The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance is key when it concerns cooling and heating systems. It will help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan that allows you to pay each month to have your system checked and cleaned or repaired when needed.

You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the space around outdoor units free of clutter to allow for the proper flow of air.

Clean the Condenser

The coils in your air conditioner’s condenser are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, you system will struggle to cool and could even breakdown. Cleaning them is a vital part of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to do. This simple DIY task will eliminate the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills, and prolong the longevity of your AC unit.

It is essential to disconnect power from your unit first. This can be done by turning 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 flooded during cleaning.

Once the power has been shut off, you can begin removing any large objects that could be hindering the condenser’s air. This means cleaning up any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice attachments is a great way to get into the nooks and crevices and get rid of dust, dirt or other debris that has accumulated.

The next step is to clean the coils. Before doing this however, make sure you have some essential tools. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate, a pump up garden sprayer, and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label of the product and rinse with the hose. When washing the coils, it is important not to apply excessive force since the fins are easily bent.

You should inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, hail, stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other things can harm the coil fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and performance of the coil.

When the fins and coils are in good shape, you can return to your house and turn on your air conditioning. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to make sure the temperatures are in good shape.

Cleaning the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring air in from outside, cooling it and then distributing it throughout your home. The air is transported from the evaporator of your condenser to your home’s registers and vents via a system duct. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they can become clogged with dust and other contaminants. This clogs the air filters which reduces the efficiency of the system and strains your AC unit.

Cleaning the ductwork is a challenging task that requires expert equipment and methods. There are some things you can do to keep your ducts clean and working well. To avoid dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, change your filter frequently. This will also help keep clogs from occurring, which could cause a decrease in efficiency and a higher cost for energy.

Another way to keep your ducts tidy is to regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will get rid of all the cobwebs, crumbs and other debris that have built up over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts are sealed well and are lined to stop moisture from entering, which can result in mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that aren’t regularly cleaned can become loaded with a myriad of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can trigger allergies and respiratory conditions, especially in children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to develop in ductwork, which releases spores that are harmful to people suffering from respiratory issues.

It is generally recommended that you have your ducts cleaned every three to five years to remove these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system functions efficiently. However, if your ducts are sealed and you regularly change your filters, duct cleaning may not be required at all. The best way to determine for certain is to have your ducts tested. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to measure the amount of particulates in your ductwork and will recommend the appropriate cleaning schedules based on your specific situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an important element of the system. It has to function correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning as it should, it can affect your productivity and cause equipment downtime. Regular maintenance can help you identify small issues early, preventing excessive downtime. Performing these routine checks can also help you save money by keeping your unit in good working order for as long as possible.

A typical sign of a compressor issue is a decrease in cooling capacity, however this could be due to a number of different factors. A compressor may be operating too hard due to inadequate airflow. This could wear out the bearings and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. A blocked air filter is a different problem. Filters that have become blocked can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this, it is essential to clean or replace the filters on a regular basis, based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.

A blocked filter may create a rattling sound inside the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings require to be changed. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A loose pulley or belt can cause slippage and cause compressor overheating and other problems. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will remove the accumulated moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also examine for leaks in hoses, and a tight seal on the compressor and pressure sensor.

A puddle of liquid close to the compressor could be an indication of a leak. This could be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor. Contact a professional.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat is kind of like the head of your HVAC system, so it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing that a technician will inspect when a problem occurs. It’s also among the most frequently neglected maintenance items, yet maintaining your thermostat properly is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Check your thermostat if you observe inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time, the sensors on your thermostat will get dirty. This can cause it to display in a wrong manner. You can avoid this issue by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with an additional thermometer.

A faulty sensor, or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to turn off and on in a continuous manner. This is referred to as short cycling. This can negatively impact your comfort, and cause unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately the majority of these issues can be fixed with simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting the breakers.

If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way it’s a good idea to check the breakers that control both the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has been tripped, it will have to be reset in order for the thermostat to communicate with the system once more.

Check your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Check for indications of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t too exposed to sunlight. The fan blades should be checked for signs of rust or damage. These simple checks will help prevent expensive repairs in the future, and help ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it can.

Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial property is an excellent way to cut down on energy consumption, ensure comfort, and extend the life of your cooling and heating equipment. You can ensure that your building stays cool throughout the year by identifying problems with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker and changing your batteries. Remember to call a professional if you are having any other problems or unsure of what is wrong with your system.