The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance is crucial when it is concerned with HVAC and cooling systems. It can help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan that charges an annual fee to have the system inspected and cleaned, or repaired as required.

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

Clean the Condenser

The coils of your air conditioner condenser are at the heart the cooling process. If they’re dirty your system is likely to struggle to cool and could even fail. Cleaning them is an essential component of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to accomplish. This easy 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.

First and foremost, it is crucial to shut off the power to your unit. This can be done by turning off the breaker inside your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your electrical components and motors from being oversaturated during cleaning.

After the power is off, you can start taking down any large debris that could be blocking the condenser air. This includes taking away any leaves, sticks or other debris that have built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum that has crevice tools is a great tool to get into the nooks and crannies, and loosen dust or dirt that has been accumulating.

Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before doing this however, ensure that you have on-hand several essential tools. These include a coil cleaner concentrate and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label, and then rinse it off using a hose. When washing the coils it is important to not use excessive force since the fins are easily bent.

After the coils have been cleaned, inspect them for any signs of damage. Over time, hail and rocks dropped by lawnmowers or other items can damage coil fins. If the fins are bent, a low-cost tool known as a fin comb can straighten them to improve air flow and also to assist in ensuring that the coils operate more efficiently.

Once you have a good coil and fin set up, you can switch on your air conditioner. After around 24 hours, you should check the thermostat and make sure that the temperatures are in line with normal.

Cleaning the Ductwork

Your HVAC system works by bringing air in from outside, cooling it and distributing it throughout the home. The air travels from the evaporator coil inside your condenser unit to your home’s vents and registers through a duct system. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t cleaned and sealed properly. This can clog the air filters which reduces the efficiency of your system and burdens your AC unit.

In most instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy task and requires the help of professional equipment and methods. However, there are a few things you can do on a regular basis to ensure your ducts stay in good condition and function properly. To stop dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts, change your filter on a regular basis. This can also help stop the clogging that could result in a lower efficiency of the system and higher energy costs.

Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is an additional method to keep your ducts clean. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will get rid of all the cobwebs, crumbs and other debris that have built up over time. This will improve airflow through the vent. It’s also important to ensure that your ducts are properly sealed and insulated to keep out moisture which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that are not cleaned on a regular basis can become loaded with a wide variety of contaminants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory and allergy conditions especially in the elderly and children. The moisture can cause mold to develop in the ductwork, releasing spores that are harmful to people suffering from respiratory issues.

It is recommended that you clean your ducts once every three to five years to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. However If your ducts are sealed and you change your filters regularly, duct cleaning may not be necessary at all. The best way to know for sure is by having your ducts examined. A licensed contractor can employ special testing methods to gauge the amount of particulates within your ductwork, and will recommend the suitable cleaning schedules based upon your specific situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an important element of the system. It must function correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating in the way it should, it can affect your productivity and lead to downtime for your equipment. Regular maintenance can help you identify small issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. Regularly checking your unit can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment is in good working order for as long as it is possible.

A common indication of a problem with a compressor is a reduction in cooling capacity, but this could be caused by a number of different factors. One possibility is that the compressor may be overworking because of poor airflow. This could cause bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. Another common problem is a clogged filter. Filters that have become blocked can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To avoid this, it is crucial to clean or change the filters regularly based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.

A blocked filter can cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings need to be changed. It is also a good idea to replace belts and pulleys on a regular basis. A loose belt or pulley can slip, causing the compressor to overheat, causing other problems. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor regularly. This will remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will examine for leaks in hoses, and a tight seal on the pressure sensor and compressor.

A puddle of liquid in the vicinity of the compressor could be an indication of an issue. This is a risky issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor. Contact a professional.

Check the Thermostat

It’s not too surprising that technicians will always examine the thermostat first if there’s an issue. A well-maintained thermostat is essential for the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most neglected maintenance items. Check your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time, the thermostat’s sensors may get dirty. This could cause it to display in a wrong manner. Regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with a separate thermometer will help you avoid these problems and save energy.

A faulty sensor, or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to cycle on and off constantly. This is referred to as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be resolved with the simple act of replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breaker.

Check the breakers for your HVAC and thermostat in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has been tripped, it will need to be reset in order for the thermostat to connect with the system.

It’s also important to check your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Look for evidence of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to sunlight. Lastly, the fan blades need to be examined for any signs of rust or damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as it possibly can.

The simple maintenance of hvac systems on your commercial building is a great way to reduce energy consumption, ensure comfort and extend the longevity of your heating and cooling equipment. You can ensure that your building stays cool throughout the year by identifying any issues with your thermostat, resetting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Remember to call a professional if you are having any other problems or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system.