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 offer a service plan that allows you to pay a monthly fee to have the system checked, repaired or cleaned as required.

You should also carry out some DIY maintenance 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 your condenser for your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, you system will struggle to cool and may even fail. Cleaning them is a crucial component of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to complete. This easy DIY task can avoid the need for costly repairs, and save you money on your energy bills and extend the life of your air conditioning unit.

It is the first step. It is crucial to shut off the power supply to your unit. This can be done by turning off the breaker on your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated when cleaning.

Once the power is off, you can start taking down any large objects that could be hindering the condenser air. This will include taking away any leaves, sticks or other debris that have been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum that has crevice tools is a great way to reach into the crevices, nooks and remove dust or dirt that has been accumulating.

The coils need to be cleaned. Before you do this, though, make sure that you have in your possession several essential tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates as well as a pump-up garden sprayer, and the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the instructions on the label, then rinse it off with the water hose. When washing the coils it is essential not to use excessive force since the fins are easily bent.

After the coils have been cleaned, look them over for any signs of damage. Over time, hail or rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other things can harm the coil fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins for better airflow and performance of the coil.

After you have a proper coil and fin set up and you are ready to switch on your air conditioner. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to ensure temperatures are normal.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system works to bring outside air into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout the home. Air is transported from the evaporator in your condenser unit to your home’s registers and vents via the system ducts. The ducts could become blocked with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t maintained and sealed properly. This could block air filters which can reduce the effectiveness of your system as well as burdens your AC unit.

Cleaning the ductwork can be a challenging task that requires professional equipment and methods. There are some actions you can take regularly to keep your ducts clean and functioning properly. To avoid dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts, change your filter frequently. This will also help to keep the clogs from occurring which can cause a decrease in system efficiency and a high energy bill.

Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is another way to keep your ducts in good shape. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will get rid of all the cobwebs, crumbs and other debris that has been accumulating over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts have been sealed well and are insulated to prevent moisture from entering, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that aren’t regularly cleaned can be filled with a myriad of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can worsen respiratory and allergy conditions, particularly for children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, releasing spores that are harmful to those suffering from respiratory ailments.

It is generally recommended to get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to eliminate these contaminants and ensure your HVAC system is working effectively. However, if your ducts are sealed and you clean your filters frequently it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be required at all. You can only be certain by having your ducts checked. A licensed contractor can employ special testing methods to measure the amount of particulates within your ductwork, and will recommend the appropriate cleaning schedules based on the specific circumstances.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a critical component of the system. It must function correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating as it should and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and cause downtime for your equipment. Regular maintenance can help you identify small issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by keeping your equipment as efficient as possible.

The most common indication of a problem with a compressor is a reduction in cooling capacity, although this could be due to various factors. One possibility is that a compressor could be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This can wear out the bearings and diminish the life of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another frequent issue. Filters that have become blocked can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To avoid this, it is crucial to clean or change the filters frequently, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

A blocked filter can also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings need to be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A worn belt or pulley can cause slippage and cause compressor overheating and other issues. It is recommended to drain the compressor regularly. This will get rid of moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can look for air leaks in the hoses and a tight seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.

A puddle of liquid close to the compressor could be an indication of a leak. This is a potentially dangerous problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect a leak, shut off the air compressor. Consult a professional.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat acts like the boss of your HVAC system, so it’s not a surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will look at when trouble arises. It’s also one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items, yet a properly maintained thermostat is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Examine your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time, the thermostat’s sensors can become dirty. This could cause it to display incorrectly. You can avoid this issue by ensuring the accuracy of your thermostat using a an additional thermometer.

A faulty sensor or calibration can also cause your system to keep switching off and on, which is referred to as short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. These issues can be resolved by simply replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breakers.

Check the breakers for your HVAC and thermostat in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll need to be reset in order for the thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.

It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Check for evidence of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to sunlight. Check the fan blades for evidence of damage or rust. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as possible.

Basic HVAC maintenance is a great strategy to cut down on energy costs and keep your comfort in a commercial building. It also increases the lifespan of cooling and heating equipment. You can keep your building cool throughout the year by identifying problems with your thermostat, resetting your breaker and changing your batteries. Make sure that should you encounter any other issues, or are unsure of what’s wrong with your system, always call in a professional.