The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance is crucial when it is concerned with cooling and heating systems. It can help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies have a maintenance plan where you pay a monthly fee to have your system checked and cleaned, or repaired as needed.

It’s also an excellent idea to carry out some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the areas around outdoor units clear of clutter to allow for the proper flow of air.

Clean the Condenser

The coils in your air conditioner condenser are at the heart the cooling process. If they are dirty your system will struggle to cool properly and may even break down. Cleaning them is an essential part of HVAC maintenance. It is relatively easy to complete. This easy DIY task will eliminate the need for expensive repairs, and save you money on your energy bills and prolong the life of your air conditioning unit.

In the beginning, it is crucial to shut off the power source to your unit. This can be accomplished by shutting off the breaker in the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and electrical components from being flooded when cleaning.

When the power is turned off, you can begin to clear any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This includes cleaning up any sticks, leaves or other debris that have been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice tools is a great tool to reach into the nooks and crannies and remove dust or dirt that has been accumulating.

Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before doing this however, make sure you have several essential tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates, a pump up garden sprayer as well as a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on in accordance with the directions on the label of the product and then rinse using the hose. When washing the coils it is essential not to use too much force as the fins can bend easily.

After the coils have been cleaned, look them over for any signs of damage. Over time, hail or rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other items can damage the coil’s 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 aid in the operation of the coils more effectively.

When the fins and coils are in good condition Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the fins and coils, you can return to your home and turn on your air conditioning. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to ensure temperatures are normal.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it and then distributing it throughout your home. The air moves from the evaporator coil inside your condenser unit to your house’s vents and registers through a system of ducts. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other contaminants when they aren’t maintained and sealed correctly. This clogs the air filters, which in turn reduces system efficiency and strains your AC unit.

Cleaning ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires specialized equipment and methods. But, there are actions you can take on a regular basis to ensure that your ducts are clean and functioning well. First, make sure you change your filter regularly to prevent dust and allergens out of building in the ducts. This will also help to stop clogging, which could cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy bills.

Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is another method to keep your ducts cleaner. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can eliminate all of the cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time and help to improve air flow through the vent. It’s also important to make sure your ducts are sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that aren’t regularly cleaned can become loaded with a variety of contaminants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of respiratory issues and allergies particularly in children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, which releases spores that are harmful to those with respiratory problems.

It is recommended to clean your ducts every three to five year to get rid of these toxins and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However If your ducts are well-sealed and you change your filters regularly it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be required at all. The best way to be able to tell the truth is to have your ducts examined. A contractor accredited by the EPA can use special testing methods in order to measure the amount particulates that are present in your ductwork. They can then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an essential element of the system. It must be able to supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating properly and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and cause equipment downtime. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can aid in identifying minor issues early and prevent unnecessary downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by making sure that your equipment in the best condition possible.

A loss of cooling capacity is a typical indication of a problem with the compressor. It could be caused by several different reasons. One possibility is that the compressor may be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This could cause bearings to wear down and decrease the life of the compressor. A clogged air filter is another common issue. Filters that have become blocked can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is essential to change or clean the filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

A clogged filter may also cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings require to be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is recommended. A worn-out belt or pulley can cause the compressor to overheat and cause other problems. It is also a good idea to drain your compressor on a regular basis. This will eliminate the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team can also check for air leaks in the hoses as well as a tight seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.

Finally, a small puddle of water around the compressor could be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This is a potentially dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect a leak, turn off the air compressor. Get a professional to assist you.

Check the Thermostat

It’s not surprising that technicians will always look at the thermostat first when there is any issue. It’s also among the most often neglected maintenance items, but a properly maintained thermostat is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Common signs that your thermostat needs an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which can cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly by using a separate thermometer can assist you in avoiding these issues and save energy.

A faulty sensor, or a faulty calibration can cause your system to turn off and on continuously. This is known as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. The problem can be fixed by simply replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breaker.

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

Check your thermostat for signs of wear and damage. Look for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat is not excessively exposed to the sun. 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 operating as efficiently as it is possible.

Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial building is a great way to reduce the cost of energy, maintain comfort and prolong the longevity of your cooling and heating equipment. It is possible to keep your building at all times comfortable by identifying any issues with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker and changing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional if you are having other issues or aren’t sure what’s the issue with your system.