The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it comes to your cooling and heating system, routine maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan where you pay a low monthly rate to get the system checked, fixed or cleaned when required.

It’s also recommended to do some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the areas around outdoor units clear of clutter to allow for the proper flow of air.

Clean the Condenser

The coils inside your air conditioner’s condenser are the mainstay of the cooling process. If they are dirty, your system will struggle to cool and could even fail. This is why cleaning them is a crucial aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s also quite simple to do. This easy DIY task will help you save money, avoid expensive repairs and extend the life span of your air cooling.

It is essential to disconnect the power source from your unit first. This can be accomplished by turning off the breaker in your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will safeguard your motors and electrical components from being over-saturated during cleaning.

After the power is off, you can start clearing any large debris that could be blocking the condenser’s air. This means 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 tool to get into the nooks and crannies and remove dust or dirt that has built up.

The next step is to clean the coils. Make sure you have the necessary tools available before you begin. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate, a pump up garden sprayer as well as the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label, and then rinse it off with a garden hose. When washing the coils it is essential not to use too much force as the fins are easily bent.

You should examine the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time, the impact of hail and stones that are thrown by lawnmowers and other items can damage coil fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool called a fin comb can straighten them for better air flow and also to assist in ensuring that the coils operate more effectively.

When you have a great coil and fin setup then you can turn on your air conditioner. After approximately 24 hours, you should check the thermostat to ensure that the temperature is normal.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is designed to bring air from outside into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout your house. Air is transported from the evaporator of the condenser to your home’s registers and vents through the system duct. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other contaminants when they aren’t cleaned and sealed properly. This can clog the air filters which can reduce the effectiveness of your system as well as burdens your AC unit.

In the majority of cases, cleaning the ductwork isn’t an easy task that requires the help of professional equipment and methods. But, there are actions you can take regularly to ensure that your ducts remain clean and functioning well. To avoid dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, you should change your filter frequently. This will also help to prevent clogging, which can cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy bills.

Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is an additional method to keep your ducts cleaner. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all of the dust and crumbs that build up over time, and aid in improving air flow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed tight and lined to stop moisture from entering, which can result in mold and other biological contaminants.

If ducts aren’t cleaned regularly, they can build up a myriad of contaminants like dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory problems particularly in children and the elderly. The moisture in ductwork can result in the growth of mold which releases spores in the air and poses health concerns for those who suffer from respiratory problems.

It’s generally recommended that you have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to remove the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is working effectively. If your ducts are sealed properly, and you change your filter regularly it might not be necessary to clean them. You can only be sure that your ducts are in good condition by having them checked. A contractor accredited by the EPA can use special testing methods in order to determine the amount of particles found in your ductwork. They will then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your particular situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an important component of the system. It must function correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning properly, it can impact your productivity and result in delays for your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can help catch minor issues early and prevent unnecessary downtime. Performing these routine checks can also save you money by keeping your unit in good shape for as long as possible.

A typical sign of a compressor problem is a decrease in cooling capacity, although it could be caused by a number of different factors. A compressor may be working too hard due insufficient airflow. This can cause wear on the bearings and decrease the life of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a blocked filter. Filters that are clogged can reduce airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is essential to clean or change the filters according to manufacturer’s instructions.

In addition, a clogged filter could also cause rattling noises in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings need to be changed. It is also a good idea to replace belts and pulleys regularly. A loose belt or pulley can slip, causing the compressor to overheat and create other problems. It is 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 also check for air leaks in the hoses and a tight seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.

Lastly, a small puddle of water around the compressor could be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This can be a dangerous issue and should be repaired right away. If you suspect a leak, turn off the air compressor. Get a professional to assist you.

Check the Thermostat

It’s not a surprise that technicians will always check the thermostat first when there is a problem. A properly maintained thermostat is crucial to the efficient operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most frequently neglected maintenance items. Check your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time, the sensors on your thermostat will get dirty. This could cause it to display incorrectly. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly with a separate thermometer will aid in avoiding these issues and save energy.

A malfunctioning sensor, or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to turn off and on constantly. This is referred to as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort as well as cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. Fortunately the majority of these issues can be resolved with the simple act of replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting its breaker.

Make sure you check the breakers on both your HVAC and thermostat in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll require resetting in order for the thermostat to communicate with the system again.

Check your thermostat for indications of wear and tear. Find signs of dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat isn’t too exposed to sunlight. Finally, the fan blades must be inspected for indications of rust or damage. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it can.

Basic maintenance of hvac is a great method to save energy and ensure comfort in your commercial space. It can also prolong the life of cooling and heating equipment. You can ensure that your building stays at all times comfortable by identifying problems with your thermostat, resetting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Make sure that should you encounter any other issues or aren’t sure the issue, always call in a professional.