The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it comes to your cooling and heating system, routine maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies have a service plan where you pay a monthly fee to have the system checked and cleaned or repaired when required.
You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around outdoor units free of any debris to ensure proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils inside the condenser of your air conditioner are the heart of the cooling process. If they’re dirty the system will struggle to cool properly and may even fail to function properly. Cleaning them is an essential part of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to do. This easy DIY task will save you money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the lifespan of your air conditioner.
It is the first step. It is crucial to shut off the power to your unit. You can do this by turning off the breaker on your electrical box or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will safeguard your electrical components and motors from being flooded when cleaning.
After the power has been turned off, you can start taking down any large objects that could be blocking the condenser’s air. This includes taking away any leaves, sticks or other debris that has been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum that has a crevice tool is an excellent way to reach into the nooks and crannies and remove dirt or dust that has been accumulating.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Make sure you have a few essential tools in your arsenal prior to beginning. These will include a coil cleaner concentrate and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance to the directions on the label, then rinse it off using a hose. It is essential not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils because the fins may be bent.
You should inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, the impact of hail and stones thrown from lawnmowers or other objects can cause damage to coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and performance of the coil.
If the fins and coils are in good condition, you can return to your home and start your air conditioning. After approximately 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat to ensure that the temperature is normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works by bringing air in from outside, cooling it and distributing it throughout the home. The air is moved from the evaporator coil inside your condenser unit to your home’s vents and registers through a network of ducts. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they can become loaded with dirt and other contaminates. This can block the air filters which reduces the effectiveness of your system and can strain your AC unit.
Cleaning ductwork can be a challenging task that requires specialized equipment and techniques. There are some things you can do regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and functioning properly. First, you should change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens from accumulating up in the ducts. This can also help prevent clogging, which can lead to a reduced system efficiency and a higher cost for energy.
Another way to help keep your ducts tidy is to regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will take away all the crumbs, cobwebs and other messes that have been accumulating over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts have been sealed well and are protected from moisture entering, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts aren’t regularly cleaned, they may build up a myriad of contaminants like dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues particularly in children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to develop in the ductwork, releasing microbes that can harm those with respiratory problems.
It is recommended that you clean your ducts once every three to five year to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. If your ducts are sealed well and you replace your filter on a regular basis, it may not be necessary to clean them. The best way to determine for certain is to have your ducts examined. An accredited contractor can use specific testing methods to determine the amount of dust particles in your ductwork and can recommend suitable cleaning schedules based upon your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential element of the system. It must function correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working properly, it could affect your productivity and result in delays for your equipment. Preventive maintenance can help identify minor issues earlier, avoiding excessive downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by keeping your unit as good as possible.
A typical sign of a compressor issue is a loss in cooling capacity, but this could be caused by various factors. A compressor could be working too hard due to inadequate airflow. This can cause the bearings to wear out and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. A clogged air filter is a different issue. If the filter has become clogged it can impede airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. It is important to clean or replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
A clogged filter may also cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are worn out and must be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace belts and pulleys on a regular basis. A pulley or belt that is loose can slip, causing the compressor to overheat, causing other problems. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor on a regular basis. This will help remove moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can examine for air leaks within the hoses and an adequate seal between the compressor and pressure switch.
Lastly, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor can be an indication 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 and call a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the boss of your entire HVAC system, and it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will inspect when a problem arises. It’s also among the most frequently neglected maintenance items, yet a properly maintained thermostat is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s operation. The most common signs that your thermostat requires a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which can cause the device to display inaccurately. You can avoid these problems by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with an additional thermometer.
A faulty sensor, or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to turn off and on in a continuous manner. This is known as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort as well as cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be fixed with the simple act of replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breaker.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way It’s an excellent idea to look at the breakers that control the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped it, you’ll need to reset it in order for your thermostat to communicate again with the system.
It’s also important to check your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Examine for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat is not too much exposed to sunlight. The fan blades must be inspected for signs of damage or rust. These simple checks will help prevent costly repairs in the near future, and ensure your equipment is running as smoothly as it can.
Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent method to cut energy consumption, ensure comfort and prolong the longevity of your heating and cooling equipment. You can ensure that your building stays cool throughout the year by identifying problems with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker and changing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional should you encounter any other issues or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system you should always consult an expert.
