The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your cooling and heating system, routine maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. Most HVAC companies have a service plan that allows you to pay each month to have the system inspected, repaired or cleaned as needed.
It’s also an excellent idea to carry out some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around outdoor units free of any debris to ensure the proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in the condenser of your air conditioner are the mainstay of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool, and it could even breakdown. Cleaning them is a crucial aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s also fairly easy to do. This simple DIY task will save you money, prevent costly repairs, and increase the life of your air cooling.
It is essential to disconnect power from your unit before you disconnect it. This can be done by shutting off the breaker on the electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your electrical components and motors from being oversaturated during cleaning.
After the power has been shut off it is now time to remove any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This includes sweeping up any leaves, sticks, or other debris that has built up around or on the unit. Using a shop vacuum with crevice attachments is a great option to reach into the nooks and crannies and remove dust, dirt or other debris that has collected.
The coils must be cleaned. Be sure to have some essential tools on hand before you begin. These include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden hose and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the directions on the product’s label and rinse with the hose. When washing the coils it is essential not to use excessive force since the fins are easily bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, look them over for any signs of damage. Over time, the impact of hail and stones dropped by lawnmowers or 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 also to assist in ensuring that the coils operate more efficiently.
When the fins and coils are in good shape If you are satisfied with the condition of your fins and coils, return to your house and switch on your air conditioning. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to make sure temperatures are normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout the home. Air is transported from the evaporator of your condenser unit to your home’s registers and vents via the system ducts. The ducts could become blocked with dust and other contaminants when they aren’t maintained and sealed correctly. This causes air filters to become blocked, which in turn reduces system efficiency and strains your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork is a difficult task that requires professional equipment and techniques. There are a few things you can do regularly to keep your ducts clean and functioning properly. First, make sure you change your filter regularly to prevent dust and allergens from accumulating into the ducts. This also helps to prevent the clogging that can cause a decrease in system efficiency and high energy bills.
Another method to keep your ducts clean is to regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. Utilizing the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner, you can eliminate all of the cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time, and help to improve air flow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed tightly and are protected from moisture getting in, which could lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they can accumulate a variety of contaminants like dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of allergies and respiratory conditions, especially for older people and children. Moisture in ductwork can also cause the growth of mold which releases spores into the air and can cause health issues for those with respiratory issues.
It is recommended that you clean your ducts every three to five year to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are well-sealed and you clean your filters frequently the cleaning of your ducts may not be necessary at all. The best way to know the truth is to have your ducts tested. A contractor that is certified by the EPA will use special testing methods in order to measure the amount particulates present in your ductwork. They will then suggest cleaning schedules that are suitable for your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential component of the system. It must be able to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating properly, it can affect your productivity and result in equipment downtime. Preventive maintenance can help identify minor issues earlier, avoiding unnecessary downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by making sure that your equipment as efficient as possible.
A typical indication of a problem with a compressor is a reduction in cooling capacity, however this could be caused by various factors. One possibility is that a compressor could be overworking because of poor airflow. This could cause the bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. Another common problem is a blocked filter. Filters that are clogged can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is essential to clean or replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
A blocked filter could cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings are worn out and must be replaced. Regularly replacing pulleys and belts is a good idea. A worn-out belt or pulley can cause the compressor to overheat and cause other problems. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor regularly. This can remove accumulated moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will check for leaks in the hoses, as well as an adequate seal around the compressor and pressure sensor.
A puddle of liquid close to the compressor could be an indicator of an issue. This can be a dangerous problem and needs to be fixed right away. If you suspect there is a leak, switch off the air compressor and contact an expert.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not surprising that technicians will always check the thermostat first when there’s an issue. A well-maintained thermostat is vital to the smooth operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most overlooked maintenance items. The most common signs that your thermostat requires an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can become dirty over time, which may cause the thermostat to display inaccurately. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly with a separate thermometer will aid in avoiding these issues and help you save energy.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration can also cause your system to keep switching off and on this is known as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. The problem can be fixed by replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breaker.
Check the breakers for both your thermostat and HVAC equipment if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has been tripped, it will have to be reset to allow the thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.
Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Examine for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t too much exposed to sunlight. Examine the fan blades for evidence of damage or rust. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future, and help ensure that your equipment is operating as efficiently as possible.
The simple maintenance of hvac systems on your commercial building is a great way to reduce energy consumption, ensure comfort, and extend the longevity of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building warm all year. Make sure that should you encounter any other issues, or are unsure about what’s wrong with your system, always call in a professional.