The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it concerns your cooling and heating system, maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan that you pay the monthly cost to have your system checked, fixed or cleaned if necessary.
You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area surrounding outdoor units clear of debris will 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 your system will struggle to cool properly and may even break down. Cleaning them is an important component of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to accomplish. This simple DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the lifespan of your air cooling.
First and foremost, it is crucial to shut off the power to your unit. This can be accomplished by turning off the breaker inside your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your electrical components and motors from being oversaturated during cleaning.
After the power has been shut off it is now time to remove any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This means cleaning up any sticks, leaves or other debris that have accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice attachment is a great way to get into the nooks and crannies and loosen any dust, dirt or other debris that has accumulated.
The coils must be cleaned. Be sure to have the necessary tools in your arsenal prior to beginning. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the label of the product and rinse with the hose. It is crucial not to apply too much pressure when washing the coils, since the fins could easily be bent.
It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time hail or rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other things can harm the coil’s fins. If the fins are bent, a low-cost tool known as a fin comb can straighten them to improve air flow and to aid in the operation of the coils more effectively.
After you have a proper coil and fin setup and you are ready to turn on your air conditioner. After about 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat to ensure that temperatures are normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is designed to bring air from outside into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout your home. The air is moved from the evaporator coil inside the condenser unit to your house’s vents and registers through a network of ducts. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they can be laden with dirt and other contaminates. This can block the air filters and reduces the efficiency of the system and puts strain on your AC unit.
Cleaning ductwork can be a challenging task that requires professional equipment and techniques. However, there are some actions you can take on a regular basis to ensure that your ducts remain in good condition and function properly. To stop dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts, you should change your filter frequently. This will also help stop clogging, which could result in a decrease in system efficiency and a higher cost for energy.
Another method to keep your ducts clean is by regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will remove all the cobwebs, crumbs and other debris that has accumulated over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts have been sealed well and are protected from moisture entering, which can result in mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that have not been cleaned on a regular basis are likely to be contaminated with a myriad of pollutants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can worsen allergies and respiratory problems particularly in children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to develop in the ductwork, releasing microbes that can harm those with respiratory problems.
It is recommended to clean your ducts once every three to five years to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. If your ducts have been well-sealed, and you change your filter regularly it might not be necessary to clean them. The best way to be able to tell for certain is to have your ducts tested. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to measure the amount of dust particles within your ductwork, and can recommend appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial component of the system. It must function properly to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating as it should it could affect your productivity and lead to equipment downtime. Regular maintenance can help you identify small issues early, preventing excessive downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by keeping your equipment as efficient as possible.
A reduction in cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem with the compressor. This could be caused by several different causes. A compressor may be operating too hard due insufficient airflow. This could wear out the bearings and reduce the life of the compressor. A clogged air filter is a different problem. If the filter has become clogged, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. It is essential to change or clean the filters according to manufacturer’s guidelines.
A blocked filter could cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings need to be changed. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is recommended. A pulley or belt that is loose can cause the compressor to overheat, causing other problems. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor regularly. This can remove accumulated moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can look for air leaks in the hoses, and ensure a tight seal between the compressor and pressure switch.
Finally, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor could be an indication of a leak in the refrigerant. This can be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, shut off the air compressor and call a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not too surprising that a technician will always examine the thermostat first if there’s any issue. It’s also among the most frequently neglected maintenance items, yet an appropriately maintained thermostat is crucial for ensuring 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 will become dirty. This can cause it to display incorrectly. You can prevent these issues by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat using a an additional thermometer.
A faulty sensor or calibration could lead to your system continuously switching on and off, which is referred to as short cycling. This can affect your comfort, and cause unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. These issues can be resolved by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way, it’s an excellent idea to look at the breakers that regulate the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has been tripped, it will have to be reset to allow the thermostat to communicate with the system.
Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Check for evidence of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t too exposed to sunlight. The fan blades must be inspected for signs of damage or rust. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as it can.
Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial building is a great way to reduce energy consumption, ensure comfort and extend the longevity of your heating and cooling equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker and replacing the batteries and fuses, you’ll be able keep your building warm all year round. Remember to call a professional if you are having any other problems or aren’t sure what’s the issue with your system.
