The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it concerns your cooling and heating system, regular maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. The majority of HVAC companies have a service plan that allows you to pay an annual fee to have your system checked and cleaned, or repaired as needed.

It’s also an excellent idea to carry out some DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the space around outdoor units free of debris to promote proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils that make up the condenser of your air conditioner are the mainstay of the cooling process. If they’re dirty, your system will struggle to cool and may even fail. This is why cleaning them is a vital component of HVAC maintenance. It’s also relatively simple to complete. This easy DIY task will save you money, avoid costly repairs and prolong the lifespan of your air conditioner.

In the beginning, it is important to disconnect the power supply to your unit. This can be done by shutting off the breaker inside your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded during cleaning.

After the power is off, you can start clearing any large objects that could be hindering the air condenser. This includes cleaning off any sticks, leaves, or other debris that have been accumulating around or on the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has crevice attachments is a great option to get into the crevices and nooks and loosen dust, dirt or other debris that may have accumulated.

Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before doing this, though, make sure that you have on-hand several essential tools. This will include a coil cleaner concentrate and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on in accordance with the directions on the product’s label and rinse with the hose. When washing the coils it is important not to apply excessive force since the fins can be bent easily.

It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time, hail and rocks thrown from 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 to assist in ensuring that the coils operate more efficiently.

When the fins and coils are in good condition, you can go back to your home and switch on your air conditioning. After approximately 24 hours, you should check the thermostat and make sure that temperatures are normal.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system works by bringing air in from outside, cooling it and then distributing it throughout your home. The air travels from the evaporator coil of your condenser unit to your home’s vents and registers through a duct system. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they can be laden with dust and other contaminants. This could block air filters which reduces the efficiency of your system and burdens your AC unit.

Cleaning ductwork can be a difficult task that requires specialized equipment and methods. But, there are things you can do on a regular basis to ensure that your ducts are clean and functioning well. First, you should change your filter on a regular basis to prevent dust and allergens from accumulating into the ducts. This can also help prevent clogging, which can cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy bills.

Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is another way to keep your ducts clean. Utilizing the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner can remove all the dust and crumbs that build up over time and aid in improving air flow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts have been sealed tightly and are protected from moisture getting in, which could lead to mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that have not been regularly cleaned can be filled with a myriad of pollutants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can cause allergies and respiratory problems particularly in the elderly and children. Moisture can cause mold to develop in the ductwork, releasing spores that are harmful to people suffering from respiratory issues.

It is generally recommended that you get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is operating efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are well-sealed and you clean your filters frequently the cleaning of your ducts may not be necessary at all. The best way to know for certain is to have your ducts examined. An accredited contractor can use specific testing methods to determine the amount of dust particles in your ductwork and will recommend the appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on the specific circumstances.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It must be able to supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating in the way it should, this can impact the efficiency of your business and lead to downtime for equipment. However, preventive maintenance can help catch minor issues early and help avoid prolonged downtime. Regularly checking your unit can also help you save money by keeping your unit in good shape for as long as is possible.

A common sign of a compressor issue is a loss in cooling capacity, however this could be due to a number of different factors. One possibility is that a compressor could be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This could cause bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. A blocked air filter is a different issue. Filters that have become blocked can reduce airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is important to clean or change the filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

A blocked filter can cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could be a sign that the bearings need to be replaced. It is recommended to replace belts and pulleys regularly. A loose belt or pulley can slip, causing the compressor to overheat and cause other problems. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor frequently. This can remove accumulated moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can check for air leaks in the hoses, and ensure an adequate seal between the compressor and pressure switch.

A puddle of liquid close to the compressor could be an indication of leak. This is a serious problem and needs to be fixed right away. If you suspect there is a leak, switch off the compressor that is running and then contact an expert.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat is like the boss of your entire HVAC system, and it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing a technician will inspect when a problem occurs. It’s also among the most often neglected maintenance items, but an appropriately maintained thermostat is vital to ensure your HVAC system’s operation. Check your thermostat if find inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors can become dirty over time, which could 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 conserve energy.

A faulty sensor, or a faulty calibration can cause your system to cycle on and off constantly. This is called short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. These issues can be resolved by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries 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 both the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker tripped, you will need to reset it in order for your thermostat to reconnect with the system.

Check your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Look for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat is not excessively exposed to the sun. Finally, the fan blades must be inspected for any indications of rust or damage. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as it can.

Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial property is an excellent method to cut energy consumption, ensure comfort, and extend the life of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and replacing the batteries and fuses, you’ll be able keep your building comfortable all year. Be sure to call a professional should you encounter any other issues or are unsure about the issue, always call in an expert.