The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is key when it concerns heating and cooling systems. It will help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that charges a low monthly rate to get the system checked, fixed or cleaned if 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 around outdoor units free of clutter will help ensure the proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in the condenser of your air conditioner are at the heart the cooling process. If they are dirty your system is likely to struggle to cool and could even fail. Cleaning them is a crucial part of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, fairly easy to do. This simple DIY task will eliminate the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills and extend the life of your air conditioning unit.
In the beginning, it is essential to cut off the power to your unit. This can be done by shutting off the breaker in the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and electrical components from being oversaturated when cleaning.
After the power has been shut off it is now time to remove any large debris that is obstructing the air condenser unit. This will include sweeping away any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice tools is a great tool to reach into the nooks, crannies and remove dust or dirt that has been accumulating.
The next step is to clean the coils. Be sure to have a few essential tools in your arsenal before you start. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate and a pump-up garden sprayer as well as an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner on in accordance with the directions on the label of the product and then rinse it off using the hose. When washing the coils, it is important to not use excessive force since the fins can be bent easily.
It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time hail or rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other objects can cause damage to the coil’s fins. If the fins are bent, a low-cost tool called a fin comb can straighten them to improve air flow and assist in ensuring that the coils operate more efficiently.
When you have a great coil and fin set up, you can start your air conditioner. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to make sure 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 the home. Air is transported from the evaporator in the condenser to your home’s registers and vents via a system duct. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they could be laden with dust and other contaminants. This can block the air filters and reduces the efficiency of the system and strains your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork is an extremely difficult job that requires specialized equipment and techniques. However, there are a few actions you can take regularly to make sure your ducts stay clean and well-functioning. To prevent dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, change your filter regularly. This will also help to stop the clogging that could result in a lower efficiency of the system and higher energy costs.
Another method to keep your ducts tidy is to regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can eliminate all cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time and assist in improving airflow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed tightly and are protected from moisture getting in, which could cause mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that aren’t regularly cleaned are likely to be contaminated with a variety of contaminants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can trigger respiratory and allergies, especially in children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to develop in the ductwork, which releases spores that are harmful to those with respiratory problems.
It’s generally recommended that you have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to remove the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is working effectively. If your ducts are well-sealed, and you regularly change your filter It may not be necessary to clean them. The best way to be able to tell the truth is to have your ducts tested. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA will use special testing techniques to measure the amount particulates that are present in your ductwork. They can then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It has to be able to deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating as it should, it can affect your productivity and cause equipment downtime. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can aid in identifying minor issues early and help avoid prolonged downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by keeping your equipment in the best condition possible.
A common sign of a compressor issue is a decrease in cooling capacity, however it could be caused by a number of different factors. One possibility is that a compressor could be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can cause bearings to wear out and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another common problem is a clogged filter. Filters that have become blocked can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is essential to change or clean the filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
A clogged filter may also cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings are wearing out and must be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is recommended. A worn belt or pulley can cause slippage and cause overheating of the compressor and other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor regularly. This can remove accumulated moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also 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 an indication of a refrigerant leak. This is a potentially dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, shut off the compressor that is running and then contact an expert.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the boss of your entire HVAC system, so it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing that a technician will inspect when a problem arises. It’s also among the most often neglected maintenance items, yet an appropriately maintained thermostat is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Examine your thermostat if you observe inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which can cause the device to display inaccurately. You can avoid these problems by checking the accuracy of your thermostat using a a separate thermometer.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration can also result in your system constantly switching on and off, which is referred to as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort as well as cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. The problem can be fixed by replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breakers.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat at all, it’s an excellent idea to look at 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 tear. Examine for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat is not excessively exposed to the sun. Lastly, the fan blades need to be examined for any signs of damage or rust. These simple checks can help avoid expensive repairs in the future, and will ensure that your equipment is operating as efficiently as it can.
Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial property is an excellent method to cut energy costs, maintain comfort and extend the life of your cooling and heating equipment. You can keep your building comfortable throughout the year by identifying any issues with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional if you are having other issues or unsure of what is going on with your system.