The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is crucial when it is concerned with heating and cooling systems. It will help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan where you pay the monthly cost to have your system checked out, fixed or cleaned if required.
It’s also recommended to do a few DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around outdoor units clear of any debris will ensure proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils inside your air conditioner’s condenser are the heart of the cooling process. If they are dirty, you system will struggle to cool, and it could even breakdown. This is why cleaning them is an essential part of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to accomplish. This simple DIY task can avoid the need for expensive repairs, save you money on your energy bills, and extend the life of your air conditioning unit.
First and foremost, it is essential to cut off the power to your unit. This can be done by turning off the breaker inside your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your motors and electrical components from being over-saturated when cleaning.
After the power has been turned off, you can begin removing any large debris that could be blocking the condenser’s air. This includes taking away any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has accumulated on or around the unit. Using a shop vacuum with a crevice attachment is a great way to reach into the nooks and crannies and remove any dust, dirt or other debris that has accumulated.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before you begin, though, make sure you have a few key tools. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate as well as a pump-up garden sprayer, and the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the instructions on the label, and then rinse it off with a hose. When washing the coils, it is essential not to use too much force since the fins can be bent easily.
It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time, hail or stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other objects can cause damage to the coil’s fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins for better airflow and performance of the coil.
Once you have a good coil and fin set up then you can switch on your air conditioner. After approximately 24 hours, you should check the thermostat and make sure that the temperatures are in line with normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is designed to bring outside air into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout your home. Air is moved from the evaporator of the condenser to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by a system of ducts. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they could become clogged with dust and other contaminants. This can block the air filters which reduces the efficiency of your system and strains your AC unit.
In the majority of cases, cleaning the ductwork isn’t an easy task that requires professional equipment and techniques. However, there are a few things you can do regularly to make sure your ducts remain in good condition and function properly. First, make sure you change your filter on a regular basis to prevent dust and allergens from accumulating into the ducts. This will also help to prevent the clogging that can lead to reduced system efficiency and higher energy costs.
Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is another way to keep your ducts cleaner. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can eliminate all of the cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time, and will help to improve airflow through the vent. It is also essential to make sure your ducts are tightly sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that have not been cleaned on a regular basis can become loaded with a wide variety of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can trigger respiratory and allergies, especially for older people and children. Moisture in ductwork can also result in the growth of mold, which releases spores in the air and can cause health issues for those suffering from respiratory problems.
It is recommended that you clean your ducts once every three to five years to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. 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 by having your ducts checked. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to gauge the amount of particles in your ductwork, and will recommend the appropriate cleaning schedules based on your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial component of the system. It must function properly to deliver cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating properly, it can affect the efficiency of your business and lead to delays for your equipment. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues earlier, avoiding excessive downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by keeping your equipment as efficient as possible.
A loss of cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem with the compressor. This could be caused by several different reasons. One possibility is that a compressor may be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This can wear out the bearings and diminish the life of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a clogged filter. If the filter is clogged, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. It is crucial to clean or replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Additionally, a blocked filter could also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings must be replaced. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is recommended. A pulley or belt that is loose can slip, causing the compressor to overheat and cause other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will look for leaks in the hoses, and an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.
Lastly, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor can be an indication of a leak in the refrigerant. This is a potentially dangerous problem that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the air compressor and call an expert.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not surprising that a technician will look at the thermostat first when there’s any issue. It’s also among the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, but a properly maintained thermostat is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. The most common signs that your thermostat needs an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the thermostat’s sensors may get dirty. This can cause it to display in a wrong manner. You can prevent these issues by checking the accuracy of your thermostat with an additional thermometer.
A malfunctioning sensor, or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to turn off and on continuously. This is known as short cycling. This can affect your comfort, and cause unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately this can be fixed with the simple act of replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting the breakers.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way it’s a good idea to check the breakers that control the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, it will have to be reset in order for the thermostat to connect with the system.
Check your thermostat for indications of wear and damage. Check for dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat is not excessively exposed to the sun. The fan blades need to be examined for signs of damage or rust. These simple checks will help prevent costly repairs in the near future, and will ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it is possible.
Basic HVAC maintenance is a great method to reduce energy costs and ensure comfort in your commercial building. It also increases the life of cooling and heating equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building cool all year. Be sure to call an expert if you’re having other issues or unsure of what is wrong with your system.