The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it comes to your heating and cooling system, regular maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies have a maintenance plan that charges an annual fee to have the system checked and cleaned or repaired when required.
It’s also recommended to do a few DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the space around outdoor units free of debris to promote proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your condenser for your air conditioner are the primary component of the cooling process. If they are dirty, you system will struggle to cool and could even fail. Cleaning them is a crucial aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to accomplish. This simple DIY task will eliminate the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills, and extend the longevity of your AC unit.
It is the first step. It is important to disconnect the power supply to your unit. This can be done by shutting off the breaker at the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will safeguard your electrical components and motors from being oversaturated during cleaning.
After the power has been shut off, you can start taking down any large debris that may be hindering the air condenser. This will include taking away any sticks, leaves or other debris that have built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice tools is an excellent way to reach into the nooks and crannies and remove dust or dirt that has been accumulating.
The coils must be cleaned. Before doing this however, make sure you have a few key tools. This will include a concentrate of the coil cleaner and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the directions on the label of the product and then rinse it off using the 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, look them over for any signs of damage. Over time, the impact of hail and stones dropped by lawnmowers or other items can damage coil fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool known as a fin-comb can straighten them for better air flow and also to assist in ensuring that the coils operate more effectively.
When you have a great coil and fin setup, you can turn on your air conditioner. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to make sure temperatures are within the normal range.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works by bringing air from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout your home. The air is transported from the evaporator of the condenser to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by a system ducts. The ducts could become blocked with dust and other contaminants when they aren’t maintained and sealed properly. This could block air filters which can reduce the efficiency of your system and burdens your AC unit.
In the majority of cases, cleaning the ductwork isn’t an easy task that requires the help of professional equipment and methods. There are a few actions you can take regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and in good working order. First, you should change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens from building up in the ducts. This will also help keep clogs from occurring, which could cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy bills.
Another method to keep your ducts clean is by regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will get rid of all traces of dust, crumbs and other debris that has built up over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts have been sealed tightly and are protected from moisture getting in, which could lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that aren’t regularly cleaned can become loaded with a myriad of pollutants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory and allergy conditions, particularly in the elderly and children. The moisture can cause mold to develop in the ductwork, releasing the spores that can be harmful to those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It’s generally recommended that you get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is operating efficiently. However If your ducts are sealed and you regularly change your filters, duct cleaning may not be necessary at all. You can only be certain that your ducts are in good condition by having them checked. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to measure the amount of particulates in your ductwork, and will suggest appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on the specific circumstances.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an important element of the system. It has to be able to deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working properly and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and lead to equipment downtime. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to aid in identifying minor issues early and avoid excessive downtime. Regularly checking your unit can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment is in good working order for as long as is possible.
A decrease in cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem with a compressor. This could be caused by a variety of reasons. A compressor could be working too hard due insufficient airflow. This could wear out the bearings and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. A blocked air filter is a different issue. Filters that are clogged can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is essential to clean or change the filters according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
Additionally, a blocked filter can also cause rattling noises in the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings require to be changed. Regularly replacing pulleys and belts is recommended. A pulley or belt that is loose can slip, causing the compressor to overheat, causing other issues. It is recommended to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will remove the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will look for leaks in the hoses, and an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.
Finally, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This could be a risky issue and should be repaired right away. If you suspect there is a leak, switch off the air compressor and call an expert.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not too surprising that a technician will check the thermostat first when there is a problem. It’s also one of the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, yet an appropriately maintained thermostat is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s operation. Common indicators that your thermostat needs a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the sensors on your thermostat may become dirty. This can cause it to display incorrectly. You can avoid these problems by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with a separate thermometer.
A faulty sensor, or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to cycle on and off continuously. This is called short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. These issues can be resolved by replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat at all It’s recommended to examine the breakers that control both the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, it will need to be reset to allow the thermostat to communicate with the system.
It’s also important to check your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Check for indications of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. The fan blades should be checked for any indications of rust or damage. These simple checks can help avoid expensive repairs in the future, and help ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it can.
Basic maintenance of hvac is a great strategy to cut down on energy costs and ensure comfort in your commercial space. It will also extend the life of heating and cooling equipment. By identifying issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and 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 experiencing any other issues or are unsure of what’s the issue with your system.
