The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it concerns your cooling and heating system, regular maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies have a service plan where you pay a monthly fee to have the system checked and cleaned or repaired when required.

It’s also recommended to do a few DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the space around outdoor units free of debris to promote the proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils in the condenser of your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool properly and may even break down. This is why cleaning them is an essential part of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to complete. This easy DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the life span of your air cooling.

First and foremost, it is important to disconnect the power to your unit. This can be accomplished by shutting 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 getting overloaded during cleaning.

When the power is turned off it is now time to clean up any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This means sweeping up any leaves, sticks, or other debris that have accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum with a crevice tool is a great tool to get into the nooks and crannies, and loosen dust or dirt that has been accumulating.

The coils require to be cleaned. Make sure you have the necessary tools in your arsenal before you start. These include a coil cleaner concentrate, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label, then rinse with a garden hose. It is important not to use excessive pressure when washing the coils, because the fins may be bent.

It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, hail and rocks dropped by lawnmowers or other objects can cause damage to coil fins. Fin combs are a great way to straighten bent fins for better airflow and performance of the coil.

Once the coils and fins are in good shape, you can return to your house and start your air conditioning. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to ensure temperatures are within the normal range.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system works by bringing air from outside, cooling it and then distributing it throughout your home. Air is transported from the evaporator inside the condenser to your home’s registers and vents via a system of ducts. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t maintained and sealed properly. This can block the air filters which can reduce the effectiveness of your system as well as burdens your AC unit.

In most instances, cleaning ductwork isn’t an easy task and requires the help of professional equipment and techniques. However, there are some things you can do on a regular basis to ensure your ducts stay in good condition and function properly. To stop dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts, it is recommended to change your filter on a regular basis. This can also help keep clogs from occurring, which could result in a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy bills.

Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is a different way to keep your ducts in good shape. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all the cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time and help to improve airflow through the vent. It is also essential to ensure that your ducts are sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that aren’t cleaned on a regular basis are likely to be contaminated with a variety of pollutants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of allergies and respiratory conditions, especially for older people and children. The moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, releasing microbes that can harm those suffering from respiratory ailments.

It is recommended to clean your ducts every three to five year to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are well-sealed and you change your filters regularly, duct cleaning may not be necessary at all. The best way to determine for certain is to have your ducts examined. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to measure the amount of particulates within your ductwork, and will suggest suitable cleaning schedules based upon your particular situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an important element of the system. It must be able to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working properly it could affect your productivity and lead to the equipment to shut down. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can help catch minor issues early and prevent unnecessary downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by making sure that your equipment as efficient as possible.

A typical sign of a compressor problem is a decrease in cooling capacity, however this could be caused by a number of different factors. One possibility is that a compressor may be overworking because of poor airflow. This can wear out the bearings and decrease the lifespan of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a clogged filter. Filters that have become blocked can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is crucial to clean or replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

A blocked filter could cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings must be replaced. It is recommended to replace belts and pulleys regularly. A pulley or belt that is loose can cause the compressor to overheat, causing other problems. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will get rid of the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will look for leaks in the pipes, and ensure a tight seal on the compressor and pressure sensor.

Lastly, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor can be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This is a potentially dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect a leak, turn off the air compressor. Consult a professional.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat is kind of like the head of your HVAC system, so it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing that a technician will inspect when a problem occurs. A properly maintained thermostat is vital to the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most neglected maintenance items. Common signs that your thermostat needs an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors can become dirty over time, which may cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. Regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a separate thermometer can aid in avoiding these issues and save energy.

A faulty sensor, or a flawed calibration could cause your system to cycle on and off in a continuous manner. This is known as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort as well as cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. These issues can be resolved by replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.

If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat at all it’s a good idea to check the breakers that control the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll need to be reset to allow the thermostat to communicate with the system again.

It’s also important to check your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Check for dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to the sun. Lastly, the fan blades should be checked for any signs of damage or rust. These simple checks can prevent expensive repairs in the future, and ensure your equipment is operating as smoothly as possible.

Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent way to cut down on the cost of energy, maintain comfort, and extend the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building warm all year round. Just remember that in case you experience any other issues, or are unsure about what’s wrong with your system you should always consult a professional.