The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance is key when it is concerned with cooling and heating systems. It can help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan that charges the monthly cost to have the system checked, fixed or cleaned as needed.

You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around outdoor units free of any debris to ensure proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils in your condenser for your air conditioner are the primary component of the cooling process. If they are dirty your system will struggle to cool properly and may even fail to function properly. Cleaning them is an essential part of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to complete. This simple DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the lifespan of your air conditioner.

First and foremost, it is important to disconnect the power to your unit. This can be done 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 over-saturated during cleaning.

Once the power is off it is now time to remove any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This means cleaning up any sticks, leaves or other debris that have accumulated on or around the unit. Using a shop vacuum with a crevice attachment is a great way to get into the crevices and nooks and get rid of any dust, dirt or other debris that has collected.

The next step is to clean the coils. Make sure you have the necessary tools in your arsenal prior to beginning. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate, a pump up garden sprayer as well as the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the instructions on the label of the product and rinse with 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, you should examine them for signs of damage. Over time, hail and stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other things can harm the coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins for better airflow and coil performance.

Once the coils and fins are in good shape Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the fins and coils, you can return to your house and turn on your air conditioner. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to ensure the temperatures are in good shape.

Cleaning the Ductwork

Your HVAC system works to bring air from outside into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout your home. Air is moved from the evaporator of the condenser to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by a system ducts. The ducts could become blocked with dust and other contaminants when they aren’t maintained and sealed correctly. This clogs the air filters which reduces the efficiency of the system and puts strain on your AC unit.

In most cases, cleaning the ductwork isn’t an easy task that requires professional equipment and methods. But, there are things you can do regularly to make sure your ducts stay clean and functioning well. To prevent dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, you should change your filter regularly. This can also help prevent the clogging that can lead to reduced system efficiency and a high energy bill.

Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is a different way to keep your ducts clean. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner can remove all the cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time and assist in improving airflow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are tightly sealed and insulated to keep out moisture which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.

If ducts aren’t cleaned regularly, they could build up a myriad of contaminants like dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can trigger respiratory issues and allergies particularly for children and the elderly. Moisture in ductwork can also result in the growth of mold which releases spores into air and poses health concerns for those suffering from respiratory ailments.

It is recommended that you clean your ducts every three to five year to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However, if your ducts are well-sealed and you clean your filters frequently, duct cleaning may not be required at all. You can be certain that your ducts are in good condition by having them checked. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to gauge the amount of particulates in your ductwork, and will recommend the appropriate cleaning schedules based on your specific situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a crucial component of the system. It should be able provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning as it should and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and lead to the equipment to shut down. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can assist in identifying issues that are minor and prevent unnecessary downtime. Regularly checking your unit can also help you save money by keeping your unit in good shape for as long as it is possible.

The most common sign of a compressor problem is a reduction in cooling capacity, although it could be caused by a number of different factors. One possibility is that the compressor may be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This could wear out the bearings and diminish the life of the compressor. A clogged air filter is another common issue. If the filter is clogged it could reduce the airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. To prevent this, it is essential to clean or replace the filters on a regular basis, based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.

In addition, a clogged filter may also cause rattling noises in the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are worn out and require to be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace belts and pulleys regularly. A belt or pulley that is loose could cause slipping and result in overheating of the compressor and other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor regularly. This will get rid of the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will also look for leaks in the pipes, and ensure a tight seal on the pressure sensor and compressor.

Lastly, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor can be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed right away. If you suspect there is a leak, turn off the compressor that is running and then contact a professional.

Check the Thermostat

It’s not too surprising that a technician will check the thermostat first when there’s a problem. It’s also one of the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, but maintaining your thermostat properly is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s operation. Examine your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time the thermostat’s sensors may become dirty. This could cause it to display inaccurately. You can avoid these problems by checking the accuracy of your thermostat with the use of a separate thermometer.

A malfunctioning sensor, or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to turn off and on in a continuous manner. This is called short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. The problem can be fixed by replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breakers.

Check the breakers for your thermostat and HVAC equipment in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, you will need to reset it in order for your thermostat to communicate again with the system.

It is also essential to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Look for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to the sun. Lastly, the fan blades should be checked for any signs of rust or damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as it can.

The simple maintenance of hvac systems on your commercial building is an excellent method to cut energy costs, maintain comfort and extend the longevity of your heating and cooling equipment. You can keep your building cool throughout the year by identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting your breaker, and then replacing your batteries. Just remember that should you encounter any other issues or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system make sure to contact an expert.