The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance is crucial when it concerns cooling and heating systems. It will help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies have a maintenance plan where you pay an annual fee to have your system checked, repaired or cleaned as needed.

You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area surrounding outdoor units free of debris will promote the proper flow of air.

Clean the Condenser

The coils in the condenser in your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system is likely to struggle to cool and may even break down. Cleaning them is an important part of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to do. This easy DIY task can avoid the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills, and extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.

First and foremost, it is essential to cut off the power to your unit. This can be done by shutting off the breaker at your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your motors and electrical components from being oversaturated when cleaning.

After the power has been shut off it is now time to remove any large debris that is obstructing the air condenser unit. This includes sweeping up any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has accumulated around or on the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has crevice attachments is a great way to get into the nooks and crannies and loosen any dust, dirt or other debris that has accumulated.

The coils require to be cleaned. Before doing this, though, make sure that you have on-hand some essential tools. These will include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden hose and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance to the instructions on the label, and then rinse it off with the hose. It is important not to use too much pressure when washing the coils since the fins could easily be bent.

You should inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, the impact of hail and stones thrown from lawnmowers or other items could damage 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 help the coils function more effectively.

Once the coils and fins are in good condition Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the fins and coils, you can go back to your home and switch on your air conditioning. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to make sure the temperatures are in good shape.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is designed to bring air from outside into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout your home. The air travels from the evaporator coil of your condenser unit and then to the vents and registers of your home through a network of ducts. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they may be laden with dirt and other contaminates. This can block the air filters which reduces the efficiency of the system and strains your AC unit.

In most instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy task that requires the help of professional equipment and methods. However, there are some things you can do on a regular basis to ensure your ducts stay clean and well-functioning. First, change your filter regularly to prevent dust and allergens from accumulating up in the ducts. This can also help prevent clogging, which can cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy bills.

Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is an additional method to keep your ducts clean. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will take away all traces of dust, crumbs and other debris that has built up over time. This will improve airflow through the vent. It’s also important to ensure that your ducts are tightly sealed and insulated to keep out moisture which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that have not been regularly cleaned are likely to be contaminated with a wide variety of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory conditions particularly in children and the elderly. In addition, moisture in ductwork may lead to the growth of mold, which releases spores into the air and can cause health issues for those suffering from respiratory issues.

It is generally recommended to have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is operating effectively. However it is possible that if your ducts are sealed and you regularly change your filters it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be required at all. The best way to know the truth is to have your ducts examined. An accredited contractor can use specific testing methods to determine the amount of dust particles in your ductwork, and will suggest appropriate cleaning schedules based on your particular situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an essential component of the system. It has to function correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working as it should, this can affect your productivity and result in downtime for equipment. However, preventive maintenance can aid in identifying minor issues early and help avoid prolonged downtime. Performing these routine checks can also help you save money by keeping your unit in good condition for as long as it is possible.

A typical indication of a problem with a compressor is a loss in cooling capacity, although it could be caused by various factors. One possibility is that a compressor may be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This can cause the bearings to wear down and decrease the life of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another frequent issue. If the filter is blocked, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. To prevent this, it is crucial to clean or change the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

A blocked filter can cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings are worn out and require to be replaced. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is recommended. A belt or pulley that is loose can cause slippage and cause overheating of the compressor and other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor regularly. This will remove the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will look for leaks in the pipes, and ensure a tight seal on the pressure sensor and compressor.

Finally, a small puddle of water around the compressor could be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This is a potentially dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect a leak, shut off the air compressor. Contact a professional.

Check the Thermostat

It’s not a surprise that technicians will always check the thermostat first when there is any issue. A well-maintained thermostat is vital to the efficient operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most overlooked maintenance items. Common indicators that your thermostat is in need of a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which could cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. Regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a separate thermometer can assist you in avoiding these issues and save energy.

A defective sensor or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to turn off and on in a continuous manner. This is known as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and result in excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be corrected by the simple act of replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting the breakers.

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

Check your thermostat for indications of wear and damage. Look for evidence of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Check the fan blades for signs of rust and damage. These simple checks can help avoid costly repairs in the future, and will ensure that your equipment is operating as smoothly as possible.

Performing 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. It is possible to keep your building cool throughout the year by identifying problems with your thermostat, resetting your breaker and changing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional if you are having other issues or are unsure of what’s the issue with your system.