The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it concerns your cooling and heating system, regular maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan that you pay an affordable monthly fee to have the system checked out, fixed or cleaned when needed.
It’s also a good idea to perform some DIY maintenance tasks 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 in your air conditioner’s condenser are the heart of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool and may even fail. Cleaning them is a vital aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s also fairly easy to do. This simple DIY task will save you money, prevent expensive repairs and extend the life of your air cooling.
First and foremost, it is crucial to shut off the power supply to your unit. This can be done by shutting off the breaker at the electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your electrical components and motors from being flooded when cleaning.
Once the power is off and you are able to clear any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This includes sweeping up any sticks, leaves or other debris that has been accumulating around or on the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has crevice attachments is a great option to reach into the nooks and crevices and remove dust, dirt or other debris that has accumulated.
The coils must be cleaned. Before doing this however, make sure you have a few key tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates, a pump up garden sprayer and the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance to the directions on the label, then rinse it off using the water hose. When washing the coils it is important not to apply excessive force since the fins are easily bent.
You should inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time hail and stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other objects can cause damage to the coil’s fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins to ensure improved airflow and coil performance.
When you have a great coil and fin set up then you can start your air conditioner. After about 24 hours, you can check the thermostat and make sure that the temperatures are in line with normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works to bring air from outside into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout your house. The air is transported from the evaporator of your condenser to your home’s registers and vents through a system of ducts. The ducts could become blocked with dust and other contaminants if they are not cleaned and sealed correctly. This could block air filters, which decreases the effectiveness of your system and can strain your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork can be a challenging task that requires specialized equipment and methods. However, there are a few things you can do on a regular basis to make sure your ducts stay in good condition and function properly. To prevent dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, change your filter on a regular basis. This also helps to prevent the clogging that can cause a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy costs.
Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is a different way to keep your ducts in good shape. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can eliminate all the cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time, and aid in improving air flow through the vent. It’s also important to ensure that your ducts are tightly sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they could collect a variety of pollutants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory conditions, especially in children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to grow in ductwork, which releases the spores that can be harmful to those with respiratory problems.
It is recommended to clean your ducts once every three to five year to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. If your ducts have been sealed well and you replace your filter on a regular basis It may not be necessary to clean them. The best way to know the truth is to have your ducts tested. An accredited contractor can use specific testing methods to determine the amount of particles in your ductwork and can recommend appropriate cleaning schedules based on the specific circumstances.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an important component of the system. It must be able to supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning in the way it should, this can affect the efficiency of your business and lead to downtime for equipment. However, preventive maintenance can assist in identifying issues that are minor and prevent unnecessary downtime. Conducting these regular checks can also help you save money by keeping your unit in good condition for as long as is possible.
A decrease in cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem with a compressor. This could be caused by several different reasons. One possibility is that a compressor could be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can cause bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another common issue. Filters that are clogged can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is crucial to clean or replace the filters according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
Additionally, a blocked filter can also cause rattling noises in the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are worn out and require to be replaced. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. 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 your compressor frequently. This will remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will check for leaks in the pipes, and ensure a tight seal on the pressure sensor and compressor.
A puddle of liquid near the compressor could be an indication of an issue. This is a potentially dangerous problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect a leak, shut off the air compressor. Consult a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not too surprising that a technician will examine the thermostat first if there is any issue. A well-maintained thermostat is vital to the efficient operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most overlooked maintenance items. Common signs that your thermostat is in need of a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the sensors on your thermostat will become dirty. This could cause it to display incorrectly. Regularly checking your thermostat’s accuracy by using a separate thermometer can help you avoid these problems and help you save energy.
A faulty sensor, or a flawed calibration could cause your system to turn off and on in a continuous manner. This is known as short cycling. This can affect your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. These issues can be resolved by replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.
Check the breakers for both your HVAC equipment and thermostat if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker tripped then you’ll have to reset it in order for your thermostat to communicate again with the system.
Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Look for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to the sun. Examine the fan blades to find signs of rust and damage. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as it possibly can.
Basic maintenance of hvac is a great way to cut down on energy costs and maintain comfort in your commercial space. It will also extend the life of cooling and heating equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and replacing the batteries and fuses, you’ll be able keep your building cool all year round. Make sure that in case you experience any other issues or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system, always call in an expert.