The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it comes to your cooling and heating system, maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan that you pay the monthly cost to have your system checked out, fixed or cleaned if needed.
It’s also recommended to do a few DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around the outdoor units free of any debris will ensure proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils of your condenser for your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they are dirty, you system will struggle to cool and may even breakdown. Cleaning them is a crucial component of HVAC maintenance. Fortunately, it is also fairly easy to do. This simple DIY task will eliminate the need for costly repairs, save you money on your energy bills and prolong the longevity of your AC unit.
It is the first step. It is crucial to shut off the power source to your unit. You can do this by turning off the breaker on the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will protect your motors and electrical components from being oversaturated during cleaning.
Once the power has been shut off, you can start removing any large debris that may be blocking the condenser air. This will include taking away any sticks, leaves or other debris that has been accumulating on or around the unit. Using a shop vacuum with crevice attachments is a great way to reach into the nooks and crevices and remove any 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. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates and a pump-up garden sprayer, and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance to 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.
After the coils have been cleaned, you should examine them for indications of damage. Over time, hail and rocks thrown from lawnmowers or other items could damage the 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 efficiently.
Once you have a good coil and fin set up and you are ready to turn on your air conditioner. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to ensure temperatures are within the normal range.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system is able to bring air in from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout the home. The air moves from the evaporator coil inside your condenser unit to the vents and registers of your home through a duct system. If these ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they may become loaded with dirt and other contaminates. This causes air filters to become blocked, which in turn reduces the efficiency of the system and strains your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork is a difficult task that requires specialized equipment and techniques. There are a few actions you can take regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and working well. First, change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens out of building in the ducts. This can also help prevent the clogging that can cause a decrease in system efficiency and a high energy bill.
Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is another method to keep your ducts clean. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time, and aid in improving air flow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts have been sealed tight and insulated to prevent moisture from getting in, which could result in mold and other biological contaminants.
Ducts that aren’t regularly cleaned are likely to be contaminated with a wide variety of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can trigger respiratory issues and allergies particularly in children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to develop in the ductwork, which releases microbes that can harm those suffering from respiratory ailments.
It is recommended that you clean your ductwork every three to five years to get rid of these toxins and ensure that your HVAC works efficiently. However If your ducts are sealed and you regularly change your filters, duct cleaning may not be necessary at all. You can be certain that your ducts are in good condition by having them checked. A contractor who is accredited by the EPA can use specific testing methods to measure the amount particulates present in your ductwork. They will then recommend cleaning schedules that are suitable for your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It has to be able to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning properly, it could affect the efficiency of your business and lead to interruption to your equipment. Regular maintenance can help you identify minor issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime. Conducting these regular checks can also help you save money by ensuring that your equipment is in good working order for as long as is possible.
A decrease in cooling capacity is a common sign of a problem in a compressor. This can be caused by several different reasons. One possibility is that the compressor may be under-performing due to inadequate airflow. This could cause bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a clogged filter. Filters that are clogged can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To avoid this, it is essential to clean or change the filters regularly based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.
A blocked filter can cause a sound of rattling in the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings must be replaced. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A belt or pulley that is loose can slip and lead to compressor overheating and other problems. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will eliminate the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team can also look for air leaks in the hoses, and ensure a tight seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.
A puddle of liquid in the vicinity of the compressor could be an indicator of leak. This could be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, switch off the compressor that is running and then contact an expert.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is kind of like the boss of your entire HVAC system, and it’s not a surprise that it’s the first thing that a technician will inspect when a problem occurs. A properly maintained thermostat is vital to the smooth operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most neglected maintenance items. The most common signs that your thermostat requires a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Over time the sensors on your thermostat will get dirty. This can cause it to display in a wrong manner. Regularly checking your thermostat’s accuracy with a separate thermometer will assist you in avoiding these issues and save energy.
A faulty sensor or calibration may lead to your system continuously turning on and off that is known as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort and 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 both your HVAC and thermostat If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat. If the breaker tripped it, you’ll 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. Look for indications of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Check the fan blades for evidence of damage or rust. These simple checks will help prevent costly repairs in the near future, and ensure your equipment is running as smoothly as it can.
Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial building is a great way to reduce energy consumption, ensure comfort and prolong the longevity of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and replacing the batteries and fuses, you’ll be able keep your building cool all year. Be sure to call a professional in case you experience any other issues, or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system, always call in an expert.