The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your heating and cooling system, maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. The majority of HVAC companies have a maintenance plan that allows you to pay an annual fee to have the system checked, repaired or cleaned as required.
It’s also recommended to do a few DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the areas around outdoor units clear of clutter to allow for the proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your condenser for your air conditioner are at the heart the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool, and it could even fail. This is why cleaning them is an essential aspect of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, quite simple to do. This simple DIY task will save you money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the life of your air cooling.
It is vital to cut off power from your unit before you disconnect it. This can be done by shutting off the breaker on your electrical box or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will stop your motors and other electrical components from being oversaturated when cleaning.
When the power is turned off and you are able to remove any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This means sweeping up any leaves, sticks, or other debris that have been accumulating around or on the unit. A shop vacuum that has crevice tools is a great way to reach into the nooks, crannies and remove dust or dirt that has built up.
The next step is to clean the coils. Before you begin however, ensure you have several essential tools. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate and a pump-up garden sprayer, and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the product label and rinse with the hose. When washing the coils, it is important to not use excessive force since the fins can be bent easily.
After the coils have been cleaned, examine them for indications of damage. Over time, the impact of hail and stones thrown from lawnmowers or other items could damage the coil fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and performance of the coil.
Once you have a good coil and fin set up and you are ready to turn on your air conditioner. After about 24 hours, you can check the thermostat and ensure that the temperatures are in line with normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it and then distributing it throughout your home. The air travels from the evaporator coil of the condenser unit to the vents and registers of your home through a system of ducts. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they can be laden with dust and other pollutants. This can clog the air filters which reduces the effectiveness of your system as well as strains your AC unit.
In the majority of cases, cleaning the ductwork is not an easy job and requires the help of professional equipment and techniques. However, there are some actions you can take regularly to make sure your ducts stay clean and well-functioning. First, you should change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens out of building in the ducts. This will also help to prevent the clogging that can result in a lower efficiency of the system and a high energy bill.
Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is another method to keep your ducts in good shape. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will remove all the cobwebs, crumbs and other debris 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 are 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 myriad of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory conditions, especially in children and the elderly. The moisture in ductwork can cause the growth of mold, which releases spores into air and poses health concerns for those with respiratory problems.
It is recommended to clean your ducts once every three to five years to get rid of these toxins and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. 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. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to gauge the amount of particles within your ductwork, and will suggest suitable cleaning schedules based upon the specific circumstances.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It has to be able to supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating in the way it should, this can impact your productivity and cause downtime for equipment. Preventive maintenance can help spot minor issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. Performing these routine checks can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment is in good shape for as long as possible.
A reduction in cooling capacity is a typical indication of a problem with the compressor. This can be caused by a variety of reasons. One possibility is that a compressor could be overworking because of poor airflow. This can cause wear on the bearings and decrease the lifespan of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a blocked filter. Filters that are blocked can reduce airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is important to clean or change the filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A blocked filter may create a rattling sound inside the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings are worn out and must be replaced. It is recommended to replace pulleys and belts regularly. A loose belt or pulley could cause the compressor to overheat, causing other issues. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor frequently. This will help remove moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will examine for leaks in pipes, and ensure a tight seal on the pressure sensor and compressor.
A small puddle of water around the compressor can be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This can be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. 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 acts like the head of your entire HVAC system, so it’s not a surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will check when trouble arises. It’s also one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items, but maintaining your thermostat properly is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Check your thermostat if observe inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which may cause the device to display incorrectly. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly with a separate thermometer will help you avoid these problems and conserve energy.
A defective sensor or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to turn off and on constantly. This is known as short cycling. This can negatively impact your comfort and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be resolved with simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.
Check the breakers for your HVAC equipment and thermostat If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it will have to be reset to allow the thermostat to be able to communicate with the system again.
It’s also important to check your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Check for evidence of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to sunlight. The fan blades must be inspected for signs of rust or damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as it possibly can.
Basic HVAC maintenance is a great way to save energy and maintain comfort in your commercial building. It also increases the life of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker and replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building warm all year. Make sure that if you have any other issues, or aren’t sure the issue you should always consult an expert.
