The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it concerns your cooling and heating system, routine maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan that you pay the monthly cost to get the system checked, repaired or cleaned when necessary.

It is also recommended to perform DIY maintenance throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around outdoor units free of debris to promote proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils inside your air conditioner’s condenser are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty your system is likely to struggle to cool and may even break down. Cleaning them is a crucial component of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to complete. This easy DIY task will eliminate the need for expensive repairs, and save you money on your energy bills and extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.

It is essential to disconnect the power source from your unit first. This can be accomplished by turning off the breaker inside the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will stop your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded while cleaning.

Once the power has been turned off, you can start clearing any large objects that could be hindering the air condenser. This includes cleaning up any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has accumulated on or around the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has a crevice attachment is a great method to get into the crevices and nooks and remove any dust, dirt or other debris that has accumulated.

The coils require to be cleaned. Make sure you have a few essential tools on hand prior to beginning. These include a concentrate of the coil cleaner, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the product’s label and rinse with the hose. It is essential not to apply excessive pressure when washing the coils since the fins could easily be bent.

After the coils have been cleaned, look them over for any indications of damage. Over time hail and stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other things can harm the coil’s fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins to ensure improved airflow and coil performance.

After you have a proper coil and fin set up, you can switch on your air conditioner. After around 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat and make sure that the temperature is normal.

Cleaning the Ductwork

Your HVAC system works by bringing air in from outside, cooling it and distributing it throughout your home. Air is transported from the evaporator in the condenser to your home’s registers and vents via the system duct. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they may become clogged with dust and other contaminants. This clogs the air filters which reduces system efficiency and strains your AC unit.

In most instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy task that requires the help of professional equipment and methods. But, there are actions you can take regularly to ensure your ducts stay clean and well-functioning. First, change your filter regularly to prevent dust and allergens from building up in the ducts. This also helps to prevent the clogging that can lead to reduced system efficiency and a high energy bill.

Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is an additional way to keep your ducts in good shape. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner can remove all of the dust and crumbs that build up over time and aid in improving airflow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts have been sealed tightly and are insulated to prevent moisture from entering, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that have not been regularly cleaned can be filled with a myriad of contaminants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can trigger allergies and respiratory conditions, especially for children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to grow in ductwork, which releases the spores that can be harmful to people suffering from respiratory issues.

It is recommended that you clean your ductwork every three to five years to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are sealed and you change your filters regularly it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be necessary at all. The best way to know the truth is to have your ducts tested. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA can employ special testing techniques to measure the amount particulates present in your ductwork. They will then recommend cleaning schedules that are suitable for your specific situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It must function correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating properly, it could affect your productivity and result in downtime for equipment. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues earlier, avoiding unnecessary downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by keeping your equipment in the best condition possible.

A common sign of a compressor problem is a reduction in cooling capacity, although it could be caused by many different causes. A compressor may be operating too hard due to poor airflow. This could cause bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. A clogged air filter is a different issue. If the filter is blocked, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. It is important to clean or change the filters according to manufacturer’s guidelines.

A blocked filter can cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings need to be changed. It is also a good idea to replace pulleys and belts on a regular basis. A belt or pulley that is loose can cause slippage and cause compressor overheating and other problems. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will help remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can also look for air leaks in the hoses and an adequate seal between the compressor and pressure switch.

Lastly, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor can be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This can be a dangerous problem and needs to be fixed right away. If you suspect there is a leak, turn off the air compressor and call a professional.

Check the Thermostat

It’s not too surprising that a technician will always look at the thermostat first when there is an issue. It’s also among the most often neglected maintenance items, but an appropriately maintained thermostat is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Common indicators that your thermostat needs a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time, the sensors on your thermostat can 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 with a separate thermometer.

A faulty sensor or calibration may lead to your system continuously turning on and off that is known as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort as well as cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be resolved with the simple act of replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.

Check the breakers for both your HVAC equipment and thermostat in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll require resetting to allow the thermostat to connect with the system.

Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Look for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat isn’t too much exposed to sunlight. The fan blades need to be examined for signs of rust or damage. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as it possibly can.

Basic HVAC maintenance is a great method to reduce energy costs and ensure comfort in your commercial space. It can also prolong the lifespan of cooling and heating equipment. By identifying issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building cool all year round. Just remember that should you encounter any other issues or are unsure of what’s wrong with your system, always call in a professional.

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