The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it comes to your cooling and heating system, regular maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies have a maintenance plan where you pay each month to have the system checked and cleaned or repaired when required.
It’s also a good idea to perform some DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the space around outdoor units free of debris to promote the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils inside the condenser of your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they are dirty the system is likely to struggle to cool and may even fail to function properly. Cleaning them is an important aspect of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to accomplish. This easy DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the life span of your air conditioner.
In the beginning, it is essential to cut off the power to your unit. You can do this by shutting off the breaker in the electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your electrical components and motors from being over-saturated when cleaning.
Once the power is off, you can begin clearing any large objects that could be hindering the air condenser. This will include taking away any leaves, sticks or other debris that has accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice tool is a great way to reach into the nooks, crannies, and loosen dirt or dust that has accumulated.
The next step is to clean the coils. Make sure you have the necessary tools on hand before you begin. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates, a pump up garden sprayer as well as a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on in accordance with the directions on the product’s label and then rinse using the hose. It is important not to use too much pressure when washing the coils as the fins can easily be bent.
It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time, hail, rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other objects can cause damage to the coil’s fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and coil performance.
Once the coils and fins are in good condition Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the fins and coils, you can go back to your home and start your air conditioner. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to ensure the temperatures are in good shape.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout your home. The air travels from the evaporator coil in your condenser unit to your home’s vents and registers through a network of ducts. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they may become clogged with dust and other contaminants. This can clog the air filters which reduces the efficiency of your system and can strain your AC unit.
In the majority of cases, cleaning the ductwork is not an easy task that requires the help of professional equipment and methods. But, there are actions you can take on a regular basis to ensure that your ducts stay in good condition and function properly. To avoid dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts, change your filter on a regular basis. This will also help prevent clogging, which can cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy bills.
Another way to keep your ducts tidy is to regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time, and will assist in improving air flow through the vent. It’s also important to make sure your ducts are sealed and insulated to keep out moisture which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts aren’t regularly cleaned, they may build up a myriad of contaminants like dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory problems especially in children and the elderly. The moisture can cause mold to develop in the ductwork, releasing spores that are harmful to people suffering from respiratory issues.
It is generally recommended to have your ducts cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is working effectively. If your ducts have been sealed properly, and you regularly change your filter, it may not be necessary to clean them. The best way to be able to tell for certain is to have your ducts examined. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA can use specific testing methods to determine the amount of particulates found in your ductwork. They will then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a critical element of the system. It should be able deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating properly, it can 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. Conducting these regular checks can also help you save money by ensuring that your equipment is in good shape for as long as is possible.
A common sign of a compressor problem is a decrease in cooling capacity, however this could be due to many different causes. One possibility is that a compressor may be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This can wear out the bearings and decrease the lifespan of the compressor. A clogged air filter is a different issue. Filters that have become blocked can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this from happening, it is important to clean or replace the filters on a regular basis, based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.
In addition, a clogged filter can create a rattling sound inside the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are wearing out and need to be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A pulley or belt that is loose could cause the compressor to overheat and cause other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor regularly. This can remove accumulated moisture that can corrode the motor and other components. A professional service team will check for leaks in the hoses, as well as a tight seal on the compressor and pressure sensor.
Finally, a small puddle of water around the compressor can be an indication of a leak in the refrigerant. This is a risky problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor and call a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat acts like the boss of your HVAC system, and it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will check when trouble arises. It’s also among the most often neglected maintenance items, yet a properly maintained thermostat is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Examine your thermostat if you notice incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the thermostat’s sensors can get dirty. This can cause it to display in a wrong manner. You can avoid these problems by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with a separate thermometer.
A faulty sensor or calibration can also result in your system constantly turning on and off that is known as short cycling. This can affect your comfort and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be fixed with simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting its breakers.
Make sure you check the breakers on both your HVAC equipment and thermostat in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it will require resetting in order for the thermostat to connect with the system once more.
It’s also important to check your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Find signs of dirt or dust, and make sure the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to sunlight. Finally, the fan blades must be inspected for signs of rust or damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the near future, and help ensure that your equipment is operating as smoothly as it can.
Basic maintenance of hvac is a great method to save energy and keep your comfort in a commercial building. It can also prolong the life of heating and cooling equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker and replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building comfortable all year round. Make sure that if you have any other issues or are unsure of the issue, always call in a professional.
