The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it concerns your cooling and heating system, regular maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. The majority of HVAC companies have a maintenance plan that charges each month to have the system inspected, repaired or cleaned as needed.

You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the space around outdoor units free of any debris to ensure the proper flow of air.

Clean the Condenser

The coils of your condenser for your air conditioner are at the heart the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool and may even fail. Cleaning them is a vital component of HVAC maintenance. Fortunately, it is also fairly easy to do. This easy DIY task can prevent the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills, and prolong the longevity of your AC unit.

It is the first step. It is crucial to shut off the power source to your unit. This can be done by shutting off the breaker in your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will stop your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded during cleaning.

Once the power has been turned off, you can begin clearing any large debris that could be hindering the air condenser. This includes taking away any sticks, leaves or other debris that has built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum with a crevice tool is a great tool to reach into the crevices, nooks and remove dirt or dust that has built up.

The coils need to be cleaned. Be sure to have a few essential tools on hand before you start. These will include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance to the instructions on the label, then rinse it off using the hose. When washing the coils, it is essential not to use too much force as the fins are easily bent.

It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time hail, stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other items can damage the coil fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and coil performance.

Once the coils and fins are in good condition If you are satisfied with the condition of your fins and coils, return to your home and switch on your air conditioning. After approximately 24 hours, you can check the thermostat and make sure that the temperature is normal.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is designed to bring outside air into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout your home. Air is moved from the evaporator in your condenser unit to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by a system ducts. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other contaminants if they are not cleaned and sealed correctly. This can block the air filters, which decreases the effectiveness of your system as well as burdens your AC unit.

Cleaning the ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires expert equipment and methods. However, there are a few actions you can take regularly to make sure your ducts stay in good condition and function properly. To avoid dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts, you should change your filter frequently. This can also help stop clogging, which could result in a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy bills.

Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is a different method to keep your ducts in good shape. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will remove all the crumbs, cobwebs and other messes that have accumulated over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. Also, make sure that your ducts are sealed tight and lined to stop moisture from entering, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.

If ducts aren’t cleaned regularly, they can collect a variety of pollutants like dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can cause allergies and respiratory problems especially in children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to grow in ductwork, which releases spores that are harmful to people suffering from respiratory issues.

It is generally recommended to get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to remove these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is working efficiently. If your ducts are well-sealed, and you regularly change your filter, it may not be necessary to clean them. The best way to be able to tell the truth is to have your ducts tested. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to gauge the amount of dust particles in your ductwork, and will suggest appropriate cleaning schedules based on the specific circumstances.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an important component of the system. It should be able provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning as it should, this could affect the efficiency of your business and lead to interruption to your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to aid in identifying minor issues early and help avoid prolonged downtime. Regularly checking your unit can also help you save money by ensuring that your equipment is in good shape for as long as possible.

A loss of cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem in the compressor. It could be caused by several different factors. A compressor could be working too hard due to inadequate airflow. This can wear out the bearings and diminish the life of the compressor. Another common problem is a clogged filter. If the filter is clogged it could reduce the airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. It is crucial to change or clean the filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

A clogged filter may also cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are wearing out and require to be replaced. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is recommended. A worn belt or pulley could cause slipping and result in compressor overheating and other problems. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor regularly. This will remove the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team can look for air leaks in the hoses, and ensure a tight seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.

A puddle of liquid near the compressor could be an indicator of an issue. This is a potentially dangerous problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect a leak, turn off the air compressor. Get a professional to assist you.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat acts like the head of your entire HVAC system, so it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing that a technician will check when trouble arises. A well-maintained thermostat is vital to the smooth operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items. Examine your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time, the thermostat’s sensors can become dirty. This can cause it to display incorrectly. Regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a separate thermometer can aid in avoiding these issues and save energy.

A faulty sensor, or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to cycle on and off continuously. This is known as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. These issues can be resolved by replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.

If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way It’s an excellent idea to look at the breakers that regulate the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll have to be reset to allow the thermostat to connect with the system once more.

It’s also important to check your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Look for indications of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to sunlight. Finally, the fan blades should be checked for any indications of rust or damage. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as possible.

Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial property is a great way to reduce energy costs, maintain comfort and prolong the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker and replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building comfortable all year. Be sure to call an expert if you’re having other issues or are unsure of what’s the issue with your system.