The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your heating and cooling system, routine maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies have a service plan where you pay an annual fee to have your system checked and cleaned or repaired when required.
It’s also a good idea to perform a few DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around outdoor units free of debris to promote the proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils inside the condenser of your air conditioner are the heart of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, you system will struggle to cool and may even breakdown. Cleaning them is an essential aspect of HVAC maintenance. Fortunately, it is also relatively simple to complete. This easy DIY task will save you money, avoid costly repairs and prolong the life of your air conditioner.
In the beginning, it is important to disconnect the power to your unit. You can do this by shutting off the breaker on the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from being oversaturated during cleaning.
After the power has been shut off, you can begin to clean up any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This means sweeping up any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has built up around or on the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice attachments is a great way to reach into the nooks and crannies and loosen dust, dirt or other debris that has collected.
The next step is to clean the coils. Be sure to have a few essential tools on hand prior to beginning. These will include a coil cleaner concentrate, 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. It is essential not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils, since the fins could easily be bent.
It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time hail, stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other things can harm the coil fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool called a fin comb can straighten them for better air flow and to assist in ensuring that the coils operate more effectively.
After you have a proper coil and fin set up and you are ready to turn on your air conditioner. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to confirm that temperatures are within the normal range.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works by bringing air from outside, cooling it and distributing it throughout your home. The air is moved from the evaporator coil in your condenser unit to your house’s vents and registers through a system of ducts. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they could become loaded with dirt and other contaminates. This could block air filters, which decreases the effectiveness of your system as well as can strain your AC unit.
Cleaning ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires expert equipment and techniques. There are some things you can do regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and functioning properly. To prevent dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, change your filter on a regular basis. This also helps to prevent the clogging that can lead to reduced system efficiency and high energy bills.
Another way to help keep your ducts tidy is to regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time and help to improve airflow through the vent. Also, make sure that your ducts have been sealed tight and protected from moisture entering, which can result in mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts aren’t cleaned regularly, they could collect a variety of pollutants like dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues, particularly in the elderly and children. In addition, moisture in ductwork may result in the growth of mold, which releases spores into air and poses health concerns for those with respiratory issues.
It is recommended to clean your ducts every three to five years to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However If your ducts are sealed properly and you regularly change your filters, duct cleaning may not be required at all. The best way to be able to tell the truth is to have your ducts examined. A licensed contractor can employ special testing methods to measure the amount of dust particles within your ductwork, and will recommend the suitable cleaning schedules based upon your particular 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 operating as it should, this can impact the efficiency of your business and lead to interruption to your equipment. Preventive maintenance can help identify minor issues early, preventing excessive downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by keeping your equipment as efficient as possible.
A reduction in cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem in a compressor. This could be caused by a variety of factors. A compressor could be working too hard due to inadequate airflow. This can cause wear on the bearings and diminish the lifespan of the compressor. A clogged air filter is another frequent issue. Filters that have become blocked can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is essential to clean or replace the filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
A blocked filter can cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings need to be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A loose belt or pulley can cause the compressor to overheat, causing other issues. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will eliminate the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can examine for air leaks within the hoses as well as an adequate seal between the compressor and pressure switch.
Lastly, a puddle of water near the compressor could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This is a potentially dangerous problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, turn off the compressor that is running and then contact a professional.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the head of your entire HVAC system, and it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing a technician will check when trouble occurs. It’s also among the most frequently neglected maintenance items, yet an appropriately maintained thermostat is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s operation. Check your thermostat if you observe inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the sensors on your thermostat may become dirty. This could cause it to display in a wrong manner. You can avoid these problems by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat using a an additional thermometer.
A malfunctioning sensor or calibration could lead to your system continuously turning on and off, which is referred to as short cycling. This could have a negative effect 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.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way, it’s recommended to examine the breakers that control the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll have to be reset to allow the thermostat to communicate with the system once more.
It is also essential to examine your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Examine for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat is not overly exposed to the sun. Lastly, the fan blades must be inspected for indications of rust or damage. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it can.
Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial property is an excellent way to cut down on the cost of energy, maintain comfort and extend the lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment. By identifying issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building warm all year. Just remember that should you encounter any other issues or are unsure of the issue, always call in an expert.