The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it is about your cooling and heating system, routine maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that you pay an affordable monthly fee to get the system checked, fixed or cleaned when necessary.

It’s also recommended to do a few DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around the outdoor units free of any debris will ensure the proper flow of air.

Clean the Condenser

The coils of the condenser of your air conditioner are the primary component 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 a crucial part of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, quite simple to do. This easy DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs and prolong the lifespan of your air cooling.

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

Once the power is off, you can begin to clean up any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This includes sweeping up any leaves, sticks or other debris that has accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice attachment is a great option to get into the crevices and nooks and loosen any dirt, dust or other debris that has accumulated.

The coils need to be cleaned. Before you do this however, ensure you have some essential tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the instructions on the label, then rinse it off using a garden hose. When washing the coils, it is essential not to use too much force since the fins can bend easily.

You should examine the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time hail, rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other objects can cause damage to the coil’s fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool known as a fin comb can straighten them to improve air flow and also to assist in ensuring that the coils operate more efficiently.

After you have a proper coil and fin set up and you are ready to switch on your air conditioner. After around 24 hours, you can check the thermostat to ensure that the temperature is normal.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring outside air into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout your home. Air is transported from the evaporator of the condenser to your home’s registers and vents through a system ducts. The ducts could become blocked with dust and other contaminants when they aren’t maintained and sealed correctly. This can block the air filters which reduces the effectiveness of your system and burdens your AC unit.

In most cases, cleaning the ductwork is not an easy job and requires the help of professional equipment and methods. There are a few things you can do regularly to keep your ducts clean and functioning properly. To stop dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, change your filter frequently. This will also help to keep clogs from occurring, which could lead to a reduced system efficiency and higher energy costs.

Another way to help keep your ducts clean is by regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will take away all the crumbs, cobwebs and other debris that has accumulated over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. It is also essential to ensure that your ducts are properly sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that have not been cleaned on a regular basis can be filled with a myriad of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause allergies and respiratory problems especially in children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to develop in ductwork, which releases spores that are harmful to those suffering from respiratory ailments.

It is recommended that you clean your ducts once every three to five year to get rid of these toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is functioning efficiently. If your ducts have been sealed properly, and you regularly change your filter, it may not be necessary to clean them. You can be certain by having your ducts checked. A contractor accredited 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 particular situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It must be able to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning in the way it should and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and result in downtime for your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to aid in identifying minor issues early and avoid excessive downtime. Performing these routine checks can also save you money by keeping your unit in good shape for as long as is possible.

A loss of cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem in the compressor. This can be caused by several different reasons. A compressor could be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can wear out the bearings and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. A clogged air filter is a different problem. Filters that are clogged can reduce airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this from happening, it is crucial to clean or replace the filters regularly based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.

A blocked filter can cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings need to be changed. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is a good idea. A loose belt or pulley can slip, causing the compressor to overheat and create other problems. It is also a good idea to drain your compressor on a regular basis. This can remove accumulated moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also look for leaks in the hoses, and an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.

Lastly, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This is a potentially dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, turn off the air compressor and contact an expert.

Check the Thermostat

It’s not a surprise that a technician will always examine the thermostat first if there is a problem. A well-maintained thermostat is crucial to the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most neglected maintenance items. Check your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors can become dirty over time, which could cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. You can avoid this issue by checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a the use of a separate thermometer.

A malfunctioning sensor or calibration can also lead to your system continuously switching off and on, which is referred to 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 its breaker.

Make sure you check the breakers on both your HVAC and thermostat If your system isn’t responding 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. The fan blades must be inspected for any signs of rust or damage. These simple checks can help avoid expensive repairs in the future, and will ensure that your equipment is operating as smoothly as it is possible.

Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial property is an excellent way to cut down on energy costs, maintain comfort and extend the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker and replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building warm all year round. Remember to call an expert if you’re having other issues or are unsure of what’s the issue with your system.

Explore More

Why Buy a New Air Conditioner?

October 16, 2024 0 Comments 0 tags

Why Buy a New Air Conditioner? If your air conditioner is old and breaking down or you’re looking to upgrade to a more effective system, purchasing a brand new AC

Innovations in Heating and Cooling

November 14, 2024 0 Comments 0 tags

Innovations in Heating and Cooling It’s not a secret that the engine of your car is most efficient when it’s warm. The heat has to go somewhere. Radiators are the

Geothermal HVAC

November 1, 2024 0 Comments 0 tags

Geothermal HVAC Geothermal is a dual-purpose system that can provide both heating and cooling. The temperatures of the earth below the surface are relatively consistent year-round. Geothermal systems consist of