The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance is crucial when it comes to HVAC and cooling systems. It will help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan where you pay the monthly cost to have the system checked, fixed or cleaned if necessary.

You should also carry out some DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units clear of debris will promote the proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils that make up your air conditioner’s condenser are the heart of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system is likely to struggle to cool and may even fail to function properly. Cleaning them is an important part of HVAC maintenance. It’s also quite simple to do. This easy DIY task can avoid the need for expensive repairs, and save you money on your energy bills and extend the longevity of your AC unit.

It is vital to cut off power from your unit first. This can be done by turning off the breaker at your electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your electrical components and motors from being over-saturated during cleaning.

When the power is turned off it is now time to remove any large debris obstructing the air condenser unit. This includes cleaning up any leaves, sticks, or other debris that have been accumulating around or on 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, though, make sure you have some essential tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates as well as a pump-up garden sprayer, and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the instructions on the label, then rinse it off with a hose. When washing the coils it is important to not use too much force since the fins can be bent easily.

You should inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, hail, stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other items can damage the 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 help the coils function more effectively.

After you have a proper coil and fin set up then you can start your air conditioner. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to make sure temperatures are normal.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system works to bring air from outside into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout the house. The air is moved from the evaporator coil of your condenser unit to your home’s vents and registers through a duct system. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other contaminants if they are not cleaned and sealed properly. This clogs the air filters and reduces the efficiency of your system and strains your AC unit.

Cleaning the ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires expert equipment and methods. However, there are a few things you can do on a regular basis to make sure your ducts remain clean and well-functioning. First, change your filter on a regular basis to prevent dust and allergens from building in the ducts. This also helps to prevent the clogging that can lead to reduced system efficiency and high energy bills.

Another method to keep your ducts clean is to regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. Utilizing the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner can remove all cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time, and assist in improving air flow through the vent. It’s also important to ensure that your ducts are 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 pollutants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory and allergy conditions especially for children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to grow in ductwork, which releases microbes that can harm people suffering from respiratory issues.

It is generally recommended that you have your ducts cleaned every three to five years to remove these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is operating efficiently. If your ducts have been well-sealed, and you change your filter regularly, it may not be necessary to clean them. The best way to know for sure is by having your ducts examined. A contractor accredited by the EPA can employ special testing techniques to determine the amount of particles that are present in your ductwork. They can then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your particular situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a crucial component of the system. It must function correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning in the way it should, this could affect your productivity and result in delays for your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to aid in identifying minor issues early and avoid excessive downtime. Conducting these regular checks can also save you money by keeping your unit in good condition for as long as possible.

A common indication of a problem with a compressor is a loss in cooling capacity, but this could be caused by many different causes. One possibility is that the compressor may be overworking because of poor airflow. This could wear out the bearings and diminish the lifespan of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a blocked filter. Filters that are clogged can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is essential to change or clean the filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

A blocked filter could create a rattling sound inside the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings require to be changed. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A loose belt or pulley can cause the compressor to overheat and cause other problems. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will eliminate the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will also look for leaks in the hoses, and an adequate seal around the compressor and pressure sensor.

Lastly, a puddle of water near the compressor can be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, switch off the compressor that is running and then contact an expert.

Check the Thermostat

It’s not surprising that a technician will always examine the thermostat first if there’s an issue. It’s also one of the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, but an appropriately maintained thermostat is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Common signs that your thermostat requires periodic inspections include incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which could cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly with a separate thermometer will assist you in avoiding these issues and conserve energy.

A faulty sensor or calibration can also lead to your system continuously turning on and off that is known as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort as well as cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. This issue can be solved by replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breaker.

If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way it’s recommended to examine the breakers that control both the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, it will need to be reset to allow the thermostat to be able to communicate with the system again.

Check your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Look for indications of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t too exposed to sunlight. Examine the fan blades to find evidence of damage or rust. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as it possibly can.

Basic maintenance of hvac is a great method to cut down on energy costs and maintain comfort in your commercial space. It can also prolong the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker and replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building comfortable all year round. Make sure to contact a professional if you are having other issues or unsure of what is the issue with your system.