The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance is key when it comes to heating and cooling systems. It can help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that you pay a low monthly rate to have your system checked, fixed or cleaned as necessary.

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 clear of debris will promote the proper flow of air.

Clean the Condenser

The coils of the condenser of your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty the system will be unable to cool properly and could even fail. This is why cleaning them is a crucial component of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, fairly easy to do. This simple DIY task will save you money, prevent expensive repairs and extend the lifespan of your air cooling.

First and foremost, it is crucial to shut off the power supply to your unit. You can do this by turning off the breaker in the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated while cleaning.

After the power has been shut off and you are able to clear any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This includes sweeping off any sticks, leaves or other debris that have been accumulating on or around the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has a crevice attachment is a great way to get into the crevices and nooks and remove any dirt, dust or other debris that may have accumulated.

The coils must be cleaned. Before doing this however, ensure you have some essential tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates as well as a pump-up garden sprayer as well as a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the instructions on the label, then rinse it off using a garden hose. It is essential not to apply too much pressure when washing the coils, since the fins could easily be bent.

You should examine the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time hail and stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other objects can cause damage to the coil’s fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins to ensure improved airflow and coil performance.

When you have a great coil and fin setup then you can start your air conditioner. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to ensure temperatures are normal.

Cleaning the Ductwork

Your HVAC system works by bringing air from outside, cooling it and then distributing it throughout your home. Air is moved from the evaporator of the condenser to your home’s registers and vents via the system ducts. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they could become clogged with dirt and other contaminates. This can block the air filters, which decreases the efficiency of your system and burdens your AC unit.

In most instances, cleaning ductwork isn’t an easy task that requires professional equipment and techniques. There are some things you can do to keep your ducts tidy and functioning properly. To avoid dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, change your filter on a regular basis. This will also help to stop the clogging that could result in a lower efficiency of the system and higher energy costs.

Cleaning the area around the vent openings is another method to keep your ducts in good shape. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will take away all the crumbs, cobwebs and other messes that have accumulated over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. It’s also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that are not cleaned on a regular basis can be filled with a myriad of contaminants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate allergies and respiratory conditions, especially for older people and children. Moisture can also cause mold to develop in the ductwork, which releases spores that are harmful to those suffering from respiratory ailments.

It is recommended to clean your ducts every three to five years to get rid of these toxins and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are sealed properly and you change your filters regularly the cleaning of your ducts may not be necessary at all. The best way to be able to tell the truth is to have your ducts examined. A licensed contractor can employ special testing methods to measure the amount of particles in your ductwork and can recommend appropriate cleaning schedules based on your specific situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a critical element of the system. It has to function correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning as it should, it can affect your productivity and result in downtime for your equipment. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. Performing these routine checks can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment is in good shape for as long as possible.

A loss of cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem in a compressor. This can be caused by a variety of reasons. A compressor may be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can cause the bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. Another common problem is a blocked filter. If the filter is clogged it could reduce the airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. To prevent this, it is important to clean or replace the filters frequently, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

In addition, a clogged filter may create a rattling sound inside the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings must be changed. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A loose pulley or belt can cause slippage and cause compressor overheating and other problems. It is also a good idea to drain your compressor frequently. This will help remove moisture that can corrode the motor and other components. A professional service team will also examine for leaks in hoses, and an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.

Lastly, a small puddle of water around the compressor could be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This is a risky problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the air compressor. Get a professional to assist you.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat is kind of like the head of your HVAC system, and it’s not a surprise that it’s the first thing that a technician will look at when trouble arises. A properly maintained thermostat is vital to the efficient operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most frequently neglected maintenance items. Examine your thermostat if you notice incorrect temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

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

A defective sensor or a faulty calibration can cause your system to turn off and on constantly. This is called short cycling. This can negatively impact your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. The problem can be fixed by replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.

Check the breakers for both your HVAC and thermostat if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped it, you’ll need to reset it to allow your thermostat to reconnect with the system.

It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Look for signs of dirt or dust, and make sure the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Examine the fan blades to find signs of damage and rust. These simple checks will help prevent expensive repairs in the future, and will ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it can.

Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent method to cut energy costs, maintain comfort and extend the life of your cooling and heating equipment. You can keep your building comfortable throughout the year by identifying issues with your thermostat, resetting your breaker and changing your batteries. Make sure to contact a professional if you are having other issues or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system.