The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance is key when it comes to cooling and heating systems. It will allow you to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan that charges a monthly fee to have the system inspected and cleaned, or repaired as needed.

It’s also a good idea to perform a few DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around the outdoor units free of any debris will ensure the proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils that make up your air conditioner’s condenser are the heart of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool and could even fail. Cleaning them is a vital aspect of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to do. This easy DIY task can prevent the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills and prolong the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.

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

After the power has been shut off, you can begin to clean up any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This includes taking away any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has been accumulating on or around 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 been accumulating.

The coils need to be cleaned. Before you begin, though, make sure you have several essential tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates, a pump up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance to the instructions on the label, then rinse with a water hose. When washing the coils it is important not to apply excessive force since the fins can bend easily.

It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time hail and rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other items can damage the coil fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins to ensure improved airflow and coil performance.

When the fins and coils are in good condition Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the fins and coils, you can return to your house and switch on your air conditioner. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to make sure temperatures are within the normal range.

Cleaning the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring air in from outside, cooling it and distributing it throughout the home. The air is transported from the evaporator of your condenser to your home’s registers and vents via the system of ducts. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they could be laden with dust and other contaminants. This causes air filters to become blocked which reduces the efficiency of your system and strains your AC unit.

In most instances, cleaning ductwork isn’t an easy task and requires expert equipment and techniques. However, there are a few things you can do on a regular basis to make sure your ducts remain clean and functioning well. To stop dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, it is recommended to change your filter regularly. This also helps to keep the clogs from occurring which can lead to reduced system efficiency and a high energy bill.

Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is a different way to keep your ducts in good shape. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can eliminate all of the cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time, and assist in improving air flow through the vent. It’s also important to ensure that your ducts are tightly sealed and insulated 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 variety of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause respiratory and allergy conditions especially in the elderly and children. In addition, moisture in ductwork may result in the growth of mold which releases spores into the air and poses health risks for those who suffer from respiratory ailments.

It is generally recommended that you have your ducts cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is working efficiently. However If your ducts are well-sealed and you clean your filters frequently it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be required at all. You can be certain by having your ducts examined. A contractor accredited by the EPA can use specific testing methods to determine the amount of particulates that are present in your ductwork. They will then suggest cleaning schedules that are suitable for your specific situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an important element of the system. It should be able deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working properly and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and cause downtime for your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can help catch minor issues early and help avoid prolonged downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by making sure that your unit as good as possible.

A decrease in cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem in the compressor. This can be caused by a variety of reasons. A compressor may be working too hard due to poor airflow. This could cause bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. Another common problem is a clogged filter. If the filter is blocked, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. It is important to change or clean the filters according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

A clogged filter may also cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings need to be changed. Regularly replacing pulleys and belts is an excellent idea. A loose belt or pulley can cause the compressor to overheat and cause other problems. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will eliminate moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team can also look for air leaks in the hoses as well as a tight seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.

A puddle of liquid in the vicinity of the compressor could be an indication of leak. This could be a risky issue and should be repaired immediately. If you suspect a leak, turn off the air compressor. Contact a professional.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat is kind of like the boss of your HVAC system, so it’s not a surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will inspect when a problem occurs. A well-maintained thermostat is vital to the smooth operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items. Check your thermostat if observe inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which can cause the device to display incorrectly. You can avoid these problems by ensuring the accuracy of your thermostat using a a separate thermometer.

A faulty sensor, or a faulty calibration can cause your system to cycle on and off continuously. This is known as short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort, and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. This issue can be solved by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.

Check the breakers for your thermostat and HVAC equipment in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has been tripped, it will require resetting to allow the thermostat to communicate with the system again.

Check your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Look for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat isn’t excessively exposed to the sun. Finally, the fan blades need to be examined for indications of rust or damage. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as possible.

Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial property is an excellent way to cut down on energy costs, maintain comfort and prolong the longevity of your heating and cooling equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building cool all year. Remember to call an expert if you’re having other issues or are unsure of what’s the issue with your system.