The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is key when it is concerned with cooling and heating systems. It will allow you to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan where you pay each month to have the system checked and cleaned or repaired when required.
You should also carry out some DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area surrounding outdoor units clear of clutter will help ensure 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, you system will struggle to cool and may even fail. Cleaning them is an essential aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to accomplish. This easy DIY task will save you money, prevent costly repairs, and increase the lifespan of your air cooling.
In the beginning, it is crucial to shut off the power supply to your unit. This can be done by shutting off the breaker inside your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your motors and electrical components from being over-saturated when cleaning.
When the power is turned off and you are able to remove any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This will include taking away any leaves, sticks or other debris that has built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice tools is a great way to reach into the crevices, nooks and remove dust or dirt that has accumulated.
The coils need to be cleaned. Be sure to have some essential tools in your arsenal before you begin. These will include a concentrate for coil cleaning, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the instructions on the label, then rinse it off with a water hose. It is crucial not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils, because the fins may be bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, look them over for any indications of damage. Over time hail or rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other items can damage the coil’s fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins to ensure improved airflow and coil performance.
When the fins and coils are in good shape 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 ensure the temperatures are in good shape.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is designed to bring outside air into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout the home. Air is transported from the evaporator inside your condenser unit to your home’s registers and vents through a system ducts. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they may be laden with dust and other pollutants. This clogs the air filters which reduces system efficiency and strains your AC unit.
In the majority of instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy job and requires expert equipment and techniques. But, there are things you can do regularly to make sure your ducts stay in good condition and function properly. To stop dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts, change your filter regularly. This can also help keep clogs from occurring, 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 on your vacuum cleaner will remove all traces of dust, crumbs and other debris 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 tightly sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts are not regularly cleaned, they may build up a myriad of contaminants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues especially in children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to grow in ductwork, which releases spores that are harmful to those with respiratory problems.
It is generally recommended to get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to remove the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is working efficiently. However If your ducts are sealed properly and you clean your filters frequently the cleaning of your ducts may not be necessary at all. The best way to determine the truth is to have your ducts tested. A licensed contractor can employ special testing methods to gauge the amount of dust particles within your ductwork, and can recommend suitable cleaning schedules based upon your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial component of the system. It has to function correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working in the way it should it could affect your productivity and result in downtime for your equipment. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues early, preventing excessive downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by making sure that your equipment as efficient as possible.
A decrease in cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem in the compressor. This can be caused by several different causes. One possibility is that the compressor may be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This can wear out the bearings and decrease the life of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a blocked filter. Filters that are clogged can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is important to change or clean the filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
A blocked filter can cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings require to be replaced. It is recommended to replace belts and pulleys regularly. A loose belt or pulley can cause the compressor to overheat and cause other problems. It is recommended to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will also examine for air leaks within the hoses and a tight seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
A puddle of liquid in the vicinity of the compressor could be an indication of an issue. This is a serious problem and needs to be fixed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor. Contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not too surprising that a technician will always examine the thermostat first if there’s an issue. It’s also one of the most often neglected maintenance items, yet maintaining your thermostat properly is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Common signs that your thermostat needs periodic inspections include incorrect temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the sensors on your thermostat will get dirty. This can cause it to display in a wrong manner. Regularly checking your thermostat’s accuracy with a separate thermometer will aid in avoiding these issues and save energy.
A malfunctioning sensor, or a flawed calibration could cause your system to cycle on and off in a continuous manner. This is referred to as short cycling. This can affect your comfort, and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately this can be fixed with simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat at all, it’s recommended to examine the breakers that control both the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, you will need to reset it in order for your thermostat to communicate again with the system.
It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Examine for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t too much exposed to sunlight. Lastly, the fan blades need to be examined for indications of rust or damage. These simple checks will help prevent expensive repairs in the future, and help ensure that your equipment is operating as smoothly as it is possible.
Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial property is an excellent way to cut down on energy costs, maintain comfort, and extend the life of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building warm all year. Just remember that in case you experience any other issues, or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system make sure to contact a professional.
