The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it comes to your heating and cooling system, maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan that allows you to pay an annual fee to have the system checked and cleaned, or repaired as required.
You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the areas around outdoor units clear of any debris to ensure proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils of your condenser for your air conditioner are at the heart the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool and could even fail. Cleaning them is a vital part of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to complete. This simple DIY task can prevent the need for expensive repairs, and save you money on your energy bills and extend the life of your air conditioning unit.
It is the first step. It is important to disconnect the power source to your unit. You can do this by turning off the breaker at your electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will stop your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded while cleaning.
Once the power has been turned off, you can start removing any large objects that could be hindering the air condenser. This includes sweeping up any leaves, sticks, or other debris that have been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice tools is a great way to get into the nooks, crannies and remove dirt or dust that has been accumulating.
The next step is to clean the coils. Before you do this however, make sure that you have on-hand some essential tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates, a pump up garden sprayer, and an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the product’s label and rinse with the hose. When washing the coils, it is important not to apply too much force since the fins can bend easily.
It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time hail, rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other things can harm the coil’s fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool called a fin comb can straighten them to improve air flow and also to assist in ensuring that the coils operate more efficiently.
Once the coils and fins are in good condition Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the fins and coils, you can go back to your home and turn on your air conditioning. After approximately 24 hours, you should check the thermostat and ensure that the temperatures are in line with normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works by bringing air in from outside, cooling it and distributing it throughout your home. The air moves from the evaporator coil inside your condenser unit and then to your house’s vents and registers through a system of ducts. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they may become loaded with dirt and other contaminates. This can block the air filters which reduces the efficiency of your system and strains your AC unit.
In the majority of cases, cleaning the ductwork is not an easy task that requires the help of professional equipment and methods. There are a few actions you can take regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and working well. First, you should change your filter on a regular basis to prevent dust and allergens from building into the ducts. This will also help stop clogging, which could result in a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy bills.
Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is an additional way to keep your ducts cleaner. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will remove all the cobwebs, crumbs and other debris that has accumulated over time. This will improve airflow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed tight and lined to stop moisture from getting in, which could lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that aren’t regularly cleaned can become loaded with a wide variety of contaminants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of respiratory issues and allergies, especially for children and the elderly. The moisture can cause mold to develop in ductwork, which releases the spores that can be harmful to people suffering from respiratory issues.
It is recommended that you clean your ductwork every three to five years to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are sealed properly and you change your filters regularly the cleaning of your ducts may not be necessary at all. The best way to know for certain is to have your ducts tested. A contractor accredited by the EPA will use special testing techniques to determine the amount of particles that are present in your ductwork. They can then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It must be able to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating as it should it could affect your productivity and result in downtime for your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can help catch minor issues early and avoid excessive downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by making sure that your equipment in the best condition possible.
A reduction in cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem in a compressor. This could be caused by several different reasons. One possibility is that a compressor could be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This can cause bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. Another common issue is a blocked filter. If the filter is blocked, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. It is crucial to clean or replace the filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A blocked filter could also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are wearing out and must be replaced. Regularly replacing pulleys and belts is an excellent idea. A loose belt or pulley can cause the compressor to overheat and cause other issues. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor frequently. This will help remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will look for leaks in the pipes, and ensure an adequate seal around the compressor and pressure sensor.
Lastly, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor could be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, turn off the air compressor and call a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not surprising that technicians will always check the thermostat first when there’s any issue. A properly maintained thermostat is vital to the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items. Check your thermostat if find inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the sensors on your thermostat will get dirty. This could cause it to display inaccurately. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly with a separate thermometer will aid in avoiding these issues and save energy.
A faulty sensor or calibration can also cause your system to keep switching on and off this is known as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately the majority of these issues can be fixed with simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.
Check the breakers for your thermostat and HVAC equipment in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has been tripped, it will require resetting to allow the thermostat to communicate with the system once more.
It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Check for indications of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Lastly, the fan blades should be checked for any signs of rust or damage. 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 ensure comfort in your commercial space. It can also prolong the life of cooling and heating 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 aren’t sure the issue, always call in an expert.
