The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it is about your heating and cooling system, regular maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. Most HVAC companies have a service plan that allows you to pay each month to have the system inspected and cleaned, or repaired as needed.

It is also recommended to perform DIY maintenance throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the space around outdoor units free of any debris to ensure the proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils in the condenser in your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, you system will struggle to cool and could even breakdown. This is why cleaning them is a vital part of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, relatively simple to complete. This simple DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the life span of your air cooling.

It is essential to disconnect power from your unit first. You can do this by turning off the breaker on your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and electrical components from being flooded when cleaning.

When the power is turned off, you can begin to remove any large debris obstructing the air condenser unit. This includes cleaning up any sticks, leaves or other debris that has accumulated around or on the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has a crevice attachment is a great way to reach into the crevices and nooks and remove dust, dirt or other debris that has collected.

The coils require to be cleaned. Before doing this, though, make sure that you have in your possession a few key tools. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate and a pump-up garden sprayer as well as an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the label, and then rinse with the hose. It is essential not to apply too much pressure when washing the coils, as the fins can easily be bent.

After the coils have been cleaned, you should look them over for any indications of damage. Over time, hail and rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other items can damage the coil fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins for improved airflow and coil performance.

Once you have a good coil and fin set up, you can turn on your air conditioner. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to make sure temperatures are within the normal range.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside into your home, cool it, and then distribute it throughout the home. The air is transported from the evaporator of the condenser to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by a system ducts. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they could become loaded with dust and other contaminants. This could block air filters which reduces the efficiency of your system and burdens your AC unit.

In the majority of cases, cleaning the ductwork is not an easy job and requires the help of professional equipment and methods. There are some things you can do to ensure that your ducts are clean and in good working order. First, make sure you change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens from building in the ducts. This can also help prevent clogging, which can result in a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy bills.

Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is an additional way to keep your ducts in good shape. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can eliminate all cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time and assist in improving air flow through the vent. It is also essential to make sure your ducts are properly sealed and insulated to keep out moisture which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.

If ducts aren’t regularly cleaned, they may build up a myriad of contaminants like dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory problems especially for children and the elderly. In addition, moisture in ductwork may lead to the growth of mold which releases spores in the air and poses health risks for those suffering from respiratory ailments.

It’s generally recommended that you have your ducts cleaned every three to five years to eliminate the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is working effectively. If your ducts are well-sealed, and you change your filter regularly, it may not be necessary to clean them. You can only be certain by having your ducts checked. A licensed contractor can employ specific testing methods to determine the amount of particulates in your ductwork, and will recommend the appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on your specific situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It has to be able to supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working properly and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and cause the equipment to shut down. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can assist in identifying issues that are minor and avoid excessive downtime. Performing these routine checks can also help you save money by ensuring that your equipment is in good working order for as long as possible.

A common sign of a compressor issue is a reduction in cooling capacity, however this could be caused by various factors. A compressor could be working too hard due to poor airflow. This could cause bearings to wear out and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a blocked filter. If the filter is clogged it can impede airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. To avoid this, it is crucial to clean or replace the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.

A blocked filter may also cause a rattling sound 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 on a regular basis. A worn-out belt or pulley could cause the compressor to overheat and cause other problems. It is recommended to drain the compressor regularly. This will remove the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will also check for leaks in the pipes, and ensure an adequate seal around the compressor and pressure sensor.

A puddle of liquid close to the compressor could be an indication of leak. This is a potentially dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the air compressor. Contact a professional.

Check the Thermostat

It’s not too surprising that technicians will always look at the thermostat first when there’s any issue. A properly maintained thermostat is essential for the efficient operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most neglected maintenance items. Check your thermostat if find inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which can cause the device to display inaccurately. You can prevent these issues by checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a an additional thermometer.

A faulty sensor or calibration could result in your system constantly switching on and off that is known as short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort, and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately this can be fixed with simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting the breakers.

Make sure you check the breakers on both your HVAC and thermostat 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.

Check your thermostat for indications of wear and tear. Check for indications of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to sunlight. 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 is running as smoothly as it can.

Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent method to cut the cost of energy, maintain comfort, and extend the life of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, setting the breaker and replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building comfortable all year round. Be sure to call a professional should you encounter any other issues, or are unsure about the issue, always call in a professional.