The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it comes to your cooling and heating system, maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan that charges an annual fee to have your system checked and cleaned or repaired when required.
You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the space around outdoor units free of debris to promote the proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your condenser for your air conditioner are at the heart the cooling process. If they’re dirty the system is likely to struggle to cool and could even fail. Cleaning them is an essential component of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, fairly easy to do. This simple DIY task will eliminate the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills, and extend the life of your air conditioning unit.
It is vital to cut off the power source from your unit first. This can be done by shutting off the breaker at the electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your motors and electrical components from being oversaturated when cleaning.
Once the power is off, you can start clearing any large objects that could be hindering the air condenser. This means cleaning up any leaves, sticks or other debris that have accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice tool is a great tool to reach into the crevices, nooks and remove dust or dirt that has accumulated.
The coils must be cleaned. Before doing this however, ensure that you have in your possession several essential tools. These include a concentrate of the coil cleaner and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance to the directions on the label, then rinse it off with the water hose. It is crucial not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils as the fins can easily be bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should examine them for signs of damage. Over time, hail and rocks dropped by 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.
Once you have a good coil and fin set up, you can switch on your air conditioner. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to confirm that the temperatures are in good shape.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout the home. The air is moved from the evaporator coil in the condenser unit to your house’s vents and registers through a network of ducts. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t cleaned and sealed properly. This clogs the air filters which reduces the efficiency of the system and puts strain on your AC unit.
In the majority of instances, cleaning ductwork isn’t an easy job and requires expert equipment and techniques. But, there are things you can do on a regular basis to ensure your ducts remain clean and well-functioning. First, make sure you change your filter on a regular basis to prevent dust and allergens from accumulating into the ducts. This will also help to stop clogging, which could lead to a reduced system efficiency and higher energy costs.
Another way to help keep your ducts tidy is to regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner can remove all the cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time and aid in improving air flow through the vent. It’s also important to make sure your ducts are sealed and insulated to keep out moisture which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts aren’t cleaned regularly, they can accumulate a variety of contaminants like dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can worsen respiratory and allergy conditions, particularly in children and the elderly. The moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, releasing the spores that can be harmful to people suffering from respiratory issues.
It’s generally recommended that you have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to eliminate the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system functions effectively. However If your ducts are sealed and you change your filters regularly, duct cleaning may not be required at all. You can be certain that your ducts are in good condition by having them checked. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to gauge the amount of dust particles in your ductwork, and can recommend appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It must be able to supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating in the way it should, this can impact your productivity and result in downtime for equipment. However, preventive maintenance can assist in identifying issues that are minor and avoid excessive downtime. Performing these routine checks can also help you save money by ensuring that your equipment is in good shape for as long as it is possible.
A typical indication of a problem with a compressor is a reduction in cooling capacity, however it could be caused by various factors. One possibility is that a compressor could be overworking because of poor airflow. This can cause wear on the bearings and reduce the life of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another common issue. Filters that are blocked can reduce airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this from happening, it is essential to clean or replace the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
In addition, a clogged filter may also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings require to be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace pulleys and belts on a regular basis. A belt or pulley that is loose can cause slippage and cause compressor overheating and other problems. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor on a regular basis. This will eliminate moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will also check for leaks in the pipes, and ensure a tight seal on the pressure sensor and compressor.
A puddle of liquid near the compressor could be a sign of an issue. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed right away. If you suspect there is a leak, turn off the compressor that is running and then contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not surprising that a technician will examine the thermostat first if there is an issue. It’s also one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items, yet an appropriately maintained thermostat is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Common signs that your thermostat needs a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which may cause the thermostat to display inaccurately. You can avoid these problems by ensuring the accuracy of your thermostat by using a an additional thermometer.
A faulty sensor or calibration may lead to your system continuously 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. These issues can be resolved by simply replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breaker.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way, it’s an excellent idea to look at the breakers that control the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker tripped it, you’ll need to reset it in order for your thermostat to communicate again with the system.
It’s also important to check your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Examine for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to the sun. Finally, the fan blades need to be examined for signs of damage or rust. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as possible.
Basic HVAC maintenance is a great way to save energy and maintain comfort in your commercial property. It also increases the life of heating and cooling equipment. You can keep your building comfortable throughout the year by identifying issues with your thermostat, setting your breaker and changing your batteries. Just remember that if you have any other issues, or are unsure about what’s wrong with your system you should always consult an expert.
