The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance is key when it concerns cooling and heating systems. It will help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan that charges a low monthly rate to have your system checked, fixed or cleaned when required.

It’s also a good idea to perform some DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area surrounding the outdoor units free of any debris will ensure proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils in your condenser for your air conditioner are the primary component of the cooling process. If they are dirty, you system will struggle to cool and may even breakdown. Cleaning them is an essential component of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, fairly easy to do. This simple DIY task will save you money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the lifespan of your air conditioner.

It is crucial to disconnect power from your unit first. This can be accomplished by shutting off the breaker in the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your electrical components and motors from being flooded when cleaning.

Once the power has been shut off, you can begin clearing any large objects that could be blocking the condenser air. This includes sweeping up any leaves, sticks, or other debris that has been accumulating around or on the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice tool is a great tool to reach into the nooks, crannies and remove dust or dirt that has accumulated.

The next step is to clean the coils. Make sure you have some essential tools available prior to beginning. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate and a pump-up garden sprayer as well as an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the instructions on the label, then rinse it off using a hose. It is crucial not to apply 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, rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other objects can cause damage to the coil’s fins. If the fins are bent, a low-cost 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 If you are satisfied with the condition of your fins and coils, return to your home and turn on your air conditioning. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to confirm that the temperatures are in good shape.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system works by bringing air from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout your home. The air is transported from the evaporator in the condenser to your home’s registers and vents through the system ducts. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t cleaned and sealed correctly. This can clog the air filters, which decreases the efficiency of your system and strains your AC unit.

Cleaning ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires professional equipment and techniques. There are a few actions you can take regularly to keep your ducts tidy and in good working order. To prevent dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, you should change your filter frequently. This can also help prevent the clogging that can lead to reduced system efficiency and high energy bills.

Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is a different way to keep your ducts in good shape. Utilizing the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time, and assist in improving airflow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed tightly and are insulated to prevent moisture from getting in, which could lead to mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that have not been cleaned on a regular basis can be filled with a variety of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can cause respiratory and allergy conditions especially for children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to develop in the ductwork, releasing spores that are harmful to people suffering from respiratory issues.

It is recommended to clean your ductwork every three to five year to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are well-sealed and you clean your filters frequently, duct cleaning may not be required at all. The best way to determine the truth is to have your ducts examined. A licensed contractor can employ special testing methods to measure the amount of dust particles in your ductwork and will recommend the suitable cleaning schedules based upon your particular situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a critical component of the system. It has to be able to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning properly it could affect your productivity and cause the equipment to shut down. Preventive maintenance can help spot minor issues earlier, avoiding unnecessary downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by making sure that your equipment as efficient as possible.

A typical indication of a problem with a compressor is a loss in cooling capacity, although it could be caused by many different causes. A compressor may be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can wear out the bearings and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. A clogged air filter is another common problem. Filters that are clogged can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is important to clean or replace the filters according to manufacturer’s instructions.

A blocked filter could cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings need to 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 slip and lead to compressor overheating 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 look for leaks in the pipes, and ensure a tight seal on the compressor and pressure sensor.

Lastly, a small puddle of water around the compressor can be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This is a potentially dangerous problem that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, switch off the compressor that is running and then contact an expert.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat is kind of like the boss of your HVAC system, and it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing a technician will check when trouble arises. It’s also among the most frequently neglected maintenance items, yet a properly maintained thermostat is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s proper operation. Common indicators that your thermostat needs an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time, the sensors on your thermostat may become dirty. This can cause it to display incorrectly. You can avoid these problems by checking the accuracy of your thermostat using a a separate thermometer.

A defective sensor or a faulty calibration can cause your system to cycle on and off in a continuous manner. This is called short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately this can be fixed with the simple act of replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.

Make sure you check the breakers on both your HVAC and thermostat If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped then you’ll have to reset it to allow your thermostat to communicate again with the system.

Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Check for indications of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Lastly, the fan blades should be checked for signs of rust or damage. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it possibly can.

Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial property is an excellent method to cut the cost of energy, maintain comfort and extend the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. You can keep your building comfortable throughout the year by identifying problems with your thermostat, setting your breaker and changing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional if you are having other issues or aren’t sure what’s going on with your system.