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 a monthly fee to have the system checked, repaired or cleaned as required.

You should also carry out some DIY maintenance throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units free of debris to promote proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils of your condenser for your air conditioner are at the heart the cooling process. If they are dirty, your system will struggle to cool and may even breakdown. This is why cleaning them is a crucial part of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, relatively simple to complete. This simple DIY task will eliminate the need for expensive repairs, and save you money on your energy bills and prolong the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.

It is essential to disconnect power from your unit before you disconnect it. This can be done by shutting off the breaker inside your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your electrical components and motors from being oversaturated during cleaning.

Once the power is off and you are able to remove any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This includes cleaning off any sticks, leaves, or other debris that has accumulated around or on the unit. A shop vacuum with a crevice tool is an excellent way to get into the nooks, crannies and remove dust or dirt that has built up.

The next step is to clean the coils. Before you do this, though, make sure you have a few key tools. This will include a coil cleaner concentrate and a pump-up garden hose and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the product’s label and rinse with the hose. When washing the coils, it is essential not to use excessive force since the fins can bend easily.

After the coils have been cleaned, examine them for signs of damage. Over time hail or rocks thrown by lawnmowers and other items can damage the coil fins. If the fins are bent, a low-cost tool known as a fin comb can straighten them to improve air flow and assist in ensuring that the coils operate more effectively.

Once the coils and fins are in good condition Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the fins and coils, you can return to your house and turn on your air conditioning. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to make sure the temperatures are in good shape.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring air in from outside, cooling it and distributing it throughout your home. The air moves from the evaporator coil inside your condenser unit and then to the vents and registers of your home through a network of ducts. These ducts may become clogged with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t maintained and sealed properly. This can block the air filters which can reduce the efficiency of your system and can strain your AC unit.

Cleaning ductwork can be a difficult task that requires expert equipment and methods. There are some things you can do regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and functioning properly. First, you should change your filter on a regular basis to prevent dust and allergens out of building into the ducts. This will also help to keep the clogs from occurring which can lead to reduced system efficiency and higher energy costs.

Another way to help keep your ducts clean is to regularly cleaning the area around vent openings. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will remove all the cobwebs, crumbs and other debris that have accumulated over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. Also, make sure that your ducts have been sealed well and are insulated to prevent moisture from getting in, which could result in mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that have not been cleaned on a regular basis are likely to be contaminated with a 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 in ductwork can also lead to the growth of mold, which releases spores into the air and poses health concerns for those with respiratory ailments.

It is recommended that you clean your ducts every three to five years to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. If your ducts are sealed well and you change your filter regularly It may not be necessary to clean them. You can be certain that your ducts are in good condition by having them checked. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA can employ specific testing methods to measure the amount particulates present in your ductwork. They can then recommend cleaning schedules that are suitable for your particular situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an important component of the system. It must be able to deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning in the way it should it could affect your productivity and lead to downtime for your equipment. Regular maintenance can help you identify small issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by ensuring that your unit as good as possible.

A common sign of a compressor issue is a decrease in cooling capacity, although this could be caused by a number of different factors. A compressor could be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can cause wear on the bearings and reduce the life of the compressor. Another common problem is a blocked filter. Filters that are clogged can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is essential to clean or change the filters according to manufacturer’s guidelines.

A blocked filter could cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings require to be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace pulleys and belts on a regular basis. A loose pulley or belt could cause slipping and result in compressor overheating and other problems. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor frequently. This will get rid of moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can also check for air leaks in the hoses as well as a tight seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.

A pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor can be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This is a risky issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect a leak, turn off the air compressor. Consult a professional.

Check the Thermostat

It’s not a surprise that technicians will always look at the thermostat first when there is a problem. A properly maintained thermostat is essential for the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most overlooked maintenance items. Common indicators that your thermostat needs an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time, the sensors on your thermostat will become dirty. This can cause it to display incorrectly. You can prevent these issues by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with the use of a separate thermometer.

A malfunctioning sensor, or a flawed calibration could cause your system to turn off and on continuously. This is called short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort and result in excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be corrected by the simple act of replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting its breakers.

Check the breakers for both your HVAC equipment and thermostat if your system doesn’t respond to your thermostat. If the breaker has tripped, it will need to be reset to allow the thermostat to be able to communicate with the system again.

Check your thermostat for indications of wear and damage. Examine for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat is not too much exposed to sunlight. Check the fan blades for signs of rust and damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as possible.

Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent way to cut down on energy consumption, ensure comfort and prolong the lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment. You can ensure that your building stays comfortable throughout the year by identifying issues with your thermostat, setting your breaker and changing your batteries. Remember to call an expert if you’re having any other problems or are unsure of what’s going on with your system.