The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your cooling and heating system, maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that charges a low monthly rate to have your system checked out, fixed or cleaned as necessary.
It’s also an excellent idea to carry out some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area surrounding outdoor units clear of clutter will help ensure the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your air conditioner condenser are the primary component of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system is likely to struggle to cool and could even fail. Cleaning them is a crucial part of HVAC maintenance. Fortunately, it is also fairly easy to do. This easy DIY task will save you money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the life of your air conditioner.
First and foremost, it is essential to cut off the power supply to your unit. You can do this by shutting off the breaker at your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your electrical components and motors from being flooded during cleaning.
After the power has been turned off, you can begin removing any large objects that could be blocking the condenser air. This means taking away any sticks, leaves or other debris that has been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice attachments is a great method to get into the nooks and crevices and remove any dirt, dust or other debris that has accumulated.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before you begin however, make sure you have a few key tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates and a pump-up garden sprayer as well as an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner on in accordance with the directions on the product label and rinse with the hose. When washing the coils, it is essential not to use too much force since the fins can bend easily.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should inspect them for any indications of damage. Over time hail, rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other objects can cause damage to the coil’s fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins to ensure improved airflow and coil performance.
After you have a proper coil and fin set up, you can turn on your air conditioner. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to confirm that temperatures are normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is designed to bring air from outside into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout your house. The air moves from the evaporator coil in your condenser unit to the vents and registers of your home through a network of ducts. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t maintained and sealed correctly. This clogs the air filters which reduces the efficiency of the system and strains your AC unit.
Cleaning ductwork can be a challenging task that requires specialized equipment and methods. There are some things you can do regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and in good working order. To stop dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts, it is recommended to change your filter on a regular basis. This also helps to stop the clogging that could result in a lower efficiency of the system and high energy bills.
Another way to help keep your ducts clean is by regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. Utilizing the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time, and will help to improve air flow through the vent. It is also essential to ensure that your ducts are properly sealed and insulated to keep out moisture, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts are not regularly cleaned, they may accumulate a variety of contaminants such as dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can trigger respiratory and allergies, especially for children and the elderly. In addition, moisture in ductwork may lead to the growth of mold, which releases spores in the air and can cause health issues for those with respiratory ailments.
It’s generally recommended that you get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminants and ensure your HVAC system is operating effectively. However If your ducts are sealed properly and you clean your filters frequently it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be required at all. You can only be certain by having your ducts examined. A certified contractor can employ specific testing methods to determine the amount of dust particles in your ductwork and can recommend appropriate cleaning schedules based on your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an important component of the system. It has to be able to supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating properly, it can affect your productivity and cause interruption to your equipment. Preventive maintenance can help spot small issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by keeping your equipment as efficient as possible.
A common sign of a compressor issue is a loss in cooling capacity, but this could be due to various factors. A compressor could be working too hard due insufficient airflow. This can cause bearings to wear down and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another common issue is a blocked filter. Filters that are blocked can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this from happening, it is essential to clean or replace the filters regularly based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.
A clogged filter may also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could be a sign 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 could cause slipping and result in compressor overheating and other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can check for air leaks in the hoses as well as a tight seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
Finally, a small puddle of water around the compressor can be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This can be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect a leak, shut off the air compressor. Contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat acts like the head of your HVAC system, so it’s not a surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will inspect when a problem occurs. It’s also among the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, yet an appropriately maintained thermostat is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Common indicators that your thermostat needs a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which could cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly by using a separate thermometer can assist you in avoiding these issues and conserve energy.
A malfunctioning sensor, or a flawed calibration could cause your system to cycle on and off in a continuous manner. This is called short cycling. This can affect your comfort and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. The problem can be fixed by simply replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breaker.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat at all, it’s recommended to examine the breakers that control the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker tripped, you will need to reset it to allow your thermostat to communicate again with the system.
It’s also important to check your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Find indications of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Examine the fan blades for signs of damage and rust. These simple checks can help avoid costly repairs in the near future, and help ensure that your equipment is operating as efficiently as it is possible.
The simple maintenance of hvac systems on your commercial property is an excellent method to cut the cost of energy, maintain comfort and prolong the lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment. You can ensure that your building stays at all times comfortable by identifying problems with your thermostat, resetting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Make sure that should you encounter any other issues or are unsure of what’s wrong with your system you should always consult an expert.
