The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it is about your heating and cooling system, regular maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that charges a low monthly rate to have your system checked, repaired or cleaned when needed.

You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the areas around outdoor units clear of clutter to allow for proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils in the condenser of your air conditioner are at the heart the cooling process. If they are dirty, your system will struggle to cool, and it could even breakdown. Cleaning them is a crucial part of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to accomplish. This simple DIY task will save you money, prevent costly repairs, and increase the life of your air cooling.

It is vital to cut off power from your unit before you disconnect it. This can be done by turning off the breaker in your electrical box or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will stop your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded while cleaning.

Once the power has been turned off, you can begin removing any large debris that could be blocking the condenser air. This includes sweeping off any sticks, leaves or other debris that have accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice tool is a great tool to get into the nooks, crannies, and loosen dust or dirt that has accumulated.

Next, it is time to clean the coils. Be sure to have the necessary tools in your arsenal prior to beginning. These will include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden hose and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the directions on the product label and then rinse using the hose. When washing the coils, it is important not to apply too much force since the fins can be bent easily.

After the coils have been cleaned, you should inspect them for any signs of damage. Over time hail and rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other things can harm the coil fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins for better airflow and coil performance.

If the fins and coils are in good condition If you are satisfied with the condition of your fins and coils, return to your home and start your air conditioning. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to ensure temperatures are normal.

Cleaning the Ductwork

Your HVAC system works to bring outside air into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout the home. The air is moved from the evaporator coil inside your condenser unit and then to the vents and registers of your home through a duct system. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t cleaned and sealed properly. This could block air filters which can reduce the efficiency of your system and burdens your AC unit.

Cleaning ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires specialized equipment and techniques. But, there are things you can do regularly to ensure your ducts stay clean and functioning well. First, make sure you change your filter regularly to keep dust and allergens out of building into the ducts. This can also help prevent clogging, which can result in a decrease in system efficiency and a higher cost for energy.

Cleaning the area around the vent openings is a different method to keep your ducts in good shape. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will remove all the cobwebs, crumbs and other messes that have accumulated over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. Also, make sure that your ducts have been sealed tight and protected from moisture entering, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that have not been cleaned on a regular basis can become loaded with a myriad of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause allergies and respiratory problems particularly in children and the elderly. Moisture in ductwork can also cause the growth of mold which releases spores into air and can cause health issues for those with respiratory issues.

It is generally recommended that you get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to remove these contaminants and ensure your HVAC system is working effectively. However it is possible that if your ducts are sealed and you clean your filters frequently it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be necessary at all. You can only be certain by having your ducts checked. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to measure the amount of particulates in your ductwork, and will recommend the suitable cleaning schedules based upon your specific situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an important element of the system. It has to function correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working in the way it should, this can impact your productivity and result in downtime for equipment. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment in the best condition possible.

A common indication of a problem with a compressor is a decrease in cooling capacity, however this could be caused by a number of different factors. A compressor may be working too hard due insufficient airflow. This could cause the bearings to wear down and decrease the life of the compressor. Another common problem is a blocked filter. Filters that are blocked can reduce airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this from happening, it is important to clean or replace the filters frequently, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

A blocked filter could cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings are wearing out and must be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace belts and pulleys on a regular basis. A worn-out belt or pulley can slip, causing the compressor to overheat and create other problems. It is also a good idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will also check for leaks in the hoses, and a tight seal on the pressure sensor and compressor.

A puddle of liquid in the vicinity of the compressor could be a sign of leak. This can be a dangerous issue and should be repaired immediately. If you suspect a leak, turn off the air compressor. Consult a professional.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat acts like the head of your entire HVAC system, so it’s not a surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will inspect when a problem arises. It’s also one of the most often neglected maintenance items, but an appropriately maintained thermostat is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s operation. Examine your thermostat if you observe inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time the thermostat’s sensors may get dirty. This could cause it to display in a wrong manner. You can avoid this issue by ensuring the accuracy of your thermostat using a the use of a separate thermometer.

A malfunctioning sensor, or a faulty calibration can 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 breakers.

If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat at all It’s a good idea to check the breakers that control both the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped then you’ll have to reset it to allow your thermostat to communicate again with the system.

Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Check for dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat isn’t excessively exposed to the sun. Examine the fan blades to find signs of damage and rust. These simple checks can help avoid expensive repairs in the future, and help ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as possible.

Basic maintenance of hvac is a great way to reduce energy costs and ensure comfort in your commercial property. It can also prolong the lifespan of cooling and heating equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building cool all year round. Just remember that if you have any other issues, or are unsure about what’s wrong with your system, always call in an expert.