The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is crucial when it is concerned with cooling and heating systems. It will help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan that charges each month to have your system checked and cleaned, or repaired as needed.
You should also carry out some DIY maintenance throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the areas around outdoor units clear of debris to promote proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in the condenser of your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty your system will be unable to cool properly and may even fail to function properly. Cleaning them is an important component of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to do. This simple DIY task will save you money, prevent costly repairs, and increase the life span of your air cooling.
It is crucial to disconnect power from your unit first. This can be done by turning off the breaker at the electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and electrical components from being over-saturated when cleaning.
After the power has been shut off, you can begin to clean up any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This means sweeping off any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has built up on or around the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has a crevice attachment is a great method to reach into the nooks and crannies and loosen any dirt, dust or other debris that may have accumulated.
The coils must be cleaned. Before you do this, though, make sure you have a few key tools. 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, then rinse with a hose. When washing the coils, it is important not to apply too much force since the fins are easily bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, look them over for any indications of damage. Over time, hail and rocks thrown from lawnmowers or other objects can cause damage to coil fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins for improved airflow and coil performance.
Once the coils and fins are in good condition If you are satisfied with the condition of your fins and coils, return to your house and start your air conditioning. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to make sure the temperatures are in good shape.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is designed to bring air from outside into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout your home. The air is moved from the evaporator coil of the condenser unit to your home’s vents and registers through a network of ducts. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other pollutants if they are not cleaned and sealed properly. This clogs the air filters, which in turn reduces the efficiency of the system and puts strain on your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork is a challenging task that requires specialized equipment and techniques. There are a few things you can do to keep your ducts tidy and functioning properly. To stop dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, it is recommended to change your filter regularly. This will also help stop clogging, which could result in a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy costs.
Another way to help keep your ducts clean is to regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will get rid of all traces of dust, crumbs and other debris that have accumulated over time. This will improve airflow through the vent. It’s 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.
If ducts aren’t cleaned regularly, they could build up a myriad of contaminants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can worsen allergies and respiratory problems, particularly in the elderly and children. Moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, which releases the spores that can be harmful to those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It is recommended that you clean your ducts once every three to five year to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are sealed and you change your filters regularly, duct cleaning may not be necessary at all. You can be certain that your ducts are in good condition by having them checked. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to measure the amount of particulates in your ductwork, and can recommend appropriate cleaning schedules based on 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 functioning properly, it can impact your productivity and cause delays for your equipment. However, preventive maintenance can assist in identifying issues that are minor and avoid excessive downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by ensuring that your unit as good as possible.
A typical indication of a problem with a compressor is a loss in cooling capacity, but this could be due to many different causes. One possibility is that a compressor may be overworking because of poor airflow. This could cause the bearings to wear down and decrease the life of the compressor. Another common issue is a clogged filter. If the filter is clogged it could reduce the airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. To prevent this from happening, it is crucial to clean or change the filters frequently, according to the recommendations of the manufacturer.
A blocked filter could cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are wearing out and must be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A worn belt or pulley can slip and lead to overheating of the compressor and other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor regularly. This will help remove moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also check for leaks in the hoses, as well as a tight seal on the pressure sensor and compressor.
Lastly, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor can be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed right away. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor and contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not too surprising that technicians will always check the thermostat first when there is an issue. 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. The most common signs that your thermostat requires a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can become dirty over time, which could cause the thermostat to display inaccurately. You can prevent these issues by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat using a the use of a separate thermometer.
A faulty sensor, or a faulty calibration can cause your system to turn off and on continuously. This is referred to as short cycling. This can negatively impact your comfort, and cause unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. This issue can be solved by simply replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breakers.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat at all it’s recommended to examine the breakers that control the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, it will need to be reset to allow the thermostat to connect with the system again.
Check your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Examine for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat isn’t too much exposed to sunlight. Finally, the fan blades need to be examined for indications of rust or damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as it can.
Basic HVAC maintenance is a great strategy to reduce energy costs and keep your comfort in a commercial space. It can also prolong the life of cooling and heating equipment. It is possible to keep your building at all times comfortable by identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting your breaker, and then replacing your batteries. Just remember that if you have any other issues or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system you should always consult a professional.
