The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it concerns your cooling and heating system, routine maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan where you pay an annual fee to have your system checked and cleaned or repaired when required.

It’s also a good idea to perform some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the areas around outdoor units clear of any debris to ensure the proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils in your air conditioner’s condenser are the mainstay of the cooling process. If they’re dirty your system is likely to struggle to cool and could even fail. Cleaning them is an important part of HVAC maintenance. It’s also fairly easy to do. This simple DIY task will eliminate the need for expensive repairs, save you money on your energy bills and prolong the life of your air conditioning unit.

It is essential to disconnect power from your unit first. You can do this by turning off the breaker in your electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated during cleaning.

Once the power is off it is now time to clear any large debris that is obstructing the air condenser unit. This means cleaning up any sticks, leaves or other debris that has been accumulating on or around the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has crevice attachments is a great option to reach into the nooks and crevices and remove dust, dirt or other debris that has collected.

The coils require to be cleaned. Before you begin however, make sure that you have in your possession some essential tools. These include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden hose and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the product label and then rinse it off 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 following cleaning. Over time, hail or stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other objects can cause damage to the coil fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool known as a fin comb can straighten them to improve air flow and to assist in ensuring that the coils operate more effectively.

Once the coils and fins are in good shape Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the fins and coils, you can return to your home and start your air conditioner. After around 24 hours, you should check the thermostat and ensure that temperatures are normal.

Cleaning the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is designed to bring outside air into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout your home. Air is transported from the evaporator in your condenser unit to your home’s registers and vents via a system duct. The ducts could become blocked with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t cleaned and sealed correctly. This can block the air filters, which decreases the effectiveness of your system as well as can strain your AC unit.

Cleaning ductwork can be a challenging task that requires specialized equipment and methods. There are some actions you can take regularly to keep your ducts tidy and in good working order. First, you should change your filter regularly to prevent dust and allergens from building in the ducts. This will also help to stop the clogging that could lead to reduced system efficiency and a high energy bill.

Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is an additional method to keep your ducts cleaner. The hose attachment of 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. It is also essential to make sure your ducts are properly sealed and insulated to keep out moisture, 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 worsen respiratory and allergy conditions, particularly for children and the elderly. The moisture can cause mold to develop in ductwork, which releases microbes that can harm those with respiratory problems.

It is recommended to clean your ducts once every three to five years to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. If your ducts have been sealed well and you change your filter regularly, it may not be necessary to clean them. You can only be certain that your ducts are in good condition by having them checked. A certified contractor can employ specific testing methods to determine the amount of particles in your ductwork and will suggest suitable cleaning schedules based upon your particular situation.

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 working as it should, it can affect your productivity and result in downtime for your equipment. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues earlier, avoiding unnecessary downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by making sure that your equipment as efficient as possible.

A decrease in cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem with a compressor. It could be caused by a variety of causes. A compressor could be working too hard due to inadequate airflow. This could cause the bearings to wear down and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another common issue is a clogged filter. If the filter is blocked, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. It is crucial to change or clean the filters according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

Additionally, a blocked filter may also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are wearing out and need to be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace pulleys and belts on a regular basis. A worn-out belt or pulley can slip, causing the compressor to overheat and cause other problems. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor on a regular basis. This will get rid of 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 an adequate seal between the compressor and pressure switch.

A puddle of liquid in the vicinity of the compressor could be a sign of an issue. This can be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor and contact an expert.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat is like the head of your HVAC system, and it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing that a technician will look at when trouble occurs. It’s also among the most often neglected maintenance items, yet maintaining your thermostat properly is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s operation. Common indicators that your thermostat needs an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time the sensors on your thermostat can get dirty. This can cause it to display in a wrong manner. Regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a separate thermometer can help you avoid these problems and help you save energy.

A defective sensor or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to turn off and on in a continuous manner. This is called short cycling. This can adversely 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.

If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way It’s a good idea to check the breakers that control the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, you will need to reset it in order for your thermostat to communicate again with the system.

It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Examine for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat is not excessively exposed to the sun. Check the fan blades for signs of damage and rust. These simple checks can help avoid costly repairs in the near future, and help ensure that your equipment is operating as smoothly as possible.

Basic HVAC maintenance is a great strategy to reduce energy costs and maintain comfort in your commercial building. It also increases the life of your cooling and heating equipment. It is possible to keep your building cool throughout the year by identifying problems with your thermostat, setting your breaker and changing your batteries. Remember to call an expert if you’re experiencing any other issues or unsure of what is going on with your system.

Explore More

Ductless Mini Split HVAC

September 17, 2024 0 Comments 0 tags

Ductless Mini Split HVAC Ductless mini splits remove the need for ductwork. This allows them to offer more flexibility in the locations where indoor and outdoor units can be installed.

Geothermal HVAC

November 1, 2024 0 Comments 0 tags

Geothermal HVAC Unlike traditional HVAC systems that run on fuel oil, natural gas propane, electricity or fuel oil geothermal offers two-in-one heating and cooling. The temperature of the earth beneath

Why Buy a New Air Conditioner?

October 16, 2024 0 Comments 0 tags

Why Buy a New Air Conditioner? If your air conditioner is old and breaking down or you want to upgrade to a more efficient system, purchasing a new AC unit