The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it concerns your heating and cooling system, maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan that you pay a low monthly rate to have your system checked out, fixed or cleaned as needed.

It’s also an excellent idea to carry out some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units free of any debris to ensure the proper flow of air.

Clean the Condenser

The coils inside the condenser of 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 a crucial component 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 prolong the longevity of your AC unit.

It is vital to cut off the power source from your unit first. This can be done by shutting off the breaker inside your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your electrical components and motors from being flooded when cleaning.

Once the power has been turned off, you can begin taking down any large debris that could be hindering the air condenser. This means sweeping away any sticks, leaves or other debris that has built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice tools is a great tool to reach into the crevices, nooks and remove dust or dirt that has been accumulating.

The next step is to clean the coils. Before doing this however, make sure that you have on-hand a few key tools. These include a coil cleaner concentrate, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the instructions on the label, and then rinse it off with a water hose. It is essential not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils as the fins can easily be bent.

After the coils have been cleaned, examine them for indications of damage. Over time, hail or stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other objects can cause damage to the coil’s fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and coil performance.

Once the coils and fins are in good condition Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the fins and coils, you can return to your home and switch on your air conditioning. After approximately 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat and make sure that the temperatures are in line with normal.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system works to bring air from outside into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout your home. Air is moved from the evaporator in your condenser to your home’s registers and vents via a system ducts. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they can become clogged with dirt and other contaminates. This can block the air filters and reduces the efficiency of the system and puts strain on your AC unit.

Cleaning the ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires professional equipment and methods. But, there are actions you can take regularly to make sure your ducts are clean and well-functioning. First, change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens from accumulating up in the ducts. This can also help prevent the clogging that can cause a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy costs.

Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is another way to keep your ducts in good shape. Utilizing the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner can remove all the dust and crumbs that build up over time, and help to improve air flow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are properly sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that aren’t cleaned on a regular basis can become loaded with a myriad of contaminants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of allergies and respiratory conditions, especially for children and the elderly. Moisture in ductwork can also cause the growth of mold, which releases spores in the air and poses health concerns for those suffering from respiratory ailments.

It is recommended to clean your ducts every three to five year to get rid of these toxins and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. If your ducts are sealed well and you regularly change your filter it might not be necessary to clean them. The best way to be able to tell for certain is to have your ducts tested. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA will use special testing techniques to measure the amount particulates found in your ductwork. They will then suggest cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your particular situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a crucial component of the system. It should be able provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working in the way it should, this can impact your productivity and result in downtime for equipment. However, preventive maintenance can assist in identifying issues that are minor and avoid excessive downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by making sure that your equipment as efficient as possible.

A common indication of a problem with a compressor is a reduction in cooling capacity, although this could be due to many different causes. A compressor may be operating too hard due insufficient airflow. This can cause wear on the bearings and diminish the lifespan of the compressor. Another common issue is a clogged filter. Filters that are clogged can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To avoid this, it is crucial to clean or change the filters frequently, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

In addition, a clogged filter could also cause rattling noises in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings require to be changed. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is recommended. A loose pulley or belt could cause slipping and result in compressor overheating and other problems. It is also a good idea to drain your compressor frequently. This can remove accumulated moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also check for leaks in the pipes, and ensure an adequate seal around the compressor and pressure sensor.

A puddle of water near the compressor can be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This can be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed right away. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the compressor that is running and then contact a professional.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat is kind of like the head of your entire HVAC system, so it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing a technician will inspect when a problem occurs. It’s also among the most often neglected maintenance items, but maintaining your thermostat properly is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s operation. The most common signs that your thermostat is in need of a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which could cause the thermostat to display inaccurately. You can prevent these issues by checking the accuracy of your thermostat using a the use of a separate thermometer.

A defective sensor or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to cycle on and off in a continuous manner. This is called short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately this can be corrected by the simple act of replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting the breaker.

Make sure you check the breakers on both your HVAC and thermostat if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll need to be reset to allow the thermostat to communicate with the system.

It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Find indications of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Check the fan blades for signs of rust and damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as it possibly can.

Basic maintenance of hvac is a great way to save energy and keep your comfort in a commercial building. It will also extend the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, setting the breaker and replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building warm all year round. Just remember that should you encounter any other issues, or are unsure about what’s wrong with your system you should always consult a professional.