The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance is crucial when it is concerned with heating and cooling systems. It will help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that you pay an affordable monthly fee to have your system checked, repaired or cleaned when necessary.

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 debris to promote the proper flow of air.

Clean the Condenser

The coils in the condenser in your air conditioner are the heart of the cooling process. If they are dirty the system will struggle to cool properly and could even fail. Cleaning them is a crucial part of HVAC maintenance. It’s also fairly easy to do. This simple DIY task can avoid the need for expensive repairs, and save you money on your energy bills and extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.

It is crucial to disconnect the power source from your unit first. This can be accomplished by turning off the breaker inside your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will safeguard your electrical components and motors from being over-saturated during cleaning.

Once the power is off it is now time to remove any large debris that is obstructing the air condenser unit. This includes sweeping away any leaves, sticks or other debris that have been accumulating on or around the unit. Using a shop vacuum with crevice attachments is a great option to reach into the nooks and crevices and loosen dust, dirt or other debris that has accumulated.

Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before you begin however, ensure that you have in your possession several essential tools. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate and a pump-up garden sprayer, and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the instructions on the product label and rinse with the hose. When washing the coils it is essential not to use too much force as the fins can be bent easily.

You should inspect the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time, hail, rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other things can harm the coil’s fins. If the fins are bent, a low-cost tool known as a fin comb can straighten them for better air flow and also to assist in ensuring that the coils operate more effectively.

If the fins and coils are in good condition, you can return to your home and switch on your air conditioning. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to confirm that the temperatures are in good shape.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is designed to bring air from outside into your home, cool it, and then distribute it throughout the home. The air is moved from the evaporator coil in your condenser unit to the vents and registers of your home through a network of ducts. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other pollutants if they are not cleaned and sealed correctly. This can clog the air filters, which decreases the efficiency of your system and can strain your AC unit.

Cleaning the ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires professional equipment and methods. There are some actions you can take regularly to keep your ducts clean and working well. To prevent dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, it is recommended to change your filter regularly. This will also help to stop clogging, which could lead to a reduced system efficiency and a higher cost for energy.

Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is another method to keep your ducts cleaner. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will take away all traces of dust, crumbs and other debris that has accumulated over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. It is also essential to make sure your ducts are tightly sealed and insulated to keep out moisture, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.

If ducts aren’t cleaned regularly, they can collect a variety of pollutants such as dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory and allergies, especially for older people and children. Moisture can also cause mold to develop in ductwork, which releases the spores that can be harmful to those suffering from respiratory ailments.

It’s generally recommended that you get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is working efficiently. If your ducts are well-sealed, and you regularly change your filter, it may not be necessary to clean them. You can only be certain by having your ducts examined. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA can use special testing methods in order to measure the amount particulates present in your ductwork. They will then suggest cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a critical component of the system. It must be able to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning properly and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and lead to the equipment to shut down. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can help catch minor issues early and prevent unnecessary downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by ensuring that your equipment as efficient as possible.

A loss of cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem in a compressor. This could be caused by a variety of factors. A compressor may be working too hard due to poor airflow. This could cause bearings to wear out and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. A clogged air filter is another frequent issue. If the filter has become clogged it can impede airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. It is crucial to clean or replace the filters according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Additionally, a blocked filter may also cause rattling noises in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings are wearing out and need to be replaced. It is recommended to replace belts and pulleys on a regular basis. A loose pulley or belt can slip and lead to compressor overheating and other issues. It is recommended to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will remove the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will also examine for leaks in hoses, and an adequate seal around the compressor and pressure sensor.

A small puddle of water around the compressor can be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This can be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, shut off the air compressor and contact a professional.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat is kind of like the head of your entire HVAC system, and it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing that a technician will inspect when a problem arises. A well-maintained thermostat is crucial to the smooth operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most overlooked maintenance items. Common signs that your thermostat requires an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time, the thermostat’s sensors will get dirty. This can cause it to display in a wrong manner. Regularly checking your thermostat’s accuracy by using a separate thermometer can help you avoid these problems and conserve energy.

A faulty sensor, or a flawed calibration could cause your system to turn off and on in a continuous manner. This is called short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort as well as cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be fixed with the simple act of replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breakers.

Check the breakers for your thermostat and HVAC equipment If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat. If the breaker has been tripped, it will have to be reset in order for the thermostat to communicate with the system once more.

It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Look for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat isn’t 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 smoothly as it can.

Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial building is a great way to reduce energy costs, maintain comfort and extend the life of your heating and cooling equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building cool all year. Make sure to contact a professional if you are having any other problems or unsure of what is the issue with your system.