The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is essential when it is concerned with cooling and heating systems. It can help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies have a maintenance plan that allows you to pay an annual fee to have the system checked and cleaned or repaired when required.
It’s also recommended to do some of the 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 that make up the condenser of your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty the system will struggle to cool properly and may even fail to function properly. Cleaning them is an important part of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to accomplish. This simple DIY task will save you money, avoid expensive repairs and extend the life of your air cooling.
In the beginning, it is essential to cut off the power supply to your unit. This can be done by shutting off the breaker on the electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your electrical components and motors from being oversaturated during cleaning.
When the power is turned off, you can begin to clean up any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This includes sweeping up any leaves, sticks or other debris that has accumulated around or on the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice attachments is a great method to reach into the nooks and crevices and remove dust, dirt or other debris that has accumulated.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Make sure you have the necessary tools on hand before you begin. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate as well as a pump-up garden sprayer as well as a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the instructions on the label, and then rinse it off with the water hose. When washing the coils, it is essential not to use too much force as the fins can be bent easily.
You should examine the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time hail and 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 for better air flow and assist in ensuring that the coils operate more efficiently.
When you have a great coil and fin set up and you are ready to switch on your air conditioner. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to make sure temperatures are within the normal range.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring outside air into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout the house. Air is moved from the evaporator of your condenser to your home’s registers and vents via a system of ducts. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they could be laden with dust and other contaminants. This causes air filters to become blocked, which in turn reduces the efficiency of the system and puts strain on your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork can be a challenging task that requires specialized equipment and techniques. However, there are some actions you can take on a regular basis to ensure that your ducts remain clean and well-functioning. To stop dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, it is recommended to change your filter frequently. This also helps to stop the clogging that could result in a lower efficiency of the system and higher energy costs.
Another method to keep your ducts clean is to regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will remove all the crumbs, cobwebs and other debris that have built up over time. This will improve airflow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts have been sealed tight and insulated to prevent moisture from entering, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that have not been regularly cleaned can be filled with a wide variety of contaminants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can worsen allergies and respiratory problems particularly in the elderly and children. In addition, moisture in ductwork may cause the growth of mold, which releases spores into air and poses health risks for those who suffer from respiratory problems.
It’s generally recommended that you have your ducts cleaned every three to five years to remove these contaminants and ensure your HVAC system is working efficiently. However If your ducts are sealed properly and you regularly change your filters it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be necessary at all. The best way to determine for sure is by having your ducts examined. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to measure the amount of dust particles in your ductwork, and will suggest appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It should be able provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning as it should, this can impact your productivity and result in interruption to your equipment. Preventive maintenance can help identify minor issues earlier, avoiding unnecessary downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by ensuring that your unit as good as possible.
A common sign of a compressor issue is a loss in cooling capacity, however this could be due to many different causes. One possibility is that the compressor may be overworking because of poor airflow. This could cause bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. Another common issue is a blocked filter. If the filter is clogged, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. To prevent this from happening, it is essential to clean or change the filters frequently, according to the recommendations of the manufacturer.
Additionally, a blocked filter could create a rattling sound inside the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings need to be changed. It is recommended to replace pulleys and belts on a regular basis. A pulley or belt that is loose can slip, causing the compressor to overheat and cause other problems. It is also a good idea to drain your compressor frequently. This will eliminate the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will also look for leaks in the hoses, as well as a tight seal on the pressure sensor and compressor.
A puddle of liquid near the compressor could be a sign of an issue. This is a potentially dangerous problem that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, shut off the air compressor and call an expert.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not surprising that a technician will always examine the thermostat first if there is an issue. It’s also among the most often neglected maintenance items, but an appropriately maintained thermostat is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s operation. Common signs that your thermostat needs a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the thermostat’s sensors can get dirty. This could cause it to display in a wrong manner. You can avoid these problems by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with a separate thermometer.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration can also cause your system to keep switching off and on, which is referred to as short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be resolved with simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breaker.
If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat at all 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, you’ll need to reset it to allow your thermostat to communicate again with the system.
Check your thermostat for indications of wear and damage. Check for dirt or dust and make sure that the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to the sun. Finally, the fan blades must be inspected for signs of rust or damage. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as possible.
Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent method to cut energy consumption, ensure comfort and prolong the lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment. You can ensure that your building stays at all times comfortable by identifying issues with your thermostat, setting your breaker and changing your batteries. Be sure to call an expert if you’re having other issues or aren’t sure what’s the issue with your system.
