The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it comes to your heating and cooling system, maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan where you pay an affordable monthly fee to have the system checked out, fixed or cleaned as required.
It’s also a good idea to perform a few DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around outdoor units free of debris to promote proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils of your condenser for your air conditioner are at the heart the cooling process. If they are dirty the system will be unable to cool properly and could even fail. Cleaning them is a crucial aspect of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, relatively simple to complete. This easy DIY task will save you money, prevent costly repairs, and increase the life span of your air conditioner.
In the beginning, it is crucial to shut off the power to your unit. This can be accomplished by turning off the breaker in your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will keep your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated when cleaning.
Once the power is off it is now time to remove any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This means cleaning up any sticks, leaves or other debris that has been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum that has a crevice tool is a great way to get into the nooks, crannies and remove dirt or dust that has been accumulating.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Make sure you have a few essential tools available prior to beginning. These include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the instructions on the label, and then 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 following cleaning. Over time, hail and rocks thrown from lawnmowers or other objects can cause damage to coil fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins for better airflow and performance of the coil.
When you have a great coil and fin set up then you can switch on your air conditioner. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to ensure the temperatures are in good shape.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works by bringing air in from outside, cooling it and distributing it throughout the home. The air travels from the evaporator coil inside your condenser unit to your house’s vents and registers through a system of ducts. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they could become clogged with dust and other contaminants. This can block the air filters and reduces the efficiency of the system and puts strain on your AC unit.
In the majority of cases, cleaning the ductwork is not an easy task that requires the help of professional equipment and techniques. However, there are a few things you can do regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and functioning well. First, make sure you change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens from accumulating into the ducts. This can also help prevent the clogging that can result in a lower efficiency of the system and high energy bills.
Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is an additional method to keep your ducts clean. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will remove all the crumbs, cobwebs and other messes that have been accumulating over time. This will improve airflow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are properly sealed and insulated to keep out moisture which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that aren’t regularly cleaned can become loaded with a myriad of pollutants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues particularly in the elderly and children. Moisture in ductwork can also cause the growth of mold which releases spores in the air and poses health risks for those with respiratory issues.
It is recommended that you clean your ductwork every three to five year to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However If your ducts are well-sealed and you change your filters regularly it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be necessary at all. The best way to be able to tell for certain is to have your ducts tested. A contractor that is certified by the EPA will use special testing techniques to determine the amount of particulates present in your ductwork. They will then suggest cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It needs to operate properly to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating in the way it should, this could affect your productivity and result in downtime for equipment. However, preventive maintenance can help catch minor issues early and prevent unnecessary downtime. Conducting these regular checks can also help you save money by keeping your unit in good working order for as long as it is possible.
A decrease in cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem with a compressor. This can be caused by a variety of factors. A compressor may be operating too hard due to poor airflow. This could wear out the bearings and decrease the lifespan of the compressor. A blocked air filter is a different problem. If the filter is clogged it can impede airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. To prevent this from happening, it is crucial to clean or replace the filters regularly based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Additionally, a blocked filter can also cause rattling noises in the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings must be changed. It is also a good idea to replace pulleys and belts regularly. A loose belt or pulley can slip, causing the compressor to overheat and cause other issues. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will help remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can also look for air leaks in the hoses as well as an adequate seal between the compressor and pressure switch.
A puddle of liquid close to the compressor could be an indicator of an issue. This can be a dangerous issue and should be repaired immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, switch off the compressor that is running and then contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not a surprise that a technician will examine the thermostat first if there’s a problem. A properly maintained thermostat is vital to the smooth operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most neglected maintenance items. Check your thermostat if find inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which may cause the device to display incorrectly. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly by using a separate thermometer can aid in avoiding these issues and conserve energy.
A faulty sensor or calibration can also result in your system constantly turning on and off this is known as short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort, and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. The problem can be fixed by replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.
Make sure you check the breakers on both your thermostat and HVAC equipment in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped it, you’ll need to reset it to allow your thermostat to reconnect with the system.
It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Look for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat is not too much exposed to sunlight. Finally, the fan blades should be checked for signs of rust or damage. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as it can.
Basic maintenance of hvac is a great method to cut down on energy costs and maintain comfort in your commercial space. It can also prolong the lifespan of cooling and heating equipment. You can keep your building at all times comfortable by identifying issues with your thermostat, setting your breaker and changing your batteries. Be sure to call an expert if you’re having other issues or aren’t sure what’s the issue with your system.