The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it comes to your cooling and heating system, regular maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies have a service plan that charges each month to have your system checked and cleaned, or repaired as needed.

It’s also an excellent idea to carry out some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around outdoor units free of debris to promote the proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils in your condenser for your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, you system will struggle to cool and could even fail. Cleaning them is an essential component of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to do. This easy DIY task will eliminate the need for expensive repairs, and save you money on your energy bills and prolong the longevity of your AC unit.

In the beginning, it is essential to cut off the power source to your unit. This can be accomplished by turning off the breaker inside your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will safeguard your electrical components and motors from being flooded during cleaning.

After the power has been shut off it is now time to clear any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This includes sweeping away any leaves, sticks 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 reach into the nooks and crevices and remove any dirt, dust or other debris that may have accumulated.

Next, it is time to clean the coils. Make sure you have some essential tools on hand prior to beginning. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates as well as a pump-up garden sprayer as well as an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the instructions on the label, then rinse with the hose. When washing the coils, it is important to not use too much force as the fins are easily bent.

You should inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, hail or rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other items can damage the coil’s fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins for better airflow and coil performance.

When the fins and coils are in good shape, you can return to your house and start your air conditioning. After approximately 24 hours, you should check the thermostat and make sure that temperatures are normal.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout your home. The air travels from the evaporator coil inside the condenser unit to your home’s vents and registers through a network of ducts. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t cleaned and sealed properly. This can block the air filters and reduces the efficiency of the system and puts strain on your AC unit.

In most instances, cleaning ductwork isn’t an easy job and requires the help of professional equipment and techniques. However, there are some things you can do on a regular basis to make sure your ducts are clean and functioning well. To stop dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, you should change your filter regularly. This also helps to prevent the clogging that can result in a lower efficiency of the system and high energy bills.

Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is a different method to keep your ducts cleaner. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner can remove all the cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time, and assist in improving air flow through the vent. It is also essential to make sure your ducts are properly sealed and insulated to keep out moisture, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.

If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they could collect a variety of pollutants like dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory issues and allergies particularly for children and the elderly. The moisture in ductwork can cause the growth of mold, which releases spores into air and poses health concerns for those suffering from respiratory issues.

It is generally recommended to have your ducts cleaned every three to five years to remove these contaminants and ensure your HVAC system is working efficiently. If your ducts have been sealed properly, and you change your filter regularly it might not be necessary to clean them. The best way to know the truth is to have your ducts tested. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to measure the amount of particulates in your ductwork and will suggest appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on your specific situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an important element of the system. It should be able supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating properly, it can impact your productivity and result in interruption to your equipment. However, preventive maintenance can assist in identifying issues that are minor and prevent unnecessary downtime. Performing these routine checks can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment is in good condition for as long as possible.

A loss of cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem in a compressor. This could be caused by several different causes. A compressor may be working too hard due insufficient airflow. This can cause wear on the bearings and decrease the life of the compressor. A clogged air filter is another common problem. If the filter is clogged it could reduce the airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. It is important to clean or change the filters according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

A blocked filter could cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are worn out and require to be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace pulleys and belts regularly. A loose belt or pulley can slip, causing the compressor to overheat and create other problems. It is recommended to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will help remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will check for leaks in the hoses, as well as an adequate seal around the compressor and pressure sensor.

A puddle of liquid in the vicinity of the compressor could be a sign of leak. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, shut 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’s a problem. A properly maintained thermostat is crucial to the efficient operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items. The most common signs that your thermostat needs an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time the thermostat’s sensors will become dirty. This could cause it to display incorrectly. Regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a separate thermometer can help you avoid these problems and save energy.

A defective sensor or a flawed calibration could cause your system to turn off and on 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. Fortunately, these issues can often be fixed with the simple act of replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breakers.

Check the breakers for both your HVAC equipment and thermostat if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has been tripped, it will require resetting in order for the thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.

Check your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Examine for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat is not too much exposed to sunlight. Examine the fan blades to find evidence of damage or rust. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the near future, and will ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it is possible.

Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent method to cut the cost of energy, maintain comfort and prolong the life of your heating and cooling equipment. By identifying issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker and replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building cool all year round. Make sure that if you have any other issues or aren’t sure the issue make sure to contact a professional.