The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance is key when it is concerned with heating and cooling systems. It will help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that charges an affordable monthly fee to have your system checked out, fixed or cleaned if necessary.

It’s also recommended to do a few DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around outdoor units free of debris to promote the proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils in your air conditioner condenser are at the heart the cooling process. If they’re dirty your system will be unable to cool properly and could even fail. Cleaning them is an essential aspect of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, relatively simple to complete. This easy DIY task can prevent the need for expensive repairs, and save you money on your energy bills, and extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.

It is crucial to disconnect power from your unit before you disconnect it. 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 electrical components and motors from being oversaturated during cleaning.

Once the power has been turned off, you can begin clearing any large debris that could be blocking the condenser’s air. This means sweeping up any leaves, sticks, or other debris that have been accumulating on or around the unit. Using a shop vacuum with crevice attachments is a great option to reach into the crevices and nooks and loosen any dust, dirt or other debris that has accumulated.

The coils must be cleaned. Before you do this however, make sure that you have in your possession a few key tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates, a pump up garden sprayer, and an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the product label and rinse with the hose. It is crucial not to apply too much pressure when washing the coils, since the fins could easily be bent.

After the coils have been cleaned, you should examine them for indications of damage. Over time, hail and rocks thrown from lawnmowers or other items could damage the coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins for improved airflow and coil performance.

Once you have a good coil and fin set up then you can start your air conditioner. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to confirm that temperatures are normal.

Cleaning the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring air in from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout your home. Air is moved from the evaporator in your condenser unit to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by a system duct. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t maintained and sealed correctly. This can clog the air filters which reduces the efficiency of your system and burdens your AC unit.

Cleaning the ductwork can be a challenging task that requires expert equipment and techniques. There are some things you can do regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and in good working order. First, make sure you change your filter on a regular basis to prevent dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts. This can also help stop the clogging that could lead to reduced system efficiency and a high energy bill.

Another method to keep your ducts clean is to regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will remove all traces of dust, crumbs and other messes that have built up over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts have been sealed well and are insulated to prevent moisture from entering, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that have not been regularly cleaned can become loaded with a variety of contaminants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues especially for children and the elderly. The moisture in ductwork can result in the growth of mold which releases spores in the air and poses health concerns for those with respiratory problems.

It’s generally recommended that you have your ducts cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is operating efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are sealed and you clean your filters frequently the cleaning of your ducts may not be necessary at all. The best way to determine for certain is to have your ducts tested. A licensed contractor can employ specific testing methods to determine the amount of particulates within your ductwork, and can recommend appropriate cleaning schedules based on your particular situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a critical component of the system. It has to be able to deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating as it should, this could affect your productivity and cause downtime for equipment. Preventive maintenance can help spot small issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. Conducting these regular checks can also help you save money by ensuring that your equipment is in good condition for as long as it is possible.

A decrease in cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem in a compressor. This can be caused by several different causes. A compressor may be operating too hard due insufficient airflow. This could cause the bearings to wear out and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. A clogged air filter is another frequent problem. If the filter is blocked, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. To avoid this, it is crucial to clean or change the filters on a regular basis, based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.

A blocked filter can cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings need to be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is a good idea. A worn belt or pulley can cause slippage and cause compressor overheating and 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 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 puddle of water near the compressor could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This could be a dangerous problem that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor. Contact a professional.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat is kind of like the head of your HVAC system, so it’s not a surprise that it’s the first thing that a technician will check when trouble arises. A properly maintained thermostat is vital to the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most frequently neglected maintenance items. Check 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 may cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. Regularly checking your thermostat’s accuracy by using a separate thermometer can assist you in avoiding these issues and conserve energy.

A malfunctioning sensor, or a faulty calibration can cause your system to cycle on and off continuously. This is known as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. Fortunately the majority of these issues can be fixed with the simple act of replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting its breakers.

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

Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Look for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat is not overly exposed to the sun. Lastly, the fan blades must be inspected for any signs of rust or damage. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as it possibly can.

Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent way to cut down on energy consumption, ensure comfort and extend the longevity of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and replacing the batteries and fuses, you’ll be able keep your building warm all year. Be sure to call a professional in case you experience any other issues, or aren’t sure the issue, always call in a professional.