The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it comes to your cooling and heating system, routine maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan that charges an annual fee to have your system checked and cleaned or repaired when needed.
You should also carry out some DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around outdoor units clear of any debris will ensure 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 the system will be unable to cool properly and could even fail. This is why cleaning them is an essential 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 extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.
First and foremost, it is important to disconnect the power to your unit. This can be done by shutting off the breaker in your electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will keep your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated while cleaning.
After the power has been turned off, you can begin removing any large objects that could be blocking the condenser air. This means sweeping off any sticks, leaves, or other debris that have accumulated around or on the unit. Using a shop vacuum with a crevice attachment is a great way to reach into the nooks and crevices and get rid of any dirt, dust or other debris that has collected.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before you begin, though, make sure you have some essential tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates and a pump-up garden sprayer, and the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the instructions on the label of the product and rinse with the hose. It is important not to use too much pressure when washing the coils, because the fins may be bent.
You should examine the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time hail, stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other objects can cause damage to the coil fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins for better airflow and performance of the coil.
After you have a proper coil and fin set up and you are ready to start your air conditioner. After around 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat and ensure that the temperatures are in line with normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works to bring outside air into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout the house. The air is moved from the evaporator coil in the condenser unit to your house’s vents and registers through a network of ducts. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t maintained and sealed correctly. This causes air filters to become blocked, which in turn reduces the efficiency of the system and puts strain on your AC unit.
Cleaning ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires expert equipment and methods. There are a few actions you can take regularly to keep your ducts clean and functioning properly. First, change your filter regularly to prevent dust and allergens out of building in the ducts. This will also help keep clogs from occurring, which could result in a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy bills.
Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is an additional way to keep your ducts clean. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will remove all the crumbs, cobwebs and other messes that have been accumulating over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. It’s also important to make sure your ducts are sealed and insulated to keep out moisture, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts aren’t cleaned regularly, they could build up a myriad of contaminants like dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause allergies and respiratory problems especially in the elderly and children. Moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, releasing the spores that can be harmful to those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It is recommended to clean your ducts once every three to five years to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are sealed properly and you change your filters regularly the cleaning of your ducts may not be necessary at all. You can be certain by having your ducts checked. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA can use special testing techniques to determine the amount of particulates that are present in your ductwork. They can then recommend cleaning schedules that are suitable for your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential component of the system. It must function properly to deliver cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working properly, it can impact the efficiency of your business and lead to delays for your equipment. Preventive maintenance can help identify minor issues earlier, avoiding unnecessary downtime. Regularly checking your unit can also help you save money by keeping your unit in good condition for as long as possible.
A loss of cooling capacity is a common indication of a problem with a compressor. This could be caused by a variety of factors. A compressor may be operating too hard due to inadequate airflow. This could wear out the bearings and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another frequent issue. If the filter is clogged it can impede airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. To prevent this from happening, it is crucial to clean or change the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A blocked filter can cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings require to be changed. Regularly replacing pulleys and belts is an excellent idea. A loose belt or pulley can cause the compressor to overheat and cause other problems. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will remove the accumulated moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can check for air leaks in the hoses as well as an adequate seal between the compressor and pressure switch.
Finally, a small puddle of water around the compressor can be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This could be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, switch off the air compressor and call a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not surprising that a technician will check the thermostat first when there is any issue. It’s also one of the most often neglected maintenance items, but an appropriately maintained thermostat is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s proper operation. Check your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the thermostat’s sensors may get dirty. This can cause it to display incorrectly. You can avoid these problems 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 off and on this is known as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort as well as cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately this can be fixed with the simple act of replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat at all it’s an excellent idea to look at the breakers that control both the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker tripped it, you’ll need to reset it to allow your thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.
Check your thermostat for indications of wear and tear. Examine for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to the sun. Examine the fan blades for signs of rust and damage. This simple check will help avoid 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 the cost of energy, maintain comfort and extend the lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment. It is possible to keep your building comfortable throughout the year by identifying issues with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Just remember that should you encounter any other issues or are unsure of the issue, always call in an expert.
