The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is crucial when it is concerned with heating and cooling systems. It will help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that you pay a low monthly rate to get the system checked, repaired or cleaned as needed.
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 surrounding outdoor units free of debris will promote the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your condenser for your air conditioner are at the heart the cooling process. If they are dirty the system will be unable to cool properly and could even fail. This is why cleaning them is a crucial part of HVAC maintenance. It’s also quite simple to do. This easy DIY task will eliminate the need for costly repairs, and save you money on your energy bills, and extend the life of your air conditioning unit.
First and foremost, it is essential to cut off the power to your unit. You can do this by turning off the breaker at your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your electrical components and motors from being flooded when cleaning.
Once the power is off it is now time to clean up any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This includes cleaning up any leaves, sticks or other debris that have built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum that has a crevice tool is a great tool to get into the crevices, nooks, and loosen dust or dirt that has accumulated.
The coils must be cleaned. Be sure to have some essential tools on hand before you start. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates, a pump up garden sprayer as well as an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance to the directions on the label, then rinse it off with the water hose. It is important not to use too much pressure when washing the coils as the fins can easily be bent.
After the coils have been cleaned, inspect them for any signs of damage. Over time, hail and rocks that are thrown by lawnmowers and other items could damage the coil fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins for better airflow and coil performance.
When you have a great coil and fin setup then you can 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 to bring air from outside into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout your home. Air is moved from the evaporator in the condenser to your home’s registers and vents through a system ducts. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other contaminants when they aren’t cleaned and sealed correctly. This can block the air filters, which in turn reduces the efficiency of the system and strains your AC unit.
In the majority of instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy job and requires expert equipment and methods. There are some things you can do regularly to keep your ducts tidy and working well. First, make sure you change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens from building up in the ducts. This also helps to keep the clogs from occurring which can lead to reduced system efficiency and high energy bills.
Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is another method to keep your ducts clean. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will take away all the cobwebs, crumbs and other debris that have been accumulating over time. This will improve airflow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts have been sealed tight and lined to stop moisture from getting in, which could lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that are not regularly cleaned are likely to be contaminated with a variety of contaminants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can worsen allergies and respiratory issues especially in children and the elderly. In addition, moisture in ductwork may cause the growth of mold, which releases spores in the air and poses health risks for those with respiratory issues.
It is recommended that you clean your ducts once every three to five years to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However, if your ducts are sealed and you clean your filters frequently it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be required at all. You can only be sure by having your ducts checked. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to measure the amount of particulates in your ductwork, and will recommend the appropriate cleaning schedules based on your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a critical component of the system. It must function properly to deliver cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working in the way it should it could affect your productivity and cause the equipment to shut down. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to assist in identifying issues that are minor and prevent unnecessary downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by keeping your equipment as efficient as possible.
A common sign of a compressor problem is a loss in cooling capacity, although it could be caused by various factors. A compressor could be working too hard due insufficient airflow. This can wear out the bearings and decrease the lifespan of the compressor. Another common problem is a blocked filter. Filters that have become blocked can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this from happening, it is essential to clean or change the filters regularly based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A blocked filter may create a rattling sound inside the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings must be changed. Regularly replacing pulleys and belts is recommended. A loose pulley or belt could cause slipping and result in compressor overheating and other problems. It is recommended to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will remove the accumulated moisture that can corrode the motor and other components. A professional service team will also examine for leaks in hoses, and a tight seal on the compressor and pressure sensor.
A puddle of liquid in the vicinity of the compressor could be a sign of an issue. This is a serious issue and should be repaired immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, switch off the air compressor and call an expert.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not a surprise that a technician will always look at the thermostat first when there is any issue. A well-maintained thermostat is crucial to the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most overlooked maintenance items. Check your thermostat if you notice incorrect temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the sensors on your thermostat will become dirty. This can cause it to display in a wrong manner. You can avoid these problems by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a the use of a separate thermometer.
A faulty sensor or calibration can also result in your system constantly switching on and off this is known as short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. The problem can be fixed by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way It’s recommended to examine the breakers that regulate the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker tripped then you’ll have to reset it in order for your thermostat to reconnect with the system.
Check your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Check for dirt or dust and make sure that the thermostat isn’t too much exposed to sunlight. Examine the fan blades to find signs of rust and damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as possible.
Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial property is an excellent method to cut energy consumption, ensure comfort, and extend the life of your heating and cooling equipment. By identifying issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker and replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building comfortable all year round. Be sure to call a professional in case you experience any other issues, or are unsure of the issue make sure to contact a professional.
