The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it comes to your cooling and heating system, regular maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies have a maintenance plan that allows you to pay a monthly fee to have your system checked, repaired or cleaned as needed.
It is also recommended to perform DIY maintenance throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the space around outdoor units free of debris to promote the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils that make up the condenser in your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system is likely to struggle to cool and could even fail. 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 life span of your air conditioner.
In the beginning, it is important to disconnect the power supply to your unit. This can be done by turning off the breaker in your electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your electrical components and motors from being oversaturated when cleaning.
Once the power is off it is now time to remove any large debris obstructing the air condenser unit. This includes cleaning up any sticks, leaves, or other debris that have accumulated around or on the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has crevice attachments is a great way to reach into the nooks and crevices and get rid of any dust, dirt or other debris that may have accumulated.
The coils must be cleaned. Before you begin however, make sure that you have on-hand some essential tools. These include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on in accordance with the directions on the product’s label and then rinse using the hose. It is crucial not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils because the fins may be bent.
It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, hail and rocks thrown from lawnmowers or other items could damage the coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and performance of the coil.
When the fins and coils are in good condition, you can return to your home and switch on your air conditioner. After approximately 24 hours, you can check the thermostat to ensure that temperatures are normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it, and then distributing it throughout your home. The air is moved from the evaporator coil inside the condenser unit to your home’s vents and registers through a system of ducts. The ducts could become blocked with dust and other contaminants if they are not cleaned and sealed correctly. This clogs the air filters, which in turn reduces the efficiency of your system and strains your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork is an extremely difficult job that requires professional equipment and methods. There are some things you can do regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and in good working order. To avoid dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts, change your filter on a regular basis. This will also help stop clogging, which could cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy bills.
Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is an additional way to keep your ducts cleaner. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all the cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time, and aid in improving air flow through the vent. It’s also important to make sure your ducts are sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they could accumulate a variety of contaminants like dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can trigger allergies and respiratory conditions particularly for 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 ductwork every three to five year to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC system is functioning efficiently. However, if your ducts are sealed and you change your filters regularly, duct cleaning may not be required at all. You can only be certain by having your ducts examined. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to measure the amount of dust particles within your ductwork, and will suggest appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential component of the system. It has to be able to supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating as it should, it can affect your productivity and result in equipment downtime. Preventive maintenance can help spot minor issues earlier, avoiding excessive downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by ensuring that your unit as good as possible.
A common indication of a problem with a compressor is a decrease in cooling capacity, however it could be caused by various factors. One possibility is that a compressor could be overworking because of poor airflow. This could cause the bearings to wear down and decrease the life of the compressor. Another common problem is a blocked filter. Filters that are blocked can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this, it is important to clean or change the filters frequently, according to the recommendations of the manufacturer.
In addition, a clogged filter may also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings need to be changed. It is recommended to replace pulleys and belts on a regular basis. A worn-out belt or pulley could cause the compressor to overheat, causing other issues. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor regularly. This can remove accumulated moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can also look for air leaks in the hoses and a tight seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
A pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor could 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, shut off the air compressor. Get a professional to assist you.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the head of your entire HVAC system, so it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing that a technician will look at when trouble arises. A properly maintained thermostat is vital to the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most overlooked maintenance items. Check your thermostat if observe inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which can cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. You can avoid this issue by ensuring the accuracy of your thermostat with a separate thermometer.
A faulty sensor, or a faulty calibration can cause your system to turn off and on continuously. This is referred to as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. Fortunately this can be corrected by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting its breakers.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way, it’s an excellent idea to look at the breakers that control both the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has been tripped, it will need to be reset in order for 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. Examine for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat is not overly exposed to the sun. Examine the fan blades for signs of damage and rust. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as possible.
Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent method to cut energy consumption, ensure comfort and prolong the longevity of your cooling and heating equipment. You can ensure that your building stays comfortable throughout the year by identifying any issues with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker, and then replacing your batteries. Make sure to contact an expert if you’re having any other problems or aren’t sure what’s the issue with your system.
