The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance is essential when it comes to cooling and heating systems. It can help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. The majority of HVAC companies have a service plan that allows you to pay each month to have the system checked and cleaned or repaired when required.

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

Clean the Condenser

The coils in your condenser for your air conditioner are the primary component of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool and may even breakdown. Cleaning them is a vital part of HVAC maintenance. It’s also fairly easy to do. This simple DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the life of your air conditioner.

First and foremost, it is important to disconnect the power supply to your unit. You can do this by turning off the breaker on your electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will safeguard your electrical components and motors from being flooded during cleaning.

When the power is turned off it is now time to clear any large debris obstructing the air condenser unit. This means sweeping up any sticks, leaves, or other debris that have accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice tools is an excellent way to get into the nooks, crannies, and loosen dirt or dust that has been accumulating.

Next, it is time to clean the coils. Make sure you have some essential tools on hand before you start. This will include a concentrate of the coil cleaner and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on in accordance with the directions on the product label and rinse with the hose. It is important not to use too much pressure when washing the coils as the fins can easily be bent.

After the coils have been cleaned, inspect them for any signs of damage. Over time hail or rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other items can damage the coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins to ensure better airflow and coil performance.

After you have a proper coil and fin setup then you can start your air conditioner. After about 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat and ensure that temperatures are normal.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring air in from outside, cooling it and distributing it throughout the home. The air moves from the evaporator coil of the condenser unit to your home’s vents and registers through a network of ducts. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they can become clogged with dust and other contaminants. This causes air filters to become blocked which reduces the efficiency of your system and puts strain on your AC unit.

Cleaning the ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires expert equipment and techniques. There are some things you can do regularly to keep your ducts tidy and working well. To stop dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, it is recommended to change your filter regularly. This will also help to prevent the clogging that can cause a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy costs.

Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is another method to keep your ducts clean. Utilizing the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner, you can eliminate all cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time, and will aid in improving airflow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts are sealed tightly and are protected from moisture getting in, which could lead to mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that aren’t regularly cleaned are likely to be contaminated with a variety of pollutants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory issues and allergies particularly for children and the elderly. The moisture in ductwork can cause the growth of mold, which releases spores into air and poses health risks for those who suffer from respiratory problems.

It is recommended that you clean your ducts every three to five years to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However, if your ducts are well-sealed and you change your filters regularly, duct cleaning may not be required at all. You can only be sure by having your ducts checked. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA will use special testing methods in order to determine the amount of particulates 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 critical component of the system. It must be able to supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working as it should, this could affect the efficiency of your business and lead to delays for your equipment. Preventive maintenance can help spot minor issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by making sure that your equipment in the best condition possible.

A typical sign of a compressor issue is a reduction in cooling capacity, but this could be caused by a number of different factors. A compressor could be working too hard due to poor airflow. This could cause bearings to wear down and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a clogged filter. Filters that are clogged can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this from happening, it is important to clean or replace the filters regularly based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.

In addition, a clogged filter could also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings need to be changed. It is recommended to replace belts and pulleys on a regular basis. A worn-out belt or pulley can slip, causing the compressor to overheat, causing other problems. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor frequently. This will remove the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also look for air leaks in the hoses as well as a tight seal between the compressor and pressure switch.

A small puddle of water around the compressor could be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This could be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect a leak, turn off the air compressor. Contact a professional.

Check the Thermostat

It’s not surprising that technicians will always examine the thermostat first if there’s an issue. It’s also one of the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, yet an appropriately maintained thermostat is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Examine your thermostat if you notice incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which may cause the thermostat to display inaccurately. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly by using a separate thermometer can aid in avoiding these issues and conserve energy.

A defective sensor or a flawed calibration could cause your system to turn off and on constantly. This is known as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. Fortunately this can be fixed with simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.

Check the breakers for both your HVAC and thermostat in the event that your HVAC equipment doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll need to be reset to allow the thermostat to be able to communicate with the system once more.

Check your thermostat for indications of wear and damage. Find indications of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t overly exposed to sunlight. Check the fan blades for signs of rust and damage. These simple checks will help prevent costly repairs in the near future, and ensure your equipment is operating as efficiently as it can.

Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial property is a great way to reduce energy costs, maintain comfort and prolong the life of your heating and cooling equipment. By identifying issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker and replacing the batteries and fuses, you’ll be able keep your building warm all year. Just remember that in case you experience any other issues or aren’t sure the issue make sure to contact an expert.