The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it is about your cooling and heating system, regular maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan that charges an annual fee to have the system inspected, repaired or cleaned as required.

It’s also a good idea to perform some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units free of clutter to allow for the proper flow of air.

Clean the Condenser

The coils in the condenser of your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, you system will struggle to cool and may even breakdown. Cleaning them is an important aspect of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to do. This simple DIY task will eliminate the need for costly repairs, and save you money on your energy bills and extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.

It is vital to cut off the power source from your unit first. You can do this by turning off the breaker at your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will stop your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated when cleaning.

After the power has been shut off, you can begin to clear any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This means taking away any sticks, leaves or other debris that have built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice tools is a great way to reach into the nooks and crannies, and loosen dirt or dust that has accumulated.

The coils need to be cleaned. Make sure you have the necessary tools in your arsenal before you start. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate as well as a pump-up garden sprayer, and an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the instructions on the label, and then rinse with the hose. It is crucial not to apply too much pressure when washing the coils, as the fins can easily be bent.

After the coils have been cleaned, inspect them for any indications of damage. Over time, the impact of hail and stones thrown from lawnmowers or other items can damage coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins for better airflow and performance of the coil.

Once the coils and fins are in good shape Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the fins and coils, you can return to your home and start your air conditioning. After about 24 hours, you should check the thermostat and ensure that the temperatures are in line with normal.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside into your home, cool it, and then distribute it throughout the house. The air travels from the evaporator coil of your 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 maintained and sealed correctly. This can clog the air filters which can reduce the efficiency of your system and can strain your AC unit.

In most cases, cleaning the ductwork is not an easy job and requires the help of professional equipment and methods. However, there are some things you can do on a regular basis to make sure your ducts stay clean and well-functioning. First, make sure you change your filter regularly to keep dust and allergens out of building into the ducts. This also helps to stop the clogging that could result in a lower efficiency of the system and high energy bills.

Another way to keep your ducts tidy is to regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. Utilizing the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time, and will aid in improving airflow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts have been sealed well and are insulated to prevent moisture from entering, which can result in mold and other biological contaminants.

If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they can build up a myriad of contaminants like dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory conditions, especially for older people and children. The moisture in ductwork can result in the growth of mold, which releases spores in the air and poses health risks for those with respiratory issues.

It is recommended that you clean your ducts every three to five year to remove these contaminants and ensure that your HVAC system is functioning efficiently. However If your ducts are sealed properly and you change your filters regularly it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be required at all. The best way to be able to tell for certain is to have your ducts tested. A contractor accredited by the EPA can employ specific testing methods to measure the amount particulates found in your ductwork. They will then recommend cleaning schedules that are suitable for your particular situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an essential component of the system. It should be able provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning in the way it should, this can affect the efficiency of your business and lead to delays for your equipment. Preventive maintenance can help identify small issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by keeping your unit as good as possible.

A loss of cooling capacity is a common indication of a problem with a compressor. It could be caused by a variety of factors. One possibility is that the compressor may be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This can wear out the bearings and reduce the life of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a clogged filter. If the filter is blocked it could reduce the airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. It is crucial to change or clean the filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

A clogged filter may also cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are wearing out and need to be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace pulleys and belts on a regular basis. A worn-out belt or pulley could cause the compressor to overheat and cause other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will remove the accumulated moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also examine for air leaks within the hoses and a tight seal between the compressor and pressure switch.

A pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor could be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This could be a dangerous 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 is kind of like the boss of your entire HVAC system, so it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing a technician will check when trouble arises. A properly maintained thermostat is vital to the efficient operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most overlooked maintenance items. Common indicators that your thermostat requires an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

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

A faulty sensor, or a flawed calibration could cause your system to cycle on and off in a continuous manner. This is referred to as short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort, and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. This issue can be solved by replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.

If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way, it’s a good idea to check the breakers that control the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker tripped, you will need to reset it to allow your thermostat to communicate again with the system.

Check your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Find indications of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Finally, the fan blades need to be examined for indications of rust or damage. These simple checks will help prevent costly repairs in the near future, and help ensure that your equipment is operating as smoothly as possible.

Basic maintenance of hvac is a great strategy to save energy and ensure comfort in your commercial building. It can also prolong the life of cooling and heating equipment. It is possible to keep your building at all times comfortable by identifying problems with your thermostat, setting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Remember to call an expert if you’re experiencing any other issues or unsure of what is the issue with your system.