The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your heating and cooling system, regular maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan where you pay a low monthly rate to get the system checked out, fixed or cleaned if required.
It’s also a good idea to perform a few DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area surrounding the outdoor units free of clutter will help ensure the proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your air conditioner condenser are at the heart the cooling process. If they’re dirty the system will be unable to cool properly and may even break down. Cleaning them is a crucial part of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to accomplish. This easy DIY task will eliminate the need for costly repairs, and save you money on your energy bills and prolong the life of your air conditioning unit.
It is crucial 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 safeguard your motors and electrical components from being flooded when cleaning.
After the power has been turned off, you can begin taking down any large debris that may be blocking the air condenser. This means sweeping away any leaves, sticks or other debris that has built up on or around the unit. Using a shop vacuum with a crevice attachment is a great method to get into the nooks and crevices and loosen dust, dirt or other debris that may have accumulated.
The next step is to clean the coils. Before you do this however, ensure that you have on-hand some essential tools. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate, a pump up garden sprayer as well as the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on in accordance with the directions on the product label and then rinse using the hose. When washing the coils it is essential not to use excessive force since the fins can be bent easily.
After the coils have been cleaned, inspect them for any signs of damage. Over time hail and rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other objects can cause damage to the coil’s fins. If the fins are bent, a low-cost tool known as a fin-comb can straighten them for better air flow and to aid in the operation of the coils more effectively.
If the fins and coils are in good condition If you are satisfied with the condition of your fins and coils, return to your house and turn on your air conditioner. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to ensure the temperatures are in good shape.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout your home. The air moves from the evaporator coil in your condenser unit and then to your house’s vents and registers through a network of ducts. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they could become loaded with dust and other contaminants. This can clog the air filters, which decreases the efficiency of your system and burdens your AC unit.
Cleaning ductwork can be a challenging task that requires expert equipment and techniques. But, there are actions you can take on a regular basis to make sure your ducts remain clean and well-functioning. To avoid dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, change your filter regularly. This also helps to prevent the clogging that can lead to reduced system efficiency and high energy bills.
Another method to keep your ducts clean is to regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will get rid of all the crumbs, cobwebs and other messes that have been accumulating over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts are sealed well and are insulated to prevent moisture from entering, which can result in 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 trigger allergies and respiratory conditions particularly for older people and children. In addition, moisture in ductwork may result in the growth of mold, which releases spores in the air and can cause health issues for those with respiratory issues.
It is generally recommended to get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is working effectively. However it is possible that if your ducts are well-sealed and you change your filters regularly, duct cleaning may not be required at all. The best way to be able to tell for certain is to have your ducts examined. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to measure the amount of particles in your ductwork, and will recommend the appropriate cleaning schedules based on the specific circumstances.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial component of the system. It needs to operate properly to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning as it should, this could affect your productivity and result in interruption to your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to assist in identifying issues that are minor and help avoid prolonged downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by making sure that your equipment as efficient as possible.
A loss of cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem with a compressor. This can be caused by a variety of factors. One possibility is that a compressor could be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can cause wear on the bearings and decrease the lifespan of the compressor. Another common problem is a clogged filter. Filters that are blocked can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To avoid this, it is crucial to clean or replace the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Additionally, a blocked filter can create a rattling sound inside the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings are worn out and must be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is recommended. A pulley or belt that is loose could cause the compressor to overheat and create other issues. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor regularly. This can remove accumulated moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can look for air leaks in the hoses and an adequate seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
Lastly, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor could be a sign 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, shut off the compressor that is running and then contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is like the boss of your HVAC system, and it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing that a technician will check when trouble arises. It’s also one of the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, but an appropriately maintained thermostat is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Examine your thermostat if you notice incorrect temperature readings, non-responsive controls or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which may cause the device to display inaccurately. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly by using a separate thermometer can aid in avoiding these issues and help you save energy.
A faulty sensor or calibration can also lead to your system continuously switching off and on this is known as short cycling. This can affect your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. This issue can be solved by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.
Check the breakers for your HVAC equipment and thermostat If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it will have to be reset in order for the thermostat to connect with the system again.
It is also essential to examine your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Check for indications of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Lastly, the fan blades should be checked for signs of damage or rust. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as possible.
Basic maintenance of hvac is a great way to save energy and ensure comfort in your commercial building. It also increases the life of cooling and heating equipment. It is possible to keep your building at all times comfortable by identifying problems with your thermostat, resetting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional if you have any other issues or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system you should always consult a professional.
