The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is key when it concerns heating and cooling systems. It will help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan that allows you to pay each month to have the system inspected and cleaned or repaired when required.
It’s also recommended to do a few DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the space around outdoor units free of clutter to allow for the proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils of the condenser of your air conditioner are at the heart the cooling process. If they’re dirty, you system will struggle to cool and may even fail. Cleaning them is an essential aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to accomplish. This easy DIY task will eliminate the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills, and prolong the life of your air conditioning unit.
It is the first step. It is crucial to shut off the power source to your unit. You can do this by turning off the breaker on your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your motors and electrical components from being oversaturated during cleaning.
When the power is turned off and you are able to remove any large debris obstructing the air condenser unit. This will include cleaning up any sticks, leaves or other debris that have built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice attachment is a great method to reach into the nooks and crannies and get rid of dust, dirt or other debris that may have accumulated.
The coils require to be cleaned. Before you begin, though, make sure that you have on-hand a few key tools. These will include a concentrate for coil cleaning, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the label, and then rinse it off using a garden hose. It is essential not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils as the fins can easily be bent.
It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time, hail and stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other objects can cause damage to the coil’s fins. If the fins are bent, a low-cost tool known as a fin comb can straighten them to improve air flow and also to assist in ensuring that the coils operate more effectively.
Once the coils and fins are in good condition, you can return to your home and start your air conditioner. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to ensure temperatures are within the normal range.
Clean 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 travels from the evaporator coil of your condenser unit and then to your house’s vents and registers through a system of ducts. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they can become loaded with dirt and other contaminates. This can clog the air filters which reduces the effectiveness of your system as well as burdens your AC unit.
Cleaning ductwork can be a challenging task that requires specialized equipment and techniques. However, there are a few things you can do regularly to ensure your ducts stay in good condition and function properly. First, make sure you change your filter regularly to prevent dust and allergens from building into the ducts. This also helps to prevent the clogging that can lead to reduced system efficiency and high energy bills.
Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is an additional way to keep your ducts clean. Utilizing the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner, you can eliminate all of the cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time, and help to improve air flow through the vent. It’s also important to make sure your ducts are properly sealed and insulated to keep out moisture which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts are not regularly cleaned, they may 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. The moisture in ductwork can result in the growth of mold, which releases spores into the air and can cause health issues for those who suffer from respiratory ailments.
It is generally recommended to have your ducts cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is working efficiently. If your ducts have been sealed properly, and you replace your filter on a regular basis, it may not be necessary to clean them. You can only be certain by having your ducts examined. A certified contractor can employ specific testing methods to determine the amount of particulates in your ductwork and can recommend appropriate cleaning schedules based on your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a critical component of the system. It has to be able to supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning as it should, this can impact your productivity and cause downtime for equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to aid in identifying minor issues early and avoid excessive downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by keeping your equipment as efficient as possible.
A decrease in cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem with the compressor. It could be caused by a variety of causes. A compressor may be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can wear out the bearings and reduce the life of the compressor. Another common issue is a blocked filter. If the filter is blocked, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. It is important to clean or replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
A blocked filter can also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings are worn out and need to be replaced. Regularly replacing pulleys and belts is recommended. A belt or pulley that is loose can slip and lead to compressor overheating and other issues. It is recommended to drain the compressor regularly. This will help remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can also check for air leaks in the hoses as well as a tight seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
Finally, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor can be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This can be a dangerous problem and needs to be fixed right away. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the air compressor and call a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the head of your HVAC system, and it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing a technician will check when trouble arises. It’s also among the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, but maintaining your thermostat properly is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s operation. Common signs that your thermostat requires an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the sensors on your thermostat may get dirty. This can cause it to display inaccurately. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly by using a separate thermometer can help you avoid these problems and conserve energy.
A malfunctioning sensor, or a flawed calibration could cause your system to cycle on and off constantly. This is known as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. The problem can be fixed by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way It’s an excellent idea to look at the breakers that control both the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker tripped, you will need to reset it to allow your thermostat to communicate again with the system.
It is also essential to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Find evidence of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Finally, the fan blades need to be examined for any indications of rust or damage. These simple checks will help prevent costly repairs in the near future, and help ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as possible.
The simple maintenance of hvac systems on your commercial building is a great way to reduce energy costs, maintain comfort, and extend the life of your cooling and heating equipment. You can keep your building comfortable throughout the year by identifying problems with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Make sure that if you have any other issues, or are unsure of the issue, always call in a professional.