The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance is crucial when it concerns cooling and heating systems. It can help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan where you pay an affordable monthly fee to have the system checked, repaired or cleaned if required.

It’s also an excellent idea to carry out some DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around the outdoor units free of clutter will help ensure the proper flow of air.

Clean the Condenser

The coils that make up the condenser in your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool and may even fail. Cleaning them is a crucial part of HVAC maintenance. Fortunately, it is also relatively simple to complete. This easy DIY task will save you money, avoid costly repairs and prolong the life span of your air conditioner.

It is crucial to disconnect the power source from your unit first. This can be done by shutting off the breaker in your electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will keep your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated while cleaning.

After the power has been shut off and you are able to clear any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This includes cleaning up 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 nooks and crannies and loosen any dirt, dust or other debris that has collected.

The coils need to be cleaned. Before doing this however, make sure that you have in your possession a few key tools. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate, a pump up garden sprayer and the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance to the instructions on the label, and then rinse it off with the garden hose. It is crucial not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils, because the fins may be bent.

After the coils have been cleaned, examine them for signs of damage. Over time, hail and rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other objects can cause damage to the coil’s fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and coil performance.

After you have a proper coil and fin setup and you are ready to turn on your air conditioner. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to make sure the temperatures are in good shape.

Cleaning the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring air in from outside, cooling it, and then 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 duct. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they can become loaded with dirt and other contaminates. This can clog the air filters which reduces the effectiveness of your system as well as can strain your AC unit.

Cleaning the ductwork is a challenging task that requires professional equipment and methods. But, there are actions you can take on a regular basis to make sure your ducts are in good condition and function properly. First, change your filter on a regular basis to prevent dust and allergens from building into the ducts. This also helps to keep the clogs from occurring which can result in a lower efficiency of the system and higher energy costs.

Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is a different way to keep your ducts cleaner. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will remove all traces of dust, crumbs and other debris that have built up over time. This will improve airflow through the vent. It’s also important to ensure that your ducts are tightly sealed and insulated to keep out moisture which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.

If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they could accumulate a variety of contaminants like dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory conditions particularly for children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to develop in ductwork, which releases microbes that can harm people suffering from respiratory issues.

It’s generally recommended that you have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is working efficiently. However If your ducts are well-sealed and you regularly change your filters the cleaning of your ducts may not be required at all. The best way to know for certain is to have your ducts examined. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA can use special testing techniques to determine the amount of particulates that are 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 element of the system. It should be able supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating as it should, this could affect your productivity and cause delays for your equipment. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues earlier, avoiding unnecessary downtime. Conducting these regular checks can also help you save money by keeping your unit in good working order for as long as it is possible.

A decrease in cooling capacity is a common indication of a problem with a compressor. This could be caused by several different factors. A compressor may be operating too hard due insufficient airflow. This could wear out the bearings and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another common problem is a blocked filter. If the filter has become clogged it could reduce the airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. To prevent this, it is crucial to clean or change the filters regularly based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.

A clogged filter may also cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are worn out and need to be replaced. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is a good idea. A belt or pulley that is loose can slip and lead to compressor overheating and other problems. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor regularly. This will help remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also examine for air leaks within the hoses as well as a tight seal between the compressor and pressure switch.

A puddle of liquid near the compressor could be a sign of an issue. This is a risky problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, shut off the compressor that is running and then contact an expert.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat acts like the boss of your HVAC system, so it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing that a technician will look at when trouble occurs. It’s also one of the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, but an appropriately maintained thermostat is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Examine your thermostat if you observe inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which could cause the device to display inaccurately. You can avoid this issue by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with an additional thermometer.

A malfunctioning sensor, or a wrong 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 unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be corrected by simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breakers.

Make sure you check the breakers on both your thermostat and HVAC equipment in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped then you’ll have to reset it to allow your thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.

Check your thermostat for indications of wear and damage. Check for dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat is not excessively exposed to the sun. Examine the fan blades for signs of damage and rust. These simple checks can help avoid expensive repairs in the future, and ensure your equipment is running as smoothly as it can.

Basic maintenance of hvac is a great way to save energy and maintain comfort in your commercial space. It can also prolong the life of heating and cooling equipment. It is possible to keep your building at all times comfortable by identifying problems with your thermostat, setting your breaker and changing your batteries. Remember to call a professional if you are having other issues or are unsure of what’s wrong with your system.