The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it comes to your cooling and heating system, regular maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan where you pay a low monthly rate to have the system checked, repaired or cleaned as needed.

It is also recommended to perform DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units clear of clutter will help ensure the proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils that make up the condenser of your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool and may even fail. Cleaning them is a crucial component of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to do. This simple DIY task will save you money, prevent costly repairs, and increase the lifespan of your air conditioner.

It is vital to cut off the power source from your unit first. This can be done by turning off the breaker on 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.

Once the power is off, you can begin clearing any large objects that could be blocking the condenser air. This includes cleaning off any sticks, leaves or other debris that has built up around or on the unit. Using a shop vacuum with a crevice attachment is a great option to reach into the nooks and crevices and get rid of dust, dirt or other debris that may have accumulated.

Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before you begin however, ensure that you have on-hand a few key tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates as well as a pump-up garden sprayer, and an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the directions on the label of the product and rinse with the hose. When washing the coils, it is important to not use too much force since the fins are easily bent.

It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time, hail and rocks thrown from lawnmowers or other objects can cause damage to coil fins. If the fins are bent, a low-cost tool known as a fin comb can straighten them for better air flow and to assist in ensuring that the coils operate more efficiently.

Once you have a good coil and fin setup, you can start your air conditioner. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to confirm that the temperatures are in good shape.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout the home. The air is transported from the evaporator inside your condenser unit to your home’s registers and vents through the system ducts. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t maintained and sealed correctly. This can block the air filters which can reduce the effectiveness of your system and strains your AC unit.

Cleaning ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires expert equipment and techniques. There are some things you can do regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and functioning properly. First, you should change your filter regularly to prevent dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts. This can also help prevent clogging, which can result in a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy bills.

Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is an additional 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 aid in improving airflow through the vent. It is also essential to ensure that your ducts are properly sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that aren’t regularly cleaned are likely to be contaminated with a myriad of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of respiratory and allergies particularly for children and the elderly. The moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, which releases spores that are harmful to those suffering from respiratory ailments.

It is generally recommended to have your ducts cleaned every three to five years to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system functions efficiently. If your ducts are well-sealed, and you regularly change your filter it might not be necessary to clean them. The best way to determine the truth is to have your ducts examined. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA can use specific testing methods to determine the amount of particulates found in your ductwork. They will then suggest cleaning schedules that are suitable for your situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It has to be able to deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning as it should and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and cause downtime for your equipment. Preventive maintenance can help identify minor issues early, preventing excessive downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by keeping your equipment in the best condition possible.

A reduction in cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem with a compressor. This can be caused by several different reasons. A compressor may be working too hard due to inadequate airflow. This could cause bearings to wear down and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another frequent problem. If the filter is clogged it could reduce the airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. To avoid this, it is essential to clean or replace the filters regularly based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.

A blocked filter can cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings need to be changed. It is recommended to replace pulleys and belts on a regular basis. A belt or pulley that is loose can cause slippage and cause compressor overheating and other issues. It is recommended to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will help remove moisture that can corrode the motor and other components. A professional service team can also examine for air leaks within the hoses, and ensure a tight seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.

Finally, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor can be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This is a potentially dangerous problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect a leak, turn off the air compressor. Consult 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 vital to the smooth operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items. Common indicators that your thermostat is in need of a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time the sensors on your thermostat will become dirty. This could cause it to display inaccurately. 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 wrong calibration, could cause your system to turn off and on constantly. This is referred to as short cycling. This can affect your comfort, and cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be resolved with simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting its breaker.

Check the breakers for both your thermostat and HVAC equipment if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, you will need to reset it in order for your thermostat to communicate again with the system.

Check your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Find signs of dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Examine the fan blades to find signs of damage and rust. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future, and help ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it can.

The simple maintenance of hvac systems on your commercial property is a great way to reduce 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 then replacing your batteries. Make sure that if you have any other issues or are unsure of the issue, always call in a professional.