The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it comes to your heating and cooling system, routine maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies have a service plan where you pay each month to have the system inspected and cleaned or repaired when needed.
You should also carry out some DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area surrounding outdoor units clear of clutter will help ensure the proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in the condenser of your air conditioner are at the heart the cooling process. If they are dirty, your system will struggle to cool, and it could even fail. Cleaning them is a crucial component of HVAC maintenance. It’s also fairly easy to do. This simple DIY task will save you money, prevent costly repairs and prolong the lifespan of your air conditioner.
In the beginning, it is essential to cut off the power supply to your unit. This can be done by turning off the breaker on the electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will stop your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded during cleaning.
After the power has been shut off, you can begin to remove any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This means taking away any leaves, sticks or other debris that has been accumulating on or around the unit. Using a shop vacuum with crevice attachments is a great method to reach into the crevices and nooks and loosen any dust, dirt or other debris that has collected.
The coils need to be cleaned. Before you begin however, ensure that you have on-hand several essential tools. This will include a concentrate of the coil cleaner and a pump-up garden hose and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the instructions on the label of the product and then rinse it off using the hose. It is essential not to apply too much pressure when washing the coils, since the fins could easily be bent.
It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time hail, rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other things can harm the coil’s fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins for improved airflow and coil performance.
When you have a great coil and fin set up and you are ready to switch on your air conditioner. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to ensure the temperatures are in good shape.
Cleaning 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 of the condenser unit to your house’s vents and registers through a duct system. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they may be laden with dust and other pollutants. This can clog the air filters which reduces the effectiveness of your system as well as burdens your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork is a challenging task that requires expert equipment and methods. But, there are things you can do regularly to ensure that your ducts stay in good condition and function properly. First, change your filter regularly to prevent dust and allergens from accumulating into the ducts. This can also help keep clogs from occurring, which could lead to a reduced system efficiency and a higher cost for energy.
Another way to keep your ducts clean is to regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can eliminate all the cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time, and aid in improving air flow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts have been sealed tight and protected from moisture getting in, which could result in mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that aren’t cleaned on a regular basis can become loaded with a wide variety of contaminants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of respiratory issues and allergies, especially for older people and children. Moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, releasing microbes that can harm those with respiratory problems.
It is recommended that you clean your ductwork every three to five years to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. If your ducts have been sealed properly, and you replace your filter on a regular basis it might not be necessary to clean them. The best way to know for certain is to have your ducts tested. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA can use special testing methods in order to determine the amount of particles present in your ductwork. They will then suggest cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an important component of the system. It should be able deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working properly, it can affect your productivity and result in interruption to your equipment. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues earlier, avoiding unnecessary downtime. Regularly checking your unit can also help you save money by ensuring that your equipment is in good shape for as long as is possible.
A common sign of a compressor problem is a loss in cooling capacity, although this could be caused by a number of different factors. One possibility is that a compressor could be overworking because of poor airflow. This could cause bearings to wear out and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another common issue is a blocked filter. Filters that are blocked can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this, it is crucial to clean or replace the filters frequently, according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
A blocked filter could cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings need to be changed. Regularly replacing pulleys and belts is recommended. A loose pulley or belt could cause slipping and result in overheating of the compressor and other issues. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor frequently. This will remove the accumulated moisture that can corrode the motor and other components. A professional service team will check for leaks in the hoses, as well as an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.
A puddle of liquid close to the compressor could be a sign of an issue. This is a potentially dangerous problem that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, shut off the compressor that is running and then contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat acts like the boss of your entire HVAC system, and it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing that a technician will inspect when a problem occurs. It’s also one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items, yet an appropriately maintained thermostat is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s operation. Common indicators that your thermostat requires a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the thermostat’s sensors will become dirty. This could cause it to display incorrectly. Regularly checking your thermostat’s accuracy with a separate thermometer will help you avoid these problems and conserve energy.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration may result in your system constantly turning on and off this is known as short cycling. This can affect your comfort and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately this can be corrected by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.
Check the breakers for your HVAC and thermostat If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it will require resetting to allow the thermostat to be able to communicate with the system once more.
It’s also important to check your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Look for signs of dirt or dust, and make sure the thermostat isn’t too exposed to sunlight. The fan blades should be checked for any signs of damage or rust. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as it possibly can.
Basic hvac maintenance is a great method to reduce energy costs and ensure comfort in your commercial property. It also increases the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and replacing the batteries and fuses, you’ll be able keep your building warm all year round. Make sure that should you encounter any other issues, or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system make sure to contact an expert.
