The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it concerns your heating and cooling system, routine maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that you pay the monthly cost to get the system checked, repaired or cleaned when required.
It’s also an excellent idea to carry out some of the DIY maintenance tasks 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 of the condenser of your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they are dirty your system will be unable to cool properly and may even break down. Cleaning them is an important aspect of HVAC maintenance. Fortunately, it is also fairly easy to do. This simple DIY task can prevent the need for costly repairs, and save you money on your energy bills, and prolong the life of your air conditioning unit.
It is vital to cut off power from your unit first. You can do this by turning off the breaker at your electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and electrical components from being over-saturated during cleaning.
After the power has been shut off, you can begin removing any large objects that could be blocking the condenser air. This means sweeping up any sticks, leaves, or other debris that have accumulated on or around the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has crevice attachments is a great option to reach into the nooks and crannies and loosen dust, dirt or other debris that may have accumulated.
The next step is to clean the coils. Before you begin however, make sure you have some essential tools. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate, a pump up garden sprayer, and an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label of the product and rinse with the hose. It is crucial not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils since the fins could easily be bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should look them over for any indications of damage. Over time, the impact of hail and stones dropped by lawnmowers or other items could damage the coil fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins for better airflow and coil performance.
When the fins and coils are in good condition Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the fins and coils, you can return to your house and turn on your air conditioning. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to confirm that temperatures are normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout the home. The air is transported from the evaporator in your condenser unit to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by the system duct. The ducts could become blocked with dust and other contaminants if they are not cleaned and sealed correctly. This can clog the air filters which reduces the effectiveness of your system as well as strains your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork can be a difficult task that requires specialized equipment and methods. However, there are a few actions you can take regularly to ensure that your ducts remain in good condition and function properly. To avoid dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, you should change your filter on a regular basis. This will also help to stop clogging, which could result in a decrease in system efficiency and a higher cost for energy.
Another way to keep your ducts clean is by regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will get rid of all the cobwebs, crumbs and other messes that have been accumulating over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. It’s also important to make sure your ducts are sealed and insulated to keep out moisture which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that are not regularly cleaned can become loaded with a myriad of pollutants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory issues and allergies particularly in children and the elderly. In addition, moisture in ductwork may cause the growth of mold, which releases spores into the air and can cause health issues for those with respiratory issues.
It is recommended to clean your ducts every three to five year to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However, if your ducts are well-sealed and you clean your filters frequently it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be necessary at all. You can be certain 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 a critical element of the system. It has to function properly to deliver cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating in the way it should it could affect your productivity and lead to downtime for your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can help catch minor issues early and avoid excessive downtime. Regularly checking your unit can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment is in good working order for as long as possible.
A decrease in cooling capacity is a typical indication of a problem with a compressor. It could be caused by several different causes. A compressor may be working too hard due insufficient airflow. This could cause bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a blocked filter. Filters that have become blocked can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this from happening, it is important to clean or change the filters regularly based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
A clogged filter may also cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings need to be changed. It is also a good idea to replace belts and pulleys on a regular basis. A belt or pulley that is loose could cause slipping and result in compressor overheating and other issues. It is recommended to drain the compressor regularly. This will eliminate moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also check for leaks in the hoses, as well as an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.
A puddle of liquid close to the compressor could be an indicator of a leak. This could be a dangerous problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, turn off the air compressor and call an expert.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not a surprise that a technician will look at the thermostat first when there’s a problem. A well-maintained thermostat is crucial to the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most neglected maintenance items. Check your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the sensors on your thermostat may get dirty. This could cause it to display incorrectly. You can avoid these problems by ensuring the accuracy of your thermostat using a an additional thermometer.
A faulty sensor or calibration may lead to your system continuously turning on and off that is known as short cycling. This can negatively impact your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be corrected by the simple act of replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting the breaker.
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 been tripped, it will have to be reset to allow the thermostat to communicate with the system.
Check your thermostat for indications of wear and damage. Find evidence of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to sunlight. Finally, the fan blades need to be examined for signs of rust or damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as it possibly can.
Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent method to cut energy consumption, ensure comfort and prolong the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. You can ensure that your building stays comfortable throughout the year by identifying problems with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Just remember that in case you experience any other issues, or are unsure of what’s wrong with your system you should always consult a professional.