The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your heating and cooling system, regular maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that charges the monthly cost to have the system checked, fixed or cleaned if required.
You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the areas around outdoor units clear of clutter to allow for the proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your condenser for your air conditioner are the primary component of the cooling process. If they are dirty the system is likely to struggle to cool and could even fail. Cleaning them is a vital part of HVAC maintenance. Fortunately, it is also quite simple to do. This simple DIY task will save you money, prevent costly repairs and prolong the life span of your air conditioner.
It is vital to cut off power from your unit before you disconnect it. This can be done by turning off the breaker in your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded while cleaning.
Once the power has been shut off, you can start removing any large debris that may be blocking the condenser’s air. This will include sweeping away any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum that has a crevice tool is a great way to reach into the crevices, nooks, and loosen dirt or dust that has built up.
The next step is to clean the coils. Before doing this however, ensure that you have on-hand several essential tools. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate and a pump-up garden sprayer, and an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the directions on the label of the product and rinse with the hose. It is essential not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils because the fins may be bent.
You should inspect the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time hail or rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other items can damage the coil’s fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins for better airflow and coil performance.
After you have a proper coil and fin set up, you can switch on your air conditioner. After approximately 24 hours, you can check the thermostat and make sure that the temperatures are in line with normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it, and then distributing it throughout your home. The air is moved from the evaporator coil inside your condenser unit and then to your home’s vents and registers through a system of ducts. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t cleaned and sealed properly. This can block the air filters, which in turn reduces the efficiency of your system and strains your AC unit.
In most instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy task and requires expert equipment and techniques. However, there are a few actions you can take regularly to ensure your ducts remain in good condition and function properly. First, you should change your filter regularly to prevent dust and allergens out of building in the ducts. This can also help keep clogs from occurring, which could cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy bills.
Another way to keep your ducts tidy is to regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will remove all the crumbs, cobwebs and other messes that have accumulated over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. It’s also important to make sure 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 can be filled with a wide variety of pollutants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory conditions, especially in children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to develop in ductwork, which releases microbes that can harm people suffering from respiratory issues.
It is recommended that you clean your ducts every three to five year to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. However If your ducts are sealed properly and you change your filters regularly, duct cleaning may not be necessary at all. The best way to determine for sure is by having your ducts examined. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to measure the amount of dust particles within your ductwork, and will recommend the suitable cleaning schedules based upon your specific situation.
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 functioning as it should, this can impact the efficiency of your business and lead to delays for your equipment. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by making sure that your equipment as efficient as possible.
A common indication of a problem with a compressor is a loss in cooling capacity, although this could be caused by a number of different factors. One possibility is that a compressor could be overworking because of poor airflow. This can cause bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. A clogged air filter is another frequent problem. If the filter is blocked it can impede airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. It is important to clean or replace the filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Additionally, a blocked filter may also cause rattling noises in the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are worn out and require to be replaced. It is recommended to replace belts and pulleys on a regular basis. A worn belt or pulley 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 get rid of the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will also check for air leaks in the hoses and a tight seal between the compressor and pressure switch.
A puddle of water near the compressor can be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This is a potentially dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect a leak, shut off the air compressor. Get a professional to assist you.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the boss of your entire HVAC system, so it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing a technician will inspect when a problem arises. It’s also one of the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, but an appropriately maintained thermostat is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s optimal operation. The most common signs that your thermostat is in need of a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the thermostat’s sensors can become dirty. This can cause it to display in a wrong manner. You can prevent these issues by checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a an additional thermometer.
A faulty sensor, or a faulty calibration can cause your system to cycle on and off continuously. This is called short cycling. This can affect your comfort, and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately the majority of these issues can be corrected by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting its breaker.
Check the breakers for both your thermostat and HVAC equipment if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker tripped it, you’ll need to reset it to allow your thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.
Check your thermostat for indications of wear and damage. Find evidence of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t too exposed to sunlight. Lastly, the fan blades must be inspected for signs of rust or damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it possibly can.
Basic hvac maintenance is a great way to reduce energy costs and maintain comfort in your commercial space. It can also prolong the lifespan of cooling and heating equipment. It is possible to keep your building at all times comfortable by identifying issues with your thermostat, setting your breaker and changing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional in case you experience any other issues or are unsure about what’s wrong with your system make sure to contact a professional.
