The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is key when it is concerned with cooling and heating systems. It will help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that you pay a low monthly rate to have the system checked, repaired or cleaned when necessary.
It’s also an excellent idea to carry out a few DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area surrounding the outdoor units free of clutter will help ensure the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your condenser for your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty the system will struggle to cool properly and could even fail. This is why cleaning them is a crucial aspect of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, relatively simple to complete. This simple DIY task will save you money, prevent costly repairs and prolong the life of your air conditioner.
It is essential to disconnect power from your unit first. You can do this by turning off the breaker at the electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your electrical components and motors from being over-saturated during cleaning.
After the power has been turned off, you can start clearing any large objects that could be blocking the condenser’s air. This includes sweeping up any sticks, leaves or other debris that have built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum with crevice tools is an excellent way to reach into the crevices, nooks, and loosen dust or dirt that has accumulated.
The next step is to clean the coils. Be sure to have the necessary tools available before you start. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate and a pump-up garden sprayer, and an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the instructions on the label, and then rinse with a hose. When washing the coils, it is important not to apply too much force since the fins can bend easily.
After the coils have been cleaned, look them over for any signs of damage. Over time, hail or rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other items can damage the coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and coil performance.
Once you have a good coil and fin set up, you can switch on your air conditioner. After about 24 hours, you can check the thermostat to ensure that the temperatures are in line with normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring outside air into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout your home. The air is transported from the evaporator inside your condenser to your home’s registers and vents through the system ducts. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they could become loaded with dust and other pollutants. This causes air filters to become blocked, which in turn reduces the efficiency of the system and strains your AC unit.
In most instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy task and requires the help of professional equipment and methods. However, there are a few things you can do regularly to ensure your ducts are in good condition and function properly. To prevent dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, change your filter frequently. This also helps to prevent the clogging that can result in a lower efficiency of the system and high energy bills.
Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is another method to keep your ducts cleaner. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner can remove all the cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time, and will aid in improving airflow through the vent. It is also essential to ensure that your ducts are tightly sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that are not regularly cleaned can be filled with a wide variety of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause allergies and respiratory problems especially in the elderly and children. Moisture in ductwork can also lead to the growth of mold which releases spores into the air and poses health risks for those with respiratory issues.
It’s generally recommended that you have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is operating effectively. However If your ducts are sealed and you clean your filters frequently it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be necessary at all. The best way to be able to tell the truth is to have your ducts examined. A licensed contractor can employ specific testing methods to determine the amount of dust particles within your ductwork, and will suggest suitable cleaning schedules based upon your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential component of the system. It has to function properly to deliver cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating in the way it should, this can impact your productivity and cause downtime for equipment. Preventive maintenance can help identify minor issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by keeping your equipment in the best condition possible.
A decrease in cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem in the compressor. This could be caused by several different reasons. One possibility is that the compressor may be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can cause wear on the bearings and diminish the lifespan of the compressor. Another common issue is a blocked filter. If the filter is blocked, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. It is important to change or clean the filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
In addition, a clogged filter could also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are wearing out and must be replaced. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is recommended. A loose pulley or belt can slip and lead to compressor overheating and other issues. It is recommended to drain the compressor regularly. This will remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will also examine for leaks in hoses, and an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.
A small puddle of water around the compressor could be an indication of a leak in the refrigerant. This is a risky issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, turn off the air compressor and call a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the head of your entire HVAC system, and it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will check when trouble occurs. A properly maintained thermostat is vital to the efficient operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most frequently neglected maintenance items. Common indicators that your thermostat requires an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the thermostat’s sensors will become dirty. This can cause it to display inaccurately. Regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with a separate thermometer will aid in avoiding these issues and save energy.
A faulty sensor, or a faulty calibration can cause your system to cycle on and off in a continuous manner. This is called short cycling. This can negatively impact your comfort and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately the majority of these issues can be resolved with simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat 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 will require resetting to allow the thermostat to communicate with the system.
Check your thermostat for indications of wear and tear. Look for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t too much exposed to sunlight. Lastly, the fan blades must be inspected for signs of rust or damage. These simple checks can help avoid expensive repairs in the future, and help ensure that your equipment is operating as smoothly as it can.
Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial building is a great way to reduce energy costs, maintain comfort and extend the life of your cooling and heating equipment. You can ensure that your building stays comfortable throughout the year by identifying issues with your thermostat, resetting your breaker, and then replacing your batteries. Make sure to contact a professional if you are experiencing any other issues or are unsure of what’s wrong with your system.
