The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it concerns your heating and cooling system, maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan that charges each month to have the system checked and cleaned, or repaired as needed.
You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units free of any debris to ensure proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils that make up the condenser of your air conditioner are the heart of the cooling process. If they’re dirty the system will be unable to cool properly and may even fail to function properly. This is why cleaning them is a crucial part of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to do. This easy DIY task can avoid the need for expensive repairs, and save you money on your energy bills, and extend the life of your air conditioning unit.
It is vital to cut off the power source from your unit first. You can do this by shutting off the breaker on your electrical box or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and electrical components from being flooded during cleaning.
Once the power has been shut off, you can begin clearing any large objects that could be blocking the condenser’s air. This includes cleaning up any leaves, sticks, or other debris that has been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum that has a crevice tool is a great way to get into the nooks and crannies and remove dust or dirt that has been accumulating.
The next step is to clean the coils. Be sure to have some essential tools in your arsenal prior to beginning. These include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the product’s label and rinse with the hose. It is crucial not to apply too much pressure when washing the coils, since the fins could easily be bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, examine them for signs of damage. Over time hail, stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other items can damage the coil fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool known as a fin-comb can straighten them to improve air flow and to aid in the operation of the coils more efficiently.
Once the coils and fins are in good shape, you can return to your home and turn on your air conditioning. After about 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat to ensure that the temperatures are in line with normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works by bringing air in from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout your home. The air is moved from the evaporator coil inside your condenser unit to your house’s vents and registers through a duct system. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t cleaned and sealed correctly. This clogs the air filters, which in turn reduces the efficiency of your system and puts strain on your AC unit.
Cleaning ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires expert equipment and methods. There are a few actions you can take regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and functioning properly. First, change your filter regularly to keep dust and allergens from accumulating into the ducts. This will also help to keep clogs from occurring, which could lead to a reduced system efficiency and higher energy costs.
Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is a different method to keep your ducts in good shape. By using the hose attachment on 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 make sure your ducts are tightly sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that have not been regularly cleaned can become loaded with a wide variety of pollutants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can worsen allergies and respiratory problems, particularly for children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to develop in the ductwork, releasing microbes that can harm those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It’s generally recommended that you get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to remove these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is operating effectively. However, if your ducts are well-sealed and you clean your filters frequently it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be required at all. The best way to determine for certain is to have your ducts tested. A licensed contractor can employ specific testing methods to determine the amount of particulates in your ductwork and will suggest appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an important element of the system. It must be able to deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working as it should, this can impact your productivity and result in interruption to your equipment. Preventive maintenance can help identify small issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by keeping your equipment as efficient as possible.
A typical sign of a compressor problem is a reduction in cooling capacity, however this could be caused by a number of different factors. One possibility is that a compressor may be overworking because of poor airflow. This can cause bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. A blocked air filter is a different problem. If the filter is clogged it can impede airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. It is crucial to clean or change the filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
A blocked filter could cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings need to be replaced. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A worn-out belt or pulley can slip, causing the compressor to overheat, causing other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This can remove accumulated moisture that can corrode the motor and other components. A professional service team will examine for leaks in hoses, and an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.
A puddle of liquid in the vicinity of the compressor could be a sign of leak. This is a risky problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the air compressor. Contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not a surprise that a technician will look at the thermostat first when there’s an issue. It’s also one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items, but a properly maintained thermostat is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Check your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which can cause the device to display inaccurately. You can avoid this issue by checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a an additional thermometer.
A malfunctioning sensor, or a flawed calibration could cause your system to turn off and on in a continuous manner. This is referred to as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort as well as cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. These issues can be resolved 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 both the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has been tripped, it will have to be reset in order for the thermostat to connect with the system once more.
Check your thermostat for indications of wear and damage. Examine for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat isn’t too much exposed to sunlight. Examine the fan blades to find signs of rust and damage. These simple checks can prevent expensive repairs in the future, and ensure your equipment is operating as smoothly as it can.
Basic hvac maintenance is a great method to save energy and ensure comfort in your commercial building. It will also extend the life of heating and cooling equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building cool all year round. Be sure to call a professional in case you experience any other issues or are unsure about what’s wrong with your system make sure to contact a professional.
