The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it comes to your heating and cooling system, maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan where you pay a monthly fee to have the system checked, repaired or cleaned as required.
It’s also recommended to do some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the space around outdoor units free of clutter to allow for the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils of the condenser of your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they are dirty your system will struggle to cool properly and may even fail to function properly. Cleaning them is a crucial aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to do. This simple DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs and prolong the life of your air cooling.
It is crucial to disconnect power from your unit before you disconnect it. This can be done by turning off the breaker in your electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded during cleaning.
After the power has been turned off, you can begin removing any large debris that may be blocking the air condenser. This will include sweeping away any leaves, sticks or other debris that have accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice attachment is a great way to reach into the nooks and crannies and get rid of any dirt, dust or other debris that may have accumulated.
The coils must be cleaned. Be sure to have the necessary tools in your arsenal prior to beginning. These will include a coil cleaner concentrate, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label of the product and then rinse it off using the hose. It is important not to use 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 and rocks dropped by lawnmowers or other objects can cause damage to coil fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and performance of the coil.
After you have a proper coil and fin setup, you can switch on your air conditioner. After around 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat and ensure that the temperatures are in line with normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air in from outside, cooling it, and then distributing it throughout your home. Air is transported from the evaporator in the condenser to your home’s registers and vents through a system ducts. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t cleaned and sealed properly. This could block air filters which reduces the effectiveness of your system as well as 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 keep your ducts clean and functioning properly. To prevent dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts, change your filter on a regular basis. This also helps to stop the clogging that could lead to reduced system efficiency and high energy bills.
Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is another method to keep your ducts clean. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner can remove all of the cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time and assist in improving air flow through the vent. Also, make sure that your ducts are sealed tight and lined to stop moisture from getting in, which could lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts aren’t cleaned regularly, they can build up a myriad of contaminants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory and allergy conditions particularly in children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, which releases spores that are harmful to those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It is generally recommended to get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is operating effectively. If your ducts have been well-sealed, and you replace your filter on a regular basis it might not be necessary to clean them. You can only be sure by having your ducts checked. A licensed contractor can employ special testing methods to measure the amount of dust particles in your ductwork, and will recommend the appropriate cleaning schedules based on your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an important component of the system. It should be able supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning as it should, it can affect your productivity and result in equipment downtime. Preventive maintenance can help spot minor issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment as efficient as possible.
A loss of cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem in the compressor. It could be caused by a variety of reasons. One possibility is that the compressor may be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can cause bearings to wear out and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a clogged filter. If the filter is blocked it can impede airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. To prevent this, it is important to clean or change the filters on a regular basis, based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.
In addition, a clogged filter can create a rattling sound inside the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings are wearing out and need to be replaced. It is recommended to replace belts and pulleys on a regular basis. A worn belt or pulley could cause slipping and result in overheating of the compressor and other issues. It is recommended to drain the compressor regularly. This will remove the accumulated moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can examine for air leaks within the hoses, and ensure a tight seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
A small puddle of water around the compressor can be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This is a risky problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor. Consult a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not surprising that a technician will always look at the thermostat first when there is an issue. It’s also one of the most often neglected maintenance items, yet a properly maintained thermostat is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s proper operation. Common indicators that your thermostat is in need of an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the sensors on your thermostat can become dirty. This can cause it to display incorrectly. You can avoid this issue by ensuring the accuracy of your thermostat by using a a separate thermometer.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration can also cause your system to keep turning on and off, which is referred to as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort as well as cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. This issue can be solved by replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.
Make sure you check the breakers on both your HVAC equipment and thermostat in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker tripped, you will need to reset it in order for your thermostat to reconnect with the system.
Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Examine for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat isn’t excessively exposed to the sun. Check the fan blades for signs of damage and rust. These simple checks can help avoid expensive repairs in the future, and will ensure that your equipment is operating as efficiently as possible.
Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent way to cut down on the cost of energy, maintain comfort, and extend the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building cool all year round. Make sure to contact an expert if you’re having any other problems or unsure of what is going on with your system.
