The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it is about your heating and cooling system, routine maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan that charges the monthly cost to have your system checked, fixed or cleaned as needed.

You should also carry out some DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around outdoor units clear of clutter will help ensure proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils inside the condenser in your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they are dirty, your system will struggle to cool and could even fail. Cleaning them is an essential aspect of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to complete. This easy DIY task will save you money, avoid expensive repairs and extend the lifespan of your air conditioner.

It is essential to disconnect power from your unit first. This can be accomplished by turning off the breaker inside your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated while cleaning.

After the power has been shut off and you are able to remove any large debris obstructing the air condenser unit. This means taking away any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice tools is a great tool to reach into the nooks, crannies and remove dust or dirt that has been accumulating.

Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before doing this however, ensure you have some essential tools. These will include a coil cleaner concentrate and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label, then rinse it off with a water hose. It is essential not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils, as the fins can easily be bent.

You should inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time hail or rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other items can damage the coil’s fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and performance of the coil.

After you have a proper coil and fin set up and you are ready to turn on your air conditioner. After about 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat to ensure that temperatures are normal.

Cleaning the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout the home. The air is moved from the evaporator coil in your condenser unit and then to your house’s vents and registers through a system of ducts. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other contaminants if they are not cleaned and sealed properly. This could block air filters, which decreases the efficiency of your system and strains your AC unit.

In most cases, cleaning the ductwork isn’t an easy task and requires expert equipment and techniques. But, there are things you can do on a regular basis to ensure that your ducts are clean and functioning well. First, change your filter regularly to keep dust and allergens out of building up in the ducts. This can also help prevent the clogging that can lead to reduced system efficiency and higher energy costs.

Another method to keep your ducts clean is by regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will take away all the cobwebs, crumbs and other messes that have accumulated over time. This will improve airflow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed well and are protected from moisture getting in, which could cause mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that are not cleaned on a regular basis can become loaded with a myriad of contaminants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can trigger respiratory issues and allergies particularly for older people and children. In addition, moisture in ductwork may lead to the growth of mold, which releases spores into the air and can cause health issues for those with respiratory issues.

It is generally recommended that you have your ducts cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is working effectively. If your ducts are sealed properly, and you change your filter regularly it might not be necessary to clean them. You can be certain by having your ducts checked. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA will use special testing techniques to determine the amount of particles that are present in your ductwork. They will then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your specific situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an important element of the system. It must be able to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working as it should, this can impact your productivity and result in downtime for equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can assist in identifying issues that are minor and help avoid prolonged downtime. Regularly checking your unit can also help you save money by keeping your unit in good condition for as long as it is possible.

A loss of cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem with a compressor. This can be caused by several different causes. A compressor may be working too hard due to inadequate airflow. This could wear out the bearings and decrease the lifespan of the compressor. Another common issue is a clogged filter. Filters that have become blocked can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is essential to clean or change the filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Additionally, a blocked filter could also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are wearing out and need to be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace pulleys and belts regularly. A pulley or belt that is loose could cause the compressor to overheat and cause other problems. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor frequently. This will eliminate the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also check for leaks in the hoses, and a tight seal on the pressure sensor and compressor.

A puddle of liquid close to the compressor could be an indication of leak. This is a risky issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor. Contact a professional.

Check the Thermostat

It’s not surprising that a technician will examine the thermostat first if there’s an issue. It’s also among the most frequently neglected maintenance items, yet maintaining your thermostat properly is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Examine your thermostat if you notice incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which can cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. You can avoid these problems by ensuring the accuracy of your thermostat using a the use of a separate thermometer.

A malfunctioning sensor or calibration may lead to your system continuously switching on and off, which is referred to as short cycling. This can affect your comfort and result in excessive wear and tear on the compressor. The problem can be fixed by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.

Check the breakers for both your HVAC and thermostat if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll require resetting in order for the thermostat to connect with the system again.

It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Find evidence of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Lastly, 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 ensure your equipment is operating as smoothly as it can.

Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent method to cut energy costs, maintain comfort and prolong the life of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and replacing the batteries and fuses, you’ll be able keep your building warm all year round. Make sure that in case you experience any other issues or are unsure of the issue, always call in an expert.