The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your heating and cooling system, maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that charges an affordable monthly fee to get the system checked out, fixed or cleaned as necessary.
You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units free of debris will promote the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your condenser for your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool, and it could even breakdown. This is why cleaning them is an essential aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to do. This simple DIY task can avoid the need for expensive repairs, and save you money on your energy bills, and prolong the longevity of your AC unit.
It is crucial to disconnect power from your unit before you disconnect it. This can be accomplished by turning off the breaker in your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will stop your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded while cleaning.
After the power has been shut off, you can begin removing any large debris that may be hindering the air condenser. This means sweeping away any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum with a crevice tool is a great way to reach into the crevices, nooks and remove dirt or dust that has been accumulating.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before you begin however, make sure that you have on-hand several essential tools. These include a coil cleaner concentrate, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the instructions on the product’s label and then rinse using the hose. When washing the coils, it is important to not use too much force as the fins are easily bent.
You should examine the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time, hail or stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other things can harm the coil fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins to ensure improved airflow and coil performance.
When the fins and coils are in good condition, you can return to your home and switch on your air conditioner. After about 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat to ensure that the temperature is normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is designed to bring air from outside into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout the house. The air travels from the evaporator coil in your condenser unit to the vents and registers of your home through a network of ducts. The ducts could become blocked with dust and other contaminants when they aren’t maintained and sealed properly. This can clog the air filters which reduces the effectiveness of your system as well as burdens your AC unit.
In most cases, cleaning the ductwork is not an easy task and requires professional equipment and techniques. There are some things you can do to keep your ducts clean and in good working order. To avoid dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, it is recommended to change your filter on a regular basis. This will also help to prevent the clogging that can result in a lower efficiency of the system and high energy bills.
Cleaning the area around the vent openings is another method to keep your ducts clean. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will remove all the crumbs, cobwebs and other debris that have built up over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts have been sealed tight and insulated to prevent moisture from entering, which can result in mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts are not regularly cleaned, they may collect a variety of pollutants like dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory and allergies, especially for older people and children. Moisture can cause mold to develop in the ductwork, releasing the spores that can be harmful to those with respiratory problems.
It is generally recommended to have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to remove these contaminants and ensure your HVAC system is working efficiently. If your ducts have been well-sealed, and you change your filter regularly it might not be necessary to clean them. The best way to know the truth is to have your ducts examined. A certified contractor can employ specific testing methods to determine the amount of dust particles within your ductwork, and will suggest suitable cleaning schedules based upon your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an important component of the system. It must function properly to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating properly and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and lead to the equipment to shut down. Preventive maintenance can help identify minor issues earlier, avoiding unnecessary downtime. Conducting these regular checks can also save you money by keeping your unit in good shape for as long as possible.
A common indication of a problem with a compressor is a loss in cooling capacity, although this could be due to a number of different factors. One possibility is that a compressor could be overworking because of poor airflow. This can cause bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. A clogged air filter is a different issue. If the filter is clogged, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. It is important to clean or replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A blocked filter can cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings require to be replaced. It is recommended to replace belts and pulleys on a regular basis. A pulley or belt that is loose could cause the compressor to overheat and cause other issues. It is also a good idea to drain your compressor on a regular basis. This will get rid of moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will also check for leaks in the hoses, as well as a tight seal on the pressure sensor and compressor.
A puddle of liquid in the vicinity of the compressor could be a sign of a leak. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the air compressor. Get a professional to assist you.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not too surprising that technicians will always look at the thermostat first when there is an issue. It’s also among the most frequently neglected maintenance items, but maintaining your thermostat properly is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Common indicators that your thermostat needs an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the sensors on your thermostat can get dirty. This could cause it to display in a wrong manner. Regularly checking your thermostat’s accuracy with a separate thermometer will help you avoid these problems and help you save energy.
A defective sensor or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to cycle on and off in a continuous manner. This is called short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. These issues can be resolved by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.
Make sure you check the breakers on both your HVAC equipment and thermostat if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it will need to be reset to allow the thermostat to communicate with the system.
Check your thermostat for indications of wear and tear. Check for evidence of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Lastly, the fan blades must be inspected for any 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 possible.
Basic HVAC maintenance is a great strategy to cut down on energy costs and keep your comfort in a commercial property. It will also extend the life of your cooling and heating equipment. It is possible to keep your building at all times comfortable by identifying issues with your thermostat, resetting your breaker, and then replacing your batteries. Make sure that should you encounter any other issues, or are unsure of what’s wrong with your system make sure to contact a professional.
