The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it concerns your heating and cooling system, maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies have a service plan that charges each month to have your system checked and cleaned or repaired when required.
You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area surrounding the outdoor units free of any debris will ensure the proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils that make up the condenser in your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they are dirty, you system will struggle to cool and could even fail. Cleaning them is an essential part of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, relatively simple to complete. This simple DIY task will save you money, avoid costly repairs and prolong the lifespan of your air conditioner.
It is vital to cut off power from your unit before you disconnect it. This can be done 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 while cleaning.
After the power has been shut off and you are able to remove any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This will include cleaning up any sticks, leaves, or other debris that have been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice attachment is a great option to get into the crevices and nooks and loosen any dirt, dust or other debris that may have accumulated.
The next step is to clean the coils. Be sure to have some essential tools in your arsenal before you begin. These include a concentrate for coil cleaning, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the instructions on the product’s label and rinse with the hose. When washing the coils it is essential not to use too much force since the fins can bend easily.
You should examine the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, hail or rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other things can harm the coil fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and coil performance.
Once you have a good coil and fin set up, you can switch on your air conditioner. After around 24 hours, you should check the thermostat and make sure that the temperatures are in line with normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is designed to bring air from outside into your home, cool it, and then distribute it throughout your home. Air is transported from the evaporator of the condenser to your home’s registers and vents via a system of ducts. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they may be laden with dust and other contaminants. This causes air filters to become blocked and reduces system efficiency and strains your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork is an extremely difficult job that requires professional equipment and methods. There are some things you can do to keep your ducts tidy and working well. To avoid dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, you should change your filter regularly. This will also help stop clogging, which could result in a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy costs.
Cleaning the area around the vent openings is a different way to keep your ducts in good shape. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time and help to improve airflow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts have been sealed tightly and are lined to stop moisture from getting in, which could lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that aren’t regularly cleaned can become loaded with a variety of contaminants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues, particularly for children and the elderly. The moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, releasing the spores that can be harmful to people suffering from respiratory issues.
It is recommended that you clean your ducts every three to five year to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC system is functioning efficiently. However, if your ducts are sealed properly and you change your filters regularly the cleaning of your ducts may not be necessary at all. The best way to determine the truth is to have your ducts examined. A contractor accredited by the EPA will use special testing techniques to determine the amount of particulates found in your ductwork. They will then recommend cleaning schedules that are suitable for your situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential component of the system. It has to be able to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning properly and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and result in the equipment to shut down. However, preventive maintenance can help catch minor issues early and help avoid prolonged downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by making sure that your equipment as efficient as possible.
The most common sign of a compressor problem is a decrease in cooling capacity, although it could be caused by many different causes. A compressor may be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can cause the bearings to wear down and decrease the life of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another frequent problem. If the filter is blocked, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. It is essential to clean or replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A blocked filter could cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are wearing out and require to be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A pulley or belt that is loose can cause the compressor to overheat and cause other issues. It is also a good idea to drain your compressor regularly. This can remove accumulated moisture that can corrode the motor and other components. A professional service team will also examine for air leaks within the hoses as well as an adequate seal between the compressor and pressure switch.
Finally, a puddle of water near the compressor could be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This is a risky problem that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the air compressor. Consult a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not too surprising that a technician will always examine the thermostat first if there is a problem. It’s also among the most often neglected maintenance items, but a properly maintained thermostat is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Common signs that your thermostat needs a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the thermostat’s sensors may get dirty. This could cause it to display incorrectly. You can prevent these issues by checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a the use of a separate thermometer.
A faulty sensor or calibration may lead to your system continuously switching on and off, which is referred to as short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort, and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be resolved with the simple act of replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting its breaker.
Check the breakers for your HVAC and thermostat If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat. If the breaker tripped, you will need to reset it in order for your thermostat to communicate again with the system.
Check your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Look for signs of dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat isn’t too exposed to sunlight. The fan blades should be checked for any indications of rust or damage. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it can.
Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent method to cut the cost of energy, maintain comfort and prolong the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. You can ensure that your building stays at all times comfortable by identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting your breaker and changing your batteries. Remember to call a professional if you are experiencing any other issues or unsure of what is the issue with your system.
