The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it concerns your heating and cooling system, regular maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan that charges a monthly fee to have the system inspected and cleaned or repaired when required.
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 free of debris will promote the proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils of your air conditioner condenser are at the heart the cooling process. If they’re dirty the system is likely to struggle to cool and may even fail to function properly. Cleaning them is a crucial component of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, fairly easy to do. This simple DIY task can prevent the need for costly repairs, and save you money on your energy bills and prolong the longevity of your AC unit.
It is essential to disconnect power from your unit first. This can be accomplished by shutting off the breaker inside the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded when cleaning.
Once the power is off and you are able to clear any large debris that is obstructing the air condenser unit. This includes cleaning up any leaves, sticks or other debris that has accumulated around or on the unit. A shop vacuum with crevice tools is a great way to get into the crevices, nooks, and loosen dirt or dust that has accumulated.
The next step is to clean the coils. Make sure you have the necessary tools on hand before you start. These will include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance to the instructions on the label, and then rinse it off using the hose. When washing the coils, it is important not to apply excessive force since the fins can bend easily.
You should inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, hail and rocks thrown from lawnmowers or other items can damage coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins for better airflow and performance of the coil.
Once the coils and fins are in good shape, you can go back to your home and switch on your air conditioning. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to make sure the temperatures are in good shape.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring outside air into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout the home. Air is transported from the evaporator inside your condenser to your home’s registers and vents via a system of ducts. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they could be laden with dust and other contaminants. This could block air filters, which decreases the efficiency of your system and strains your AC unit.
In most cases, cleaning the ductwork isn’t an easy task and requires professional equipment and techniques. There are some things you can do to keep your ducts tidy and functioning properly. To avoid dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, you should change your filter on a regular basis. This will also help to prevent the clogging that can cause a decrease in system efficiency and a high energy bill.
Another way to keep your ducts tidy is to regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. Utilizing the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner can remove all the cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time and help to improve air flow through the vent. Also, make sure that your ducts are sealed well and are insulated to prevent moisture from entering, which can result in mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they could accumulate a variety of contaminants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory conditions particularly for children and the elderly. Moisture in ductwork can also result in the growth of mold which releases spores into air and can cause health issues for those who suffer from respiratory problems.
It is generally recommended to get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is working efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are well-sealed and you clean your filters frequently the cleaning of your ducts may not be necessary at all. The best way to determine for sure is by having your ducts tested. A licensed contractor can employ special testing methods to gauge the amount of dust particles in your ductwork, and can recommend appropriate cleaning schedules based on your particular situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial component of the system. It needs to operate properly to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning as it should, this can impact your productivity and result in downtime for equipment. Preventive maintenance can help identify minor issues earlier, avoiding excessive downtime. Regularly checking your unit can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment is in good shape for as long as is possible.
A typical sign of a compressor problem is a loss in cooling capacity, although this could be caused by many different causes. A compressor could be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can wear out the bearings and diminish the life of the compressor. Another common issue is a blocked filter. Filters that are clogged can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this from happening, it is important to clean or replace the filters regularly based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.
A blocked filter can also cause rattling noises in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings are wearing out and must be replaced. It is recommended to replace pulleys and belts on a regular basis. A loose pulley or belt can cause slippage and cause compressor overheating and other problems. It is also a good idea to drain your compressor on a regular basis. This will help remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can examine for air leaks within the hoses, and ensure a tight seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
Finally, a puddle of water near the compressor can be an indication of a leak in the refrigerant. This could be a risky problem and needs to be fixed right away. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor. Contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It’s not surprising that a technician will examine the thermostat first if there is an issue. A properly maintained thermostat is essential for the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most neglected maintenance items. Common indicators that your thermostat requires a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which could cause the device to display incorrectly. You can prevent these issues by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with an additional thermometer.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration could lead to your system continuously switching on and off that is known as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort as well as cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. These issues can be resolved by replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breakers.
Check the breakers for your HVAC equipment and thermostat if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker tripped, you will need to reset it to allow your thermostat to communicate again with the system.
It’s also important to check your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Check for evidence of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Examine the fan blades for signs of damage and rust. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as it can.
Basic maintenance of hvac 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. You can ensure that your building stays at all times comfortable by identifying problems with your thermostat, resetting your breaker and changing your batteries. Just remember that should you encounter any other issues, or are unsure of the issue make sure to contact an expert.