The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is essential when it is concerned with HVAC and cooling systems. It will help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies have a service plan where you pay each month to have the system checked and cleaned, or repaired as needed.
It’s also a good idea to perform some DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area surrounding outdoor units free of clutter will help ensure proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils inside the condenser of your air conditioner are the mainstay of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool properly and could even fail. This is why cleaning them is a vital aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to accomplish. This easy DIY task will save you money, prevent costly repairs and prolong the life span of your air cooling.
It is essential to disconnect power from your unit before you disconnect it. This can be done by turning off the breaker in your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from being oversaturated while cleaning.
Once the power has been turned off, you can begin clearing any large debris that may be blocking the condenser air. This includes taking away any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has accumulated on or around the unit. Using a shop vacuum with crevice attachments is a great method to get into the nooks and crannies and remove any dirt, dust or other debris that has collected.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Make sure you have a few essential tools in your arsenal prior to beginning. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate, a pump up garden sprayer as well as an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the instructions on the label, then rinse it off using the water hose. When washing the coils, it is essential not to use excessive force since the fins can bend easily.
You should inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, the impact of hail and stones thrown from lawnmowers or other objects can cause damage to coil fins. If the fins are bent, a cost-effective tool known as a fin comb can straighten them to improve air flow and to help the coils function more efficiently.
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 turn on your air conditioning. After about 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat and make sure that temperatures are normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring outside air into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout your house. Air is moved from the evaporator inside the condenser to your home’s registers and vents through a system duct. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they could be laden with dirt and other contaminates. This can clog the air filters, which decreases the effectiveness of your system as well as can strain your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork is a difficult task that requires expert equipment and methods. But, there are things you can do on a regular basis to ensure that your ducts stay in good condition and function properly. First, change your filter regularly to prevent dust and allergens from accumulating up in the ducts. This will also help to keep clogs from occurring, which could cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy bills.
Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is an additional way to keep your ducts in good shape. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will get rid of all the crumbs, cobwebs and other debris that have been accumulating over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts have been sealed tight and lined to stop moisture from getting in, which could lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they can collect a variety of pollutants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can worsen allergies and respiratory issues particularly for children and the elderly. The moisture in ductwork can result in the growth of mold which releases spores into air and can cause health issues for those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It is recommended to clean your ducts once every three to five year to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are well-sealed and you change your filters regularly the cleaning of your ducts may not be required at all. The best way to know for certain is to have your ducts tested. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to measure the amount of particles in your ductwork and will recommend the appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on the specific circumstances.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential component of the system. It should be able supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning as it should, this can affect your productivity and result in downtime for equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to aid in identifying minor issues early and help avoid prolonged downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by ensuring that your unit as good as possible.
A typical sign of a compressor problem is a reduction in cooling capacity, but this could be caused by various factors. One possibility is that a compressor may be working too hard due to poor airflow. This could cause the bearings to wear out and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. A blocked air filter is a different issue. If the filter is blocked, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. To avoid this, it is crucial to clean or change the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Additionally, a blocked filter may also cause rattling noises in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are wearing out and need to be replaced. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A belt or pulley that is loose could cause slipping and result in compressor overheating and other problems. 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 also look for leaks in the pipes, and ensure an adequate seal around the compressor and pressure sensor.
A puddle of liquid in the vicinity of the compressor could be an indicator of a leak. This is a risky problem that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect a leak, shut off the air compressor. Consult a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not too surprising that technicians will always look at the thermostat first when there is any issue. A properly maintained thermostat is essential for the efficient operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most neglected maintenance items. Common signs that your thermostat requires a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can become dirty over time, which can cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly by using a separate thermometer can aid in avoiding these issues and save energy.
A faulty sensor or calibration could lead to your system continuously turning on and off, which is referred to as short cycling. This can affect your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. Fortunately this can be resolved with simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breaker.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat at all, it’s recommended to examine the breakers that control the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has been tripped, it will have to be reset to allow the thermostat to communicate with the system again.
Check your thermostat for indications of wear and damage. Examine for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to the sun. Examine the fan blades to find signs of rust and damage. These simple checks can help avoid costly repairs in the near future, and ensure your equipment is operating as efficiently as possible.
Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent method to cut energy consumption, ensure comfort and prolong the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building comfortable all year round. Remember to call a professional if you are having any other problems or aren’t sure what’s going on with your system.