The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it concerns your heating and cooling system, routine maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies have a service plan that charges an annual fee to have the system inspected and cleaned, or repaired as required.
It is also recommended to perform DIY maintenance throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units free of any debris to ensure the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils inside your air conditioner’s condenser are the heart of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool and may even breakdown. Cleaning them is a crucial component of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to accomplish. This easy DIY task will save you money, avoid costly repairs and prolong the lifespan of your air cooling.
First and foremost, it is important to disconnect the power to your unit. This can be done by shutting off the breaker in your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will stop your motors and other electrical components from being oversaturated during cleaning.
Once the power is off, you can begin to clean up any large debris that is obstructing the air condenser unit. This includes cleaning up any sticks, leaves, or other debris that have built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice tool is a great tool to get into the nooks, crannies, and loosen dirt or dust that has been accumulating.
The next step is to clean the coils. Be sure to have some essential tools on hand before you start. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate, a pump up garden sprayer as well as the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance to the instructions on the label, then rinse it off with a water hose. It is important not to use excessive pressure when washing the coils because the fins may be bent.
You should inspect the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time hail and stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other objects can cause damage to the coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and coil performance.
When the fins and coils are in good condition Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the fins and coils, you can return to your home and turn 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 works by bringing air in from outside, cooling it and then distributing it throughout your home. The air moves from the evaporator coil inside the condenser unit to your house’s vents and registers through a network of ducts. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they could become clogged with dirt and other contaminates. This clogs the air filters and reduces the efficiency of your system and strains your AC unit.
In most instances, cleaning ductwork isn’t an easy task and requires the help of professional equipment and methods. There are a few things you can do to keep your ducts clean and in good working order. First, you should change your filter regularly to prevent dust and allergens out of building up in the ducts. This will also help to keep the clogs from occurring which 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 the vent openings. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can eliminate all of the dust and crumbs that build up over time, and will assist in improving air flow through the vent. Also, make sure that your ducts have been sealed well and are protected from moisture entering, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts aren’t cleaned regularly, they can collect a variety of pollutants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory issues and allergies particularly for older people and children. Moisture in ductwork can also cause the growth of mold which releases spores into the air and poses health concerns for those who suffer from respiratory issues.
It is recommended that you clean your ductwork every three to five year to get rid of these toxins and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However, if your ducts are sealed and you change your filters regularly, duct cleaning may not be required at all. You can only be sure by having your ducts examined. A contractor that is certified by the EPA will use specific testing methods to determine the amount of particulates present in your ductwork. They can then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a critical component of the system. It has to function properly to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning properly, it can impact the efficiency of your business and lead to interruption to your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to help catch minor issues early and prevent unnecessary downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by making sure that your unit as good as possible.
The most common indication of a problem with a compressor is a loss in cooling capacity, however this could be caused by many different causes. One possibility is that a compressor may be working too hard due to poor airflow. This could wear out the bearings and decrease the life of the compressor. Another common issue is a clogged filter. If the filter is blocked, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. It is important to clean or change the filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
A blocked filter can cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings must be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace belts and pulleys regularly. A worn-out belt or pulley can slip, causing the compressor to overheat and create other problems. It is recommended to drain the compressor regularly. This will remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will look for leaks in the pipes, and ensure a tight seal on the compressor and pressure sensor.
A puddle of liquid close to the compressor could be an indication of leak. This could be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, switch off the air compressor and call a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not too surprising that a technician will check the thermostat first when there’s an issue. A well-maintained thermostat is crucial to the efficient operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most overlooked maintenance items. Check your thermostat if you notice incorrect temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which may cause the device to display incorrectly. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly with a separate thermometer will help you avoid these problems and save energy.
A faulty sensor, or a faulty calibration can cause your system to cycle on and off in a continuous manner. This is known as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. Fortunately this can be fixed with the simple act of replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting its breakers.
Make sure you check the breakers on both your HVAC and thermostat if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll need to be reset to allow the thermostat to communicate with the system.
Check your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Examine for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to the sun. Check the fan blades for signs of damage and rust. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future, and will ensure that your equipment is operating as efficiently as it is possible.
Basic maintenance of hvac is a great way to save energy and maintain comfort in your commercial space. It can also prolong the lifespan of heating and cooling equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building warm all year. Be sure to call a professional should you encounter any other issues or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system make sure to contact an expert.
