The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance is essential when it is concerned with cooling and heating systems. It will help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan that charges a monthly fee to have your system checked and cleaned, or repaired as required.

It is also recommended to perform 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 the proper flow of air.

Clean the Condenser

The coils of your condenser for your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool and may even fail. This is why cleaning them is a crucial part of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to accomplish. This simple DIY task will save you money, prevent costly repairs, and increase the lifespan of your air conditioner.

First and foremost, it is crucial to shut off the power to your unit. You can do this by turning off the breaker at your electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and electrical components from being over-saturated when cleaning.

Once the power has been shut off, you can start clearing any large debris that may be blocking the air condenser. This includes cleaning up any sticks, leaves or other debris that has accumulated around or on 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 built up.

The coils need to be cleaned. Make sure you have the necessary tools on hand before you begin. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate, a pump up garden sprayer and the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label, and then rinse with a water hose. It is essential not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils as the fins can easily be bent.

After the coils have been cleaned, you should look them over for any indications of damage. Over time hail and stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other things can harm the coil’s fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins for improved airflow and coil performance.

When you have a great coil and fin setup then you can start your air conditioner. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to make sure temperatures are within the normal range.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system works to bring outside air into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout the house. The air is moved 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 be laden with dirt and other contaminates. This could block air filters which reduces the efficiency of your system and can strain your AC unit.

In most instances, cleaning ductwork isn’t an easy task that requires the help of professional equipment and techniques. But, there are things you can do regularly to ensure your ducts are in good condition and function properly. First, you should change your filter regularly to keep dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts. This also helps to keep the clogs from occurring which can cause a decrease in system efficiency and high energy bills.

Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is a different way to keep your ducts in good shape. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will take away all the cobwebs, crumbs and other debris that have been accumulating over time. This will improve airflow through the vent. It’s also important to make sure your ducts are sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that are not cleaned on a regular basis can become loaded with a variety of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory and allergies particularly for children and the elderly. Moisture in ductwork can also cause the growth of mold which releases spores into the air and poses health risks for those with respiratory ailments.

It’s generally recommended that you get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to eliminate these contaminants and ensure your HVAC system is working efficiently. If your ducts have been sealed properly, and you replace your filter on a regular basis, it may not be necessary to clean them. You can only be sure by having your ducts examined. A contractor that is certified by the EPA will use special testing techniques to determine the amount of particles found in your ductwork. They will then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your particular situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an important element of the system. It needs to operate correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working as it should it could affect your productivity and cause the equipment to shut down. Preventive maintenance can help spot minor issues earlier, avoiding 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 is possible.

The most common sign of a compressor problem is a reduction in cooling capacity, however it could be caused by many different causes. One possibility is that a compressor may be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This could cause the bearings to wear out and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another common issue is a blocked filter. Filters that have become blocked can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To avoid this, it is crucial to clean or change the filters frequently, according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

In addition, a clogged filter can also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings must be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace belts and pulleys on a regular basis. A belt or pulley that is loose can cause slippage and cause compressor overheating and other problems. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor on a regular basis. This will help remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can also check for air leaks in the hoses as well as a tight seal between the compressor and pressure switch.

A puddle of liquid near the compressor could be a sign of an issue. This can be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor. Consult a professional.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat acts like the boss of your entire HVAC system, so it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will look at when trouble occurs. It’s also among the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, yet maintaining your thermostat properly is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s operation. Check your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which may cause the thermostat to display inaccurately. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly by using a separate thermometer can help you avoid these problems and conserve energy.

A malfunctioning sensor or calibration could result in your system constantly turning on and off, which is referred to as short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort, and cause unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately this can be corrected by the simple act of replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting the breaker.

Check the breakers for both your thermostat and HVAC equipment 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.

It is also essential to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Examine for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat is not overly exposed to the sun. The fan blades must be inspected for any signs of rust or damage. These simple checks will help prevent costly repairs in the future, and help ensure that your equipment is operating as smoothly as it can.

Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial building is a great way to reduce the cost of energy, maintain comfort and prolong the lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment. You can ensure that your building stays cool throughout the year by identifying problems with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Remember to call an expert if you’re having any other problems or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system.