The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it concerns your heating and cooling system, maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies have a maintenance plan that charges a monthly fee to have the system checked, repaired or cleaned as needed.

You should also carry out 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 the proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils that make up your air conditioner’s condenser are the core of the cooling process. If they are dirty, you system will struggle to cool, and it could even fail. Cleaning them is an important component of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to accomplish. This simple DIY task will eliminate the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills, and extend the life of your air conditioning unit.

It is the first step. It is crucial to shut off the power to your unit. You can do this by shutting off the breaker in your electrical box or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded while cleaning.

Once the power has been shut off, you can begin taking down any large objects that could be blocking the condenser’s air. This will include sweeping away any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum that has crevice tools is a great tool to reach into the nooks and crannies, and loosen dirt or dust that has built up.

Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before you begin however, make sure that you have on-hand some essential tools. These will include a coil cleaner concentrate, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on in accordance with the directions on the label of the product and then rinse it off using the hose. It is essential not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils as the fins can easily be bent.

After the coils have been cleaned, inspect them for any indications of damage. Over time, hail or rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other items can damage the coil’s fins. If the fins are bent, a low-cost tool called a fin comb can straighten them to improve air flow and to assist in ensuring that the coils operate more effectively.

After you have a proper coil and fin setup then you can turn on your air conditioner. After approximately 24 hours, you should check the thermostat to ensure that temperatures are normal.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is designed to bring air from outside into your home, cool it, and then distribute it throughout your house. The air travels from the evaporator coil inside the condenser unit to your home’s vents and registers through a network of ducts. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they may become clogged with dust and other pollutants. This can clog the air filters which reduces the efficiency of your system and burdens your AC unit.

In most instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy task and requires expert equipment and methods. But, there are things you can do on a regular basis to ensure your ducts remain clean and well-functioning. First, make sure you change your filter on a regular basis to prevent dust and allergens out of building up in the ducts. This will also help to stop clogging, which could lead to a reduced system efficiency and a higher cost for energy.

Another method to keep your ducts clean is by regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will remove all traces of dust, crumbs and other messes that have accumulated over time. This will improve airflow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed tightly and are lined to stop moisture from getting in, which could result in mold and other biological contaminants.

If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they can accumulate a variety of contaminants like dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of respiratory issues and allergies particularly in children and the elderly. Moisture in ductwork can also cause the growth of mold which releases spores into the air and poses health risks for those suffering from respiratory ailments.

It’s generally recommended that you get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to remove these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system functions effectively. However, if your ducts are sealed and you change your filters regularly the cleaning of your ducts may not be necessary at all. The best way to know for certain is to have your ducts tested. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to gauge the amount of dust particles within your ductwork, and will suggest suitable cleaning schedules based upon the specific circumstances.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a crucial component of the system. It must be able to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating properly, it can affect your productivity and cause downtime for equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to aid in identifying minor issues early and prevent unnecessary downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by keeping your equipment as efficient as possible.

A typical sign of a compressor issue is a decrease in cooling capacity, although it could be caused by many different causes. One possibility is that a compressor could be overworking because of poor airflow. This can cause wear on the bearings and diminish the lifespan of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another common problem. If the filter is clogged it can impede airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. To prevent this, it is important to clean or change the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.

A blocked filter can cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are wearing out and need to be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is a good idea. A loose pulley or belt can cause slippage and cause compressor overheating and other issues. It is recommended to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will help remove moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will look for leaks in the pipes, and ensure a tight seal on the compressor and pressure sensor.

Lastly, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor could be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This can be a dangerous problem and needs to be fixed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, switch off the air compressor and contact an expert.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat acts like the boss of your HVAC system, so it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will inspect when a problem occurs. A well-maintained thermostat is crucial to the efficient operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most neglected maintenance items. Examine your thermostat if you observe inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time the thermostat’s sensors can get dirty. This can cause it to display in a wrong manner. You can avoid these problems by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with an additional thermometer.

A faulty sensor, or a faulty calibration can cause your system to cycle on and off constantly. This is called short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and result in excessive wear and tear on the compressor. This issue can be solved by simply replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breakers.

Check the breakers for both your HVAC equipment and thermostat in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker tripped it, you’ll need to reset it to allow your thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.

Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Find indications of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t too exposed to sunlight. Finally, the fan blades must be inspected for any indications of rust or damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the near future, and will ensure that your equipment is operating as efficiently as it is possible.

Basic HVAC maintenance is a great strategy to reduce energy costs and maintain comfort in your commercial property. It also increases the life of heating and cooling equipment. It is possible to keep your building comfortable throughout the year by identifying issues with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker, and then replacing your batteries. Make sure that should you encounter any other issues, or aren’t sure the issue, always call in a professional.