The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it concerns your heating and cooling system, maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies have a service plan that allows you to pay a monthly fee to have the system inspected and cleaned, or repaired as needed.

It’s also a good idea to perform some DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around the outdoor units free of clutter will help ensure the proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils in your air conditioner condenser are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will be unable to cool properly and may even fail to function properly. Cleaning them is an essential part of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to accomplish. This simple DIY task can prevent the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills and prolong the longevity of your AC unit.

It is vital to cut off the power source from your unit first. This can be done by shutting off the breaker inside the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will stop your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated when cleaning.

After the power has been turned off, you can begin taking down any large objects that could be hindering the condenser’s air. This means taking away any sticks, leaves, or other debris that have been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum with crevice tools is a great way to get into the nooks, crannies and remove dirt or dust that has been accumulating.

The coils require to be cleaned. Be sure to have a few essential tools on hand before you begin. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate as well as a pump-up garden sprayer as well as the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the instructions on the label, and then rinse with a garden hose. When washing the coils it is essential not to use too much force as the fins can bend easily.

After the coils have been cleaned, you should inspect them for any signs of damage. Over time hail, rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other objects can cause damage to the coil fins. If the fins are bent, a low-cost tool known as a fin comb can straighten them to improve air flow and also to assist in ensuring that the coils operate more effectively.

If the fins and coils are in good condition, you can return to your home and switch on your air conditioning. After around 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat to ensure that the temperatures are in line with normal.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system works to bring air from outside into your home, cool it, and then distribute it throughout your house. Air is transported from the evaporator in your condenser unit to your home’s registers and vents through the system duct. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they can be laden with dirt and other contaminates. This can block the air filters which reduces system efficiency and strains your AC unit.

Cleaning the ductwork is an extremely difficult job that requires expert equipment and techniques. However, there are a few actions you can take regularly to ensure that your ducts remain clean and functioning well. First, you should change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens out of building up in the ducts. This will also help to stop the clogging that could result in a lower efficiency of the system and high energy bills.

Another method to keep your ducts tidy is to regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all the cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time and assist in improving air flow through the vent. It is also essential 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 cleaned on a regular basis can be filled with a myriad of contaminants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory and allergies particularly for children and the elderly. The moisture can cause mold to grow in ductwork, which releases spores that are harmful to people suffering from respiratory issues.

It is recommended to clean your ducts every three to five years to get rid of these toxins and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However If your ducts are sealed properly and you regularly change your filters the cleaning of your ducts may not be necessary at all. The best way to determine for sure is by having your ducts tested. A contractor accredited by the EPA can use special testing techniques to determine the amount of particulates present in your ductwork. They can then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a crucial component of the system. It must function properly to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning as it should, this can impact your productivity and cause interruption to your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to assist in identifying issues that are minor and prevent unnecessary downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by ensuring that your unit as good as possible.

The most common sign of a compressor problem is a decrease in cooling capacity, although this could be caused by a number of different factors. One possibility is that the compressor may be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This could wear out the bearings and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another common problem is a clogged filter. If the filter is clogged, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. It is important to clean or replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

A clogged filter may also cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings require to be changed. It is also a good idea to replace belts and pulleys on a regular basis. A worn-out belt or pulley can slip, causing the compressor to overheat, causing other problems. It is recommended to drain the compressor regularly. This can remove accumulated moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will look for leaks in the hoses, and a tight seal on the pressure sensor and compressor.

A puddle of water near the compressor can be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This could be a risky problem and needs to be fixed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the air compressor and call an expert.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat is like the head of your HVAC system, so it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing that a technician will check when trouble occurs. It’s also among the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, but an appropriately maintained thermostat is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Check your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time the thermostat’s sensors can get dirty. This could 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 may lead to your system continuously switching on and off that is known as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. These issues can be resolved by replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breakers.

Make sure you check the breakers on both your thermostat and HVAC equipment If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, you will need to reset it to allow your thermostat to communicate again with the system.

It is also essential to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Examine for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat isn’t excessively exposed to the sun. Examine the fan blades to find evidence of damage or rust. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as it can.

Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial property is a great way to reduce the cost of energy, maintain comfort, and extend the lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment. It is possible to keep your building comfortable throughout the year by identifying problems with your thermostat, setting your breaker and changing your batteries. Remember to call an expert if you’re having other issues or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system.