The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your cooling and heating system, routine maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan that allows you to pay each month to have the system inspected, repaired or cleaned as required.
It’s also recommended to do some DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around outdoor units free of debris to promote proper airflow.
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 be unable to cool properly and may even break down. Cleaning them is an essential part of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to complete. This simple DIY task can prevent the need for costly repairs, and save you money on your energy bills and extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.
It is crucial to disconnect power from your unit before you disconnect it. This can be done by shutting off the breaker inside your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will keep your motors and other electrical components from being oversaturated during cleaning.
Once the power is off it is now time to remove any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This includes cleaning off any sticks, leaves, or other debris that have been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice attachment is a great option to reach into the nooks and crevices and remove any dirt, dust or other debris that has collected.
The coils require to be cleaned. Be sure to have the necessary tools available before you start. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate and a pump-up garden sprayer as well as an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the instructions on the product label and then rinse using the hose. It is important not to use too much pressure when washing the coils because the fins may be bent.
You should examine the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, the impact of hail and stones that are thrown by lawnmowers and 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 to improve air flow and to aid in the operation of the coils more efficiently.
When the fins and coils 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 conditioner. After around 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat and ensure that the temperature is normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works by bringing air in from outside, cooling it, and then distributing it throughout your home. The air moves from the evaporator coil of your condenser unit and then to the vents and registers of your home through a duct system. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they may be laden with dust and other contaminants. This clogs the air filters, which in turn reduces system efficiency and puts strain on your AC unit.
In the majority of instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy task that requires expert equipment and methods. However, there are some things you can do regularly to ensure your ducts remain clean and well-functioning. First, you should change your filter on a regular basis to prevent dust and allergens out of building in the ducts. This also helps to stop the clogging that could lead to reduced system efficiency and a high energy bill.
Cleaning the area around the vent openings is an additional method to keep your ducts clean. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will remove all traces of dust, crumbs and other messes that have accumulated over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed tight and protected from moisture getting in, which could lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that aren’t regularly cleaned are likely to be contaminated with a variety of pollutants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause allergies and respiratory problems particularly in children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to grow in the ductwork, releasing spores that are harmful to those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It is recommended to clean your ducts once every three to five year to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However If your ducts are sealed and you regularly change your filters it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be necessary at all. You can only be certain by having your ducts examined. A contractor accredited by the EPA can employ special testing methods in order to determine the amount of particulates that are present in your ductwork. They will then suggest cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential element of the system. It should be able deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working in the way it should, this can impact the efficiency of your business and lead to interruption to your equipment. However, preventive maintenance can help catch minor issues early and prevent unnecessary downtime. Regularly checking your unit can also save you money by keeping your unit in good condition for as long as it is possible.
A loss of cooling capacity is a typical indication of a problem with the compressor. This can be caused by several different causes. One possibility is that a compressor could be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This could cause the bearings to wear out and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another common issue is a blocked filter. If the filter is blocked it can impede airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. To prevent this from happening, it is important to clean or change the filters on a regular basis, based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.
A blocked filter could cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings need to be changed. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A loose belt or pulley could cause the compressor to overheat, causing other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will help remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also examine for air leaks within the hoses and a tight seal between the compressor and pressure switch.
A puddle of liquid close to the compressor could be an indicator of an issue. This is a risky problem that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor. Contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not surprising that a technician will check the thermostat first when there is any issue. It’s also among the most often neglected maintenance items, but maintaining your thermostat properly is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s proper operation. Common indicators that your thermostat requires a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which could cause the thermostat to display inaccurately. Regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a separate thermometer can help you avoid these problems and help you save energy.
A faulty sensor or calibration could cause your system to keep turning on and off that is known as short cycling. This can negatively impact your comfort and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately the majority of these issues can be fixed with the simple act of replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting the breakers.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat at all it’s recommended to examine the breakers that regulate the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, it will need to be reset to allow the thermostat to be able to communicate with the system again.
Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Find evidence of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t too exposed to sunlight. Check the fan blades for signs of rust and damage. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it possibly can.
Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial property is an excellent way to cut down on energy consumption, ensure comfort and prolong the life of your heating and cooling equipment. By identifying issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker and replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building cool all year round. Just remember that should you encounter any other issues or are unsure about the issue make sure to contact a professional.
