The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance is essential when it concerns cooling and heating 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 get the system checked out, fixed or cleaned as needed.

It is also recommended to perform DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units free of clutter will help ensure the proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils in your air conditioner condenser are the primary component of the cooling process. If they’re dirty the system will be unable to cool properly and may even fail to function properly. Cleaning them is a crucial component of HVAC maintenance. It’s also quite simple to do. This easy DIY task can avoid the need for costly repairs, and save you money on your energy bills and extend the longevity of your AC unit.

It is essential to disconnect power from your unit first. This can be done by shutting off the breaker in the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will keep your motors and other electrical components from getting overloaded while cleaning.

After the power has been turned off, you can start taking down any large debris that could be hindering the air condenser. This includes sweeping away any sticks, leaves or other debris that has been accumulating on or around the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice attachment is a great option to reach into the crevices and nooks and get rid of any dust, dirt or other debris that may have accumulated.

The next step is to clean the coils. Before you do this, though, make sure that you have on-hand several essential tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates as well as a pump-up garden sprayer and an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the label, then rinse it off using a garden hose. When washing the coils it is essential not to use too much force as the fins can bend easily.

You should examine the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, the impact of hail and stones dropped by lawnmowers or other objects can cause damage to coil fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool known as a fin comb can straighten them for better air flow and to help the coils function more effectively.

When you have a great coil and fin set up and you are ready to switch on your air conditioner. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to ensure the temperatures are in good shape.

Cleaning the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring air in from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout your home. The air is transported from the evaporator in your condenser to your home’s registers and vents via the system duct. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they may become loaded with dirt and other contaminates. This clogs the air filters which reduces the efficiency of the system and strains your AC unit.

Cleaning the ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires professional equipment and techniques. However, there are a few things you can do on a regular basis to ensure your ducts are clean and well-functioning. To avoid dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts, you should change your filter regularly. This can also help prevent clogging, which can lead to a reduced system efficiency and a higher cost for energy.

Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is a different method to keep your ducts cleaner. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will take away all the cobwebs, crumbs and other debris that have built up over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts are sealed well and are insulated to prevent moisture from entering, which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that aren’t cleaned on a regular basis can become loaded with a wide variety of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can worsen allergies and respiratory issues particularly in children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, releasing microbes that can harm people suffering from respiratory issues.

It’s generally recommended that you have your ducts cleaned every three to five years to remove these contaminants and ensure your HVAC system is working effectively. If your ducts have been sealed properly, and you regularly change your filter, it may not be necessary to clean them. You can be certain by having your ducts checked. A contractor that is certified by the EPA can use special testing techniques to determine the amount of particles that are present in your ductwork. They will then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your particular situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a critical element of the system. It must function properly to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working as it should, it can affect your productivity and lead to downtime for your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to help catch minor issues early and prevent unnecessary downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by making sure that your equipment in the best condition possible.

A loss of cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem in a compressor. This could be caused by a variety of factors. A compressor could be working too hard due to inadequate airflow. This can wear out the bearings and decrease the life of the compressor. Another common problem is a blocked filter. Filters that are clogged can reduce airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this, it is important to clean or replace the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

A blocked filter may also cause rattling noises in the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are wearing out and must be replaced. It is recommended to replace pulleys and belts on a regular basis. A belt or pulley that is loose can slip and lead to compressor overheating and other problems. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will get rid of moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can also examine for air leaks within the hoses as well as a tight seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.

Finally, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor could be a sign of a leak in the refrigerant. This can be a dangerous problem and needs to be fixed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the compressor that is running and then contact a professional.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat acts like the boss of your HVAC system, so it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing a technician will look at when trouble arises. A well-maintained thermostat is essential for the smooth operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most neglected maintenance items. Common indicators that your thermostat requires an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

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

A defective sensor or a faulty calibration can cause your system to turn off and on continuously. This is referred to as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. This issue can be solved by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.

If your thermostat 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 has tripped, it will have to be reset to allow the thermostat to communicate with the system again.

It is also essential to examine your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Check for evidence of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t too exposed to sunlight. The fan blades must be inspected for any signs of damage or rust. These simple checks can prevent expensive repairs in the future, and help ensure that your equipment is operating as smoothly as possible.

Basic hvac maintenance is a great strategy to reduce energy costs and maintain comfort in your commercial space. It can also prolong the life of cooling and heating equipment. It is possible to keep your building comfortable throughout the year by identifying any issues with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker, and then replacing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional should you encounter any other issues, or aren’t sure the issue, always call in an expert.