The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it comes to your cooling and heating system, routine maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies have a service plan that charges an annual fee to have the system checked and cleaned or repaired when required.
It’s also an excellent idea to carry out a few DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area surrounding outdoor units free of debris will promote the proper flow of air.
Clean the Condenser
The coils inside the condenser in your air conditioner are the mainstay of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool properly and may even fail to function properly. Cleaning them is an important component of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to accomplish. This easy DIY task will save you money, prevent expensive repairs and extend the life of your air cooling.
First and foremost, it is important to disconnect the power source to your unit. This can be done by turning off the breaker in your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will keep your motors and other electrical components from being oversaturated during cleaning.
Once the power is off, you can begin to clean up any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This includes cleaning up any leaves, sticks or other debris that has built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice tools is a great way to reach into the nooks, crannies, and loosen dust or dirt that has built up.
Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before doing this however, ensure that you have in your possession a few key tools. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate and a pump-up garden sprayer and the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance to the directions on the label, and then rinse with the garden hose. When washing the coils, it is important to not use too much force since the fins can be bent easily.
You should 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 fins. If the fins are bent, a low-cost tool known as a fin-comb can straighten them to improve air flow and help the coils function more effectively.
When you have a great coil and fin set up, you can turn on your air conditioner. After around 24 hours, you should check the thermostat and ensure that the temperatures are in line with normal.
Clean the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air in from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout your home. Air is transported from the evaporator inside your condenser to your home’s registers and vents via the system of ducts. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they could become loaded with dirt and other contaminates. This can block the air filters, which decreases the effectiveness of your system as well as burdens your AC unit.
In most cases, cleaning the ductwork isn’t an easy job and requires professional equipment and methods. But, there are things you can do regularly to ensure your ducts stay clean and functioning well. To prevent dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, change your filter on a regular basis. This can also help keep the clogs from occurring which can lead to reduced system efficiency and a high energy bill.
Another way to keep your ducts clean is to regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will remove all traces of dust, crumbs and other debris that has been accumulating over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts have been sealed tightly and are lined to stop moisture from getting in, which could lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that have not been regularly cleaned are likely to be contaminated with a wide variety of contaminants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can cause allergies and respiratory problems particularly for children and the elderly. In addition, moisture in ductwork may result in the growth of mold which releases spores into the air and poses health concerns for those who suffer from respiratory ailments.
It is recommended that you clean your ducts every three to five year to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are well-sealed and you regularly change your filters it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be necessary at all. The best way to be able to tell for certain is to have your ducts examined. A contractor that is certified by the EPA can employ specific testing methods to determine the amount of particulates present in your ductwork. They can then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an important element of the system. It should be able provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating as it should, it can affect your productivity and cause the equipment to shut down. Preventive maintenance can help identify minor issues earlier, avoiding unnecessary downtime. Conducting these regular checks can also help you save money by keeping your unit in good condition for as long as possible.
A loss of cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem with a compressor. This can be caused by a variety of reasons. One possibility is that a compressor could be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can wear out the bearings and diminish the life of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a blocked filter. If the filter is clogged it can impede airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. It is important to change or clean the filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
A clogged filter may also cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings must be changed. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is a good idea. A belt or pulley that is loose could cause slipping and result in compressor overheating and other problems. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor frequently. This will help remove moisture that can corrode the motor and other components. A professional service team will also check for leaks in the pipes, and ensure an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.
A small puddle of water around the compressor could be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This could be a risky problem and needs to be fixed right away. If you suspect there is a leak, switch off the air compressor and call an expert.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the boss of your entire HVAC system, and it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing a technician will check when trouble arises. A properly maintained thermostat is crucial to the smooth operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most frequently neglected maintenance items. Common indicators that your thermostat is in need of periodic inspections include incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time, the thermostat’s sensors will become dirty. This can cause it to display in a wrong manner. Regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a separate thermometer can aid in avoiding these issues and conserve energy.
A faulty sensor, or a faulty calibration can cause your system to cycle on and off continuously. This is referred to as short cycling. This can negatively impact your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. This issue can be solved by simply replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breakers.
Make sure you check the breakers on both your HVAC equipment and thermostat in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has been tripped, it will have to be reset in order for the thermostat to connect with the system.
Check your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Look for indications of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t too exposed to sunlight. Finally, the fan blades should be checked for indications of rust or damage. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it possibly can.
Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent way to cut down on energy costs, maintain comfort and prolong the life of your heating and cooling equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building cool all year. Be sure to call an expert if you’re having other issues or are unsure of what’s the issue with your system.