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. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan where you pay a low monthly rate to have your system checked, fixed or cleaned if necessary.

It is also recommended to perform DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around outdoor units free of clutter will help ensure the proper flow of air.

Clean the Condenser

The coils that make up 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 could even fail. Cleaning them is a crucial component of HVAC maintenance. It’s also fairly easy to do. This simple DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs and prolong the life of your air conditioner.

It is crucial to disconnect power from your unit before you disconnect it. You can do this by turning off the breaker at the electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will stop your motors and other electrical components from being oversaturated when cleaning.

Once the power is off, you can start clearing any large debris that may be blocking the condenser air. This includes sweeping up any leaves, sticks or other debris that have accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum that has a crevice tool is a great tool to get into the nooks, crannies and remove dust or dirt that has been accumulating.

The next step is to clean the coils. Be sure to have some essential tools on hand before you begin. This will include a concentrate of the coil cleaner, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label, and then rinse it off with the hose. When washing the coils, it is important to not use too much force as the fins are easily bent.

After the coils have been cleaned, you should look them over for any signs of damage. Over time, hail and rocks that are thrown by lawnmowers and other items can damage coil fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool known as 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 If you are satisfied with the condition of your fins and coils, return to your house and turn on your air conditioner. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to confirm that the temperatures are in good shape.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring air in from outside, cooling it and distributing it throughout your home. The air is transported from the evaporator of your condenser unit to your home’s registers and vents via the system duct. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other contaminants when they aren’t cleaned and sealed properly. This causes air filters to become blocked and reduces the efficiency of your system and puts strain on your AC unit.

Cleaning the ductwork is a challenging task that requires professional equipment and techniques. But, there are things you can do on a regular basis to ensure your ducts remain clean and well-functioning. First, make sure you change your filter on a regular basis to prevent dust and allergens from accumulating up in the ducts. This will also help to keep the clogs from occurring which can lead to reduced system efficiency and higher energy costs.

Another way to keep your ducts clean is by regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will get rid of all the cobwebs, crumbs and other debris that have accumulated over time. This will improve airflow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts are sealed tightly and are protected from moisture entering, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.

If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they could accumulate a variety of contaminants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of allergies and respiratory conditions, especially in children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, releasing microbes that can harm those with respiratory problems.

It is recommended to clean your ducts every three to five year to get rid of these toxins and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are well-sealed and you change your filters regularly the cleaning of your ducts may not be required at all. The best way to be able to tell for certain is to have your ducts tested. A contractor that is certified by the EPA can use specific testing methods to determine the amount of particulates found 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 has to function properly to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating in the way it should, this can impact the efficiency of your business and lead to downtime for equipment. Preventive maintenance can help spot minor issues earlier, avoiding unnecessary downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by keeping your equipment in the best condition possible.

A decrease in cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem with a compressor. It could be caused by a variety of factors. One possibility is that a compressor may be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can wear out the bearings and diminish the life of the compressor. A clogged air filter is a different problem. Filters that are blocked can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this, it is crucial to clean or replace the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.

In addition, a clogged filter could create a rattling sound inside the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings are worn out and must be replaced. It is recommended to replace belts and pulleys regularly. A belt or pulley that is loose can slip and lead to compressor overheating and other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor regularly. This will remove the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also look for leaks in the hoses, and a tight seal on the compressor and pressure sensor.

A puddle of liquid near the compressor could be an indicator of an issue. This is a risky issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor. Get a professional to assist you.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat acts like the head of your entire HVAC system, so it’s not a surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will check when trouble arises. It’s also among the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, but a properly maintained thermostat is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Check your thermostat if you notice incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time the sensors on your thermostat will become dirty. This can cause it to display incorrectly. You can avoid this issue by checking the accuracy of your thermostat with an additional thermometer.

A faulty sensor, or a flawed calibration could cause your system to turn off and on continuously. This is referred to as short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. These issues can be resolved by simply replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breaker.

If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way It’s recommended to examine the breakers that control the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker tripped it, you’ll need to reset it to allow your thermostat to communicate again with the system.

Check 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. Examine the fan blades for evidence of damage or rust. These simple checks can help avoid costly repairs in the near future, and ensure your equipment is running as smoothly as it is possible.

Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial building is a great way to reduce energy consumption, ensure comfort, and extend the lifespan 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 cool all year. Just remember that if you have any other issues, or are unsure about what’s wrong with your system make sure to contact an expert.