The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it concerns your cooling and heating system, maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan that charges a monthly fee to have the system inspected, repaired or cleaned as required.

It is also recommended to perform DIY maintenance throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the space around outdoor units free of debris to promote proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

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

It is crucial to disconnect power from your unit first. You can do this by shutting off the breaker at your electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and electrical components from being over-saturated when cleaning.

Once the power is off, you can start removing any large debris that may be blocking the condenser air. This includes cleaning up any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has built up on or around the unit. A shop vacuum that has crevice tools is a great tool to reach into the nooks and crannies and remove dirt or dust that has built up.

The coils require to be cleaned. Before you do this however, ensure that you have in your possession several essential tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates, a pump up garden sprayer and the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the instructions on the label, then rinse with a hose. When washing the coils, it is essential not to use too much force since the fins can be bent easily.

After the coils have been cleaned, you should examine them for indications of damage. Over time, the impact of hail and stones dropped by lawnmowers or other items could damage the coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins for better airflow and coil performance.

If the fins and coils are in good condition, you can return to your home and turn on your air conditioning. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to ensure 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 your home. Air is transported from the evaporator of your condenser to your home’s registers and vents through a system of ducts. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they can become clogged with dust and other pollutants. This causes air filters to become blocked and reduces system efficiency and puts strain on your AC unit.

Cleaning the ductwork is an extremely difficult job that requires professional equipment and methods. There are some things you can do to ensure that your ducts are clean and functioning properly. To stop dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, it is recommended to change your filter on a regular basis. This also helps to prevent the clogging that can cause a decrease in system efficiency and a high energy bill.

Another way to help keep your ducts clean is by regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will take away all the crumbs, cobwebs and other debris that has been accumulating over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. Also, make sure that your ducts are sealed tight and protected from moisture getting in, which could result in mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that have not been cleaned on a regular basis can become loaded with a variety of pollutants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can worsen respiratory and allergy conditions particularly for children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to grow in the ductwork, which releases spores that are harmful to those suffering from respiratory ailments.

It’s generally recommended that you have your ducts cleaned every three to five years to eliminate these contaminants and ensure your HVAC system is operating effectively. However If your ducts are sealed properly and you regularly change your filters 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 tested. 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 can then recommend cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your particular situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an essential component of the system. It needs to operate correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working properly, it can impact the efficiency of your business and lead to downtime for equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can help catch minor issues early and help avoid prolonged downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by keeping your unit as good as possible.

A typical sign of a compressor problem is a reduction in cooling capacity, however this could be due to many different causes. A compressor may be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can cause bearings to wear down and decrease the life of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another common issue. Filters that have become blocked can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is crucial to clean or change the filters according to 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 require to be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is a good idea. A loose pulley or belt can cause slippage and cause compressor overheating and other problems. It is also a good idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will eliminate moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can also look for air leaks in the hoses as well as a tight seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.

A puddle of liquid near the compressor could be an indication of a leak. This is a serious problem and needs to be fixed immediately. If you suspect a leak, turn off the air compressor. Contact a professional.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat is 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 occurs. It’s also among the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, but a properly maintained thermostat is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Common signs that your thermostat needs a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time the thermostat’s sensors will become dirty. This could cause it to display in a wrong manner. You can prevent these issues by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat by using a the use of a separate thermometer.

A defective sensor or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to cycle on and off in a continuous manner. This is known as short cycling. This can negatively impact your comfort, and cause unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. The problem can be fixed by replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.

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

Check your thermostat for indications of wear and damage. Check for evidence of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t too exposed to sunlight. Check the fan blades for evidence of damage or rust. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as possible.

Basic hvac maintenance is a great way to reduce energy costs and ensure comfort in your commercial building. It also increases the life of heating and cooling equipment. By identifying issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building warm all year. Make sure that if you have any other issues, or are unsure about the issue make sure to contact a professional.