compressor. Consult a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat acts like the head of your entire HVAC system, and it’s not a surprise that it’s the first thing that 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. Common signs that your thermostat is in need of an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the thermostat’s sensors will become dirty. This can cause it to display incorrectly. Regularly checking your thermostat’s accuracy with a separate thermometer will help you avoid these problems and save energy.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration could cause your system to keep switching on and off, which is referred to as short cycling. This can negatively impact your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. These issues can be resolved by replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way It’s an excellent idea to look at the breakers that regulate the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll require resetting in order for the thermostat to communicate with the system.
It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Check for dirt or dust and make sure that the thermostat is not excessively exposed to the sun. The fan blades must be inspected for indications of rust or damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as it possibly can.
Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial property is an excellent method to cut energy costs, maintain comfort and extend the lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment. By identifying issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker and replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building cool all year round. Be sure to call a professional if you are experiencing any other issues or aren’t sure what’s going on with your system.
