The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it is about your cooling and heating system, routine maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that charges a low monthly rate to have the system checked, repaired or cleaned if needed.

You should also perform some DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around the outdoor units free of any debris will ensure proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils of the condenser of your air conditioner are at the heart the cooling process. If they are dirty, you system will struggle to cool and may even breakdown. This is why cleaning them is a crucial component of HVAC maintenance. Fortunately, it is also relatively simple to complete. This simple DIY task can prevent the need for expensive repairs, save you money on your energy bills and extend the life of your air conditioning unit.

It is crucial to disconnect power from your unit first. This can be accomplished by shutting off the breaker in the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will safeguard your electrical components and motors from being over-saturated when cleaning.

After the power is off, you can begin taking down any large debris that could be blocking the condenser’s air. This means sweeping away any sticks, leaves or other debris that has been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum with a crevice tool is a great tool to get into the crevices, nooks and remove dirt or dust that has been accumulating.

The coils require to be cleaned. Be sure to have a few essential tools on hand prior to beginning. These include a coil cleaner concentrate, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on in accordance with the directions on the product label and then rinse using the hose. When washing the coils it is important not to apply too much force since the fins can be bent easily.

After the coils have been cleaned, inspect them for any signs of damage. Over time, hail and rocks dropped by lawnmowers or other objects can cause damage to coil fins. If the fins are bent, a cost-effective tool called a fin comb can straighten them for better air flow and aid in the operation of the coils more effectively.

Once you have a good coil and fin setup and you are ready to turn on your air conditioner. After around 24 hours, you should check the thermostat and ensure that the temperatures are in line with normal.

Cleaning the Ductwork

Your HVAC system works to bring air from outside into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout your house. The air travels from the evaporator coil of the condenser unit to your home’s vents and registers through a system of ducts. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they may become clogged with dirt and other contaminates. This causes air filters to become blocked which reduces the efficiency of your system and strains your AC unit.

In most cases, cleaning the ductwork isn’t an easy task and requires professional equipment and techniques. There are a few actions you can take regularly to keep your ducts clean and functioning properly. To stop dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, you should change your filter frequently. This can also help stop clogging, which could lead to a reduced system efficiency and higher energy costs.

Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is another way to keep your ducts in good shape. Utilizing the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all the cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time, and will assist in improving air flow through the vent. It’s also important to ensure that your ducts are properly sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that have not been cleaned on a regular basis can become loaded with a wide variety of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of respiratory and allergies, especially for children and the elderly. In addition, moisture in ductwork may result in the growth of mold, which releases spores into air and poses health risks for those with respiratory issues.

It is recommended that you clean your ducts every three to five year to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However, if your ducts are sealed properly and you clean your filters frequently it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be required at all. You can only be certain that your ducts are in good condition by having them checked. A licensed contractor can employ specific testing methods to determine the amount of dust particles in your ductwork, and will recommend the appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on your particular situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a critical element of the system. It has to function properly to deliver cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working properly, it can impact your productivity and result in downtime for equipment. Preventive maintenance can help spot minor issues earlier, avoiding excessive downtime. Conducting these regular checks can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment is in good shape for as long as is possible.

A typical sign of a compressor problem is a reduction in cooling capacity, although this could be caused by many different causes. One possibility is that the compressor may be working too hard due to poor airflow. This could wear out the bearings and decrease the life of the compressor. A blocked air filter is a different issue. If the filter is clogged, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. To prevent this from happening, it is important to clean or change the filters frequently, according to the recommendations of the manufacturer.

A clogged filter may also cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are wearing out and need to be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A belt or pulley that is loose can slip and lead to compressor overheating and other problems. It is recommended to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can also examine for air leaks within the hoses and an adequate seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.

Lastly, a small puddle of water around the compressor can be an indication of a refrigerant leak. 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. Consult a professional.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat acts like the head of your HVAC system, so it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will inspect when a problem arises. It’s also one of the most often neglected maintenance items, but maintaining your thermostat properly is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Common indicators that your thermostat needs periodic inspections include incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which can cause the device to display incorrectly. You can avoid this issue by ensuring the accuracy of your thermostat by using a a separate thermometer.

A faulty sensor or calibration could cause your system to keep switching on and off this is known as short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort and result in excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately the majority of these issues can be corrected by the simple act of replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting its 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 reconnect with the system.

Check your thermostat for indications of wear and damage. Examine for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat isn’t excessively exposed to the sun. Finally, the fan blades must be inspected for signs of rust or damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as possible.

Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent method to cut energy costs, maintain comfort, and extend the longevity of your heating and cooling equipment. It is possible to keep your building at all times comfortable by identifying problems with your thermostat, setting your breaker and changing your batteries. Just remember that in case you experience any other issues, or are unsure of the issue you should always consult an expert.