The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance is crucial when it is concerned with heating and cooling systems. It will allow you to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan that allows you to pay each month to have the system checked, repaired or cleaned as needed.

You should also carry out some DIY maintenance throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the areas around outdoor units clear of debris to promote proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils inside your air conditioner’s condenser are the mainstay of the cooling process. If they’re dirty the system will be unable to cool properly and could even fail. Cleaning them is an important aspect of HVAC maintenance. Fortunately, it is also relatively simple to complete. This simple DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the lifespan of your air conditioner.

It is essential to disconnect the power source from your unit first. This can be done by shutting off the breaker inside your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will stop your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated while cleaning.

After the power has been turned off, you can start taking down any large debris that could be blocking the condenser air. This includes sweeping away any leaves, sticks or other debris that have been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice attachments is a great method to get into the nooks and crevices and remove dust, dirt or other debris that may have accumulated.

The coils need to be cleaned. Before you do this, though, make sure that you have in your possession some essential tools. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate, a pump up garden sprayer and the 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 essential not to use excessive force since the fins are easily bent.

After the coils have been cleaned, examine them for indications of damage. Over time, hail or rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other items can damage the coil fins. If the fins are bent, a low-cost tool known as a fin-comb can straighten them for better air flow and to assist in ensuring that the coils operate more efficiently.

When the fins and coils are in good condition, you can return to your house and start your air conditioning. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to ensure the temperatures are in good shape.

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 unit to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by a system duct. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other contaminants if they are not cleaned and sealed correctly. This can block the air filters and reduces system efficiency and strains your AC unit.

Cleaning ductwork can be a difficult task that requires professional equipment and methods. But, there are things you can do on a regular basis to ensure your ducts are in good condition and function properly. To prevent dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, you should change your filter on a regular basis. This will also help to prevent the clogging that can lead to reduced system efficiency and higher energy costs.

Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is another method to keep your ducts in good shape. Utilizing the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner can remove all cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time, and assist in improving airflow through the vent. It is also important to make sure your ducts are sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.

If ducts are not regularly cleaned, they may accumulate a variety of contaminants like dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can trigger respiratory issues and allergies particularly in children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to develop in the ductwork, releasing the spores that can be harmful to people suffering from respiratory issues.

It is recommended to clean your ducts once every three to five years to get rid of these toxins and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. If your ducts are well-sealed, and you replace your filter on a regular basis it might not be necessary to clean them. You can be certain by having your ducts examined. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to measure the amount of particles in your ductwork, and will recommend the appropriate cleaning schedules based on your particular situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It should be able supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working properly, it can affect your productivity and cause delays for your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can aid in identifying minor issues early and help avoid prolonged downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by making sure that your equipment in the best condition possible.

A common indication of a problem with a compressor is a decrease in cooling capacity, but this could be due to many different causes. A compressor may be operating too hard due to poor airflow. This could wear out the bearings and diminish the life of the compressor. A clogged air filter is a different problem. If the filter has become clogged it can impede airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. To avoid this, it is important to clean or replace the filters frequently, according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

In addition, a clogged filter can create a rattling sound inside the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings need to be changed. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A worn-out belt or pulley can slip, causing the compressor to overheat, causing other issues. It is recommended to drain the compressor regularly. This will remove the accumulated moisture that can corrode the motor and other components. A professional service team can also look for air leaks in the hoses and an adequate seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.

Lastly, a small puddle of water around the compressor could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This can be a dangerous problem and needs to be fixed right away. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the air compressor and contact an expert.

Check the Thermostat

It’s not surprising that a technician will always look at the thermostat first when there is a problem. It’s also among the most frequently neglected maintenance items, but a properly maintained thermostat is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Common indicators that your thermostat requires an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time, the sensors on your thermostat may become dirty. This can cause it to display in a wrong manner. Regularly checking your thermostat’s accuracy by using a separate thermometer can help you avoid these problems and help you save energy.

A faulty sensor or calibration may cause your system to keep turning on and off that is known as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. Fortunately this can be resolved with simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.

Check the breakers for both your thermostat and HVAC equipment in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it will need to be reset in order for the thermostat to be able to communicate with the system again.

Check your thermostat for indications of wear and damage. Check for evidence of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t too exposed to sunlight. Check the fan blades for evidence of damage or rust. These simple checks can help avoid costly repairs in the near future, and will ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it is possible.

Basic maintenance of hvac is a great strategy to cut down on energy costs and keep your comfort in a commercial property. It will also extend the life of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building cool all year. Make sure to contact an expert if you’re having other issues or are unsure of what’s wrong with your system.