The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance is key when it is concerned with cooling and heating systems. It will allow you to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies have a maintenance plan where you pay a monthly fee to have your system checked and cleaned, or repaired as needed.

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 any debris will ensure 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 are dirty, your system will be unable to cool properly and may even break down. Cleaning them is a vital aspect of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to accomplish. This simple DIY task can avoid the need for expensive repairs, save you money on your energy bills and extend the longevity of your AC unit.

It is vital to cut off power from your unit first. This can be accomplished by shutting off the breaker inside the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated when cleaning.

When the power is turned off it is now time to remove any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This will include taking away any sticks, leaves, or other debris that have been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum that has crevice tools is a great way to reach into the nooks and crannies and remove dust or dirt that has built up.

The coils require to be cleaned. Make sure you have the necessary tools on hand prior to beginning. These will include a concentrate of the coil cleaner and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the label, and then rinse with the water hose. It is crucial not to apply too much pressure when washing the coils, as the fins can easily be bent.

You should inspect the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time, the impact of hail and stones dropped by lawnmowers or other items could damage the coil fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool called a fin comb can straighten them for better air flow and help the coils function more effectively.

When the fins and coils are in good condition Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the fins and coils, you can return to your home and start your air conditioner. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to make sure the temperatures are in good shape.

Cleaning the Ductwork

Your HVAC system works to bring outside air into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout the home. The air is moved from the evaporator coil inside your condenser unit and then to your house’s vents and registers through a system of ducts. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t cleaned and sealed correctly. This can block the air filters, which decreases the effectiveness of your system and burdens your AC unit.

In the majority of instances, cleaning ductwork isn’t an easy job and requires the help of professional equipment and methods. There are some things you can do to keep your ducts clean and functioning properly. To avoid dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, it is recommended to change your filter on a regular basis. This can also help stop clogging, which could result in a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy bills.

Another way to keep your ducts tidy is to regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will take away all traces of dust, crumbs and other debris that have been accumulating over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. It is also essential to make sure your ducts are sealed and insulated to keep out moisture, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that are not cleaned on a regular basis can become loaded with a wide variety of contaminants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can trigger allergies and respiratory conditions, especially in children and the elderly. In addition, moisture in ductwork may lead to the growth of mold which releases spores into air and can cause health issues for those suffering from respiratory problems.

It is recommended to clean your ductwork every three to five year to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. If your ducts are sealed well and you change your filter regularly it might not be necessary to clean them. You can only be certain by having your ducts checked. A contractor accredited by the EPA will use special testing methods in order to measure the amount particulates that are 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 component of the system. It should be able supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating properly it could affect your productivity and result in equipment downtime. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to assist in identifying issues that are minor and help avoid prolonged downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by ensuring that your equipment as efficient as possible.

A common indication of a problem with a compressor is a reduction in cooling capacity, although this could be due to a number of different factors. A compressor may be operating too hard due to inadequate airflow. This can cause wear on the bearings and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another common issue is a blocked filter. If the filter has become clogged, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. To prevent this, it is crucial to clean or change the filters frequently, according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

In addition, a clogged filter may also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are worn out and require to be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A loose pulley or belt can slip and lead to compressor overheating and other issues. It is also a good idea to drain your compressor on a regular basis. This will remove the accumulated moisture that can corrode the motor and other components. A professional service team can check for air leaks in the hoses as well as a tight seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.

Finally, a small puddle of water around the compressor could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This could be a dangerous problem that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, switch off the air compressor and contact a professional.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat is kind of like the boss of your entire HVAC system, and it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will look at when trouble occurs. It’s also among the most often neglected maintenance items, yet maintaining your thermostat properly is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Check your thermostat if observe inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which can cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. Regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with a separate thermometer will aid in avoiding these issues and conserve energy.

A malfunctioning sensor or calibration may cause your system to keep turning on and off that is known as short cycling. This can affect your comfort, and cause unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately this can be fixed with simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breakers.

If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat at all, it’s an excellent idea to look at the breakers that control both the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, it will require resetting to allow the thermostat to communicate with the system.

It is also essential to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Check for dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat isn’t excessively exposed to the sun. Examine the fan blades to find evidence of damage or rust. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it can.

Basic HVAC maintenance is a great strategy to cut down on energy costs and ensure comfort in your commercial building. It can also prolong the lifespan of cooling and heating equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and replacing the batteries and fuses, you’ll be able keep your building warm all year. Be sure to call a professional if you are experiencing any other issues or aren’t sure what’s the issue with your system.