The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it concerns your heating and cooling system, regular maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that charges a low monthly rate to have the system checked, repaired or cleaned if 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 any debris to ensure the proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils of your air conditioner condenser are the core 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 relatively simple to complete. This easy DIY task can prevent the need for expensive repairs, and save you money on your energy bills, and prolong the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.

First and foremost, it is important to disconnect the power to your unit. This can be accomplished 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 becoming oversaturated while cleaning.

When the power is turned off it is now time to clear any large debris obstructing the air condenser unit. This will include sweeping away any sticks, leaves or other debris that has built up on or around the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has a crevice attachment is a great option to reach into the crevices and nooks and get rid of dust, dirt or other debris that has accumulated.

Next, it is time to clean the coils. Before doing this however, make sure you have several essential tools. These include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden hose and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the instructions on the label, and then rinse it off using the water hose. When washing the coils, it is important not to apply too much force since the fins can bend easily.

You should examine the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, hail or stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other objects can cause damage to 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 aid in the operation of the coils more efficiently.

If the fins and coils are in good condition, you can return to your home and start your air conditioning. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to ensure the temperatures are in good shape.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout the house. The air is moved from the evaporator coil in your condenser unit and then to the vents and registers of your home through a duct system. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they may be laden with dirt and other contaminates. This could block air filters which can reduce the efficiency of your system and burdens your AC unit.

Cleaning the ductwork can be a challenging task that requires specialized equipment and methods. There are some things you can do to keep your ducts clean and in good working order. First, change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens from accumulating in the ducts. This will also help to keep clogs from occurring, which could lead to a reduced system efficiency and higher energy bills.

Another way to keep your ducts clean is by regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all the cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time, and aid in improving airflow through the vent. It’s also important to ensure that your ducts are properly sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that are not cleaned on a regular basis can become loaded with a wide variety of contaminants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can trigger respiratory issues and allergies particularly for children and the elderly. Moisture in ductwork can also cause the growth of mold which releases spores into the air and poses health concerns for those who suffer from respiratory issues.

It is recommended to clean your ducts once every three to five years to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is functioning efficiently. However, if your ducts are well-sealed and you regularly change your filters it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be necessary at all. You can only be certain by having your ducts checked. A certified contractor can employ special testing methods to gauge the amount of particulates in your ductwork, and will suggest appropriate cleaning schedules based on your particular situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It must be able to deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning as it should, this can impact the efficiency of your business and lead to downtime for equipment. However, preventive maintenance can aid in identifying minor issues early and avoid excessive downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by making sure that your equipment as efficient as possible.

A decrease in cooling capacity is a typical sign of a problem with the compressor. This can be caused by a variety of reasons. A compressor may be working too hard due insufficient airflow. This can cause bearings to wear down and decrease the life of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another common problem. If the filter is blocked it can impede airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. To prevent this, it is important to clean or change the filters on a regular basis, based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.

Additionally, a blocked filter can also cause rattling noises in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings require to be replaced. Regularly replacing pulleys and belts is an excellent idea. A worn-out belt or pulley can slip, causing the compressor to overheat and create other problems. It is also a good idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will help remove moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will check for leaks in the hoses, as well as a tight seal on the pressure sensor and compressor.

Lastly, a puddle of water near the compressor can be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This can be a dangerous problem and needs to be fixed immediately. If you suspect a leak, turn off the air compressor. Consult a professional.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat is like the head 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 crucial to the efficient operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most overlooked maintenance items. Check your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors can get dirty over time, which can cause the thermostat to display inaccurately. Regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with a separate thermometer will aid in avoiding these issues and help you save energy.

A faulty sensor or calibration could result in your system constantly turning on and off that is known as short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tear to the compressor. These issues can be resolved by simply replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breaker.

If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat at all it’s an excellent idea to look at the breakers that control both the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, you will need to reset it to allow your thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.

Check your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Check for evidence of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Lastly, the fan blades should be checked for any indications of rust or damage. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as it can.

Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent method to cut the cost of energy, maintain comfort and extend the life of your heating and cooling equipment. By identifying issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker and replacing the batteries and fuses, you’ll be able keep your building comfortable all year. Be sure to call an expert if you’re experiencing any other issues or are unsure of what’s the issue with your system.