The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it concerns your cooling and heating system, maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. Most HVAC companies have a maintenance plan that allows you to pay each month to have the system checked and cleaned or repaired when 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 the proper flow of air.

Clean the Condenser

The coils in the condenser of your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they are dirty your system will struggle to cool properly and could even fail. Cleaning them is an important part of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, relatively simple to complete. This simple DIY task will save you money, prevent expensive repairs and extend the lifespan of your air conditioner.

In the beginning, it is crucial to shut off the power supply to your unit. This can be done by shutting off the breaker at your electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated during cleaning.

Once the power is off and you are able to clear any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This means sweeping off any sticks, leaves or other debris that has accumulated on or around the unit. A shop vacuum that has crevice tools is a great way to reach into the nooks, crannies, and loosen dust or dirt that has built up.

Next, it is time to clean the coils. Make sure you have a few essential tools in your arsenal before you start. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate, a pump up garden sprayer, and an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the instructions on the label, and then rinse with the water hose. It is important not to use too much pressure when washing the coils, since the fins could easily be bent.

You should inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, the impact of hail and stones that are thrown by lawnmowers and other items could damage the coil fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins to ensure improved airflow and coil performance.

Once you have a good coil and fin setup and you are ready to turn on your air conditioner. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to make sure 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 travels from the evaporator coil inside the condenser unit to your house’s vents and registers through a duct system. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other contaminants when they aren’t maintained and sealed properly. This could block air filters, which decreases the effectiveness of your system and strains your AC unit.

In most cases, cleaning the ductwork is not an easy task that requires professional equipment and methods. However, there are some things you can do on a regular basis to make sure your ducts stay in good condition and function properly. To avoid dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, you should change your filter on a regular basis. This can also help keep the clogs from occurring which can result in a lower efficiency of the system and a high energy bill.

Vacuuming the area around the vent openings is an additional method to keep your ducts cleaner. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can eliminate all of the cobwebs and crumbs which accumulate over time, and assist in improving air flow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed tight and protected from moisture entering, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.

If ducts are not regularly cleaned, they may collect a variety of pollutants like dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can worsen respiratory and allergy conditions especially for children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to grow in ductwork, which releases spores that are harmful to those with respiratory problems.

It is generally recommended to have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to remove these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC system is operating effectively. However it is possible that if your ducts are sealed and you change your filters regularly, duct cleaning may not be necessary at all. The best way to determine for sure is by having your ducts tested. A licensed contractor can employ special testing methods to measure the amount of particles in your ductwork, and can recommend suitable cleaning schedules based upon your specific situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an essential element of the system. It needs to operate properly to deliver cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working in the way it should it could affect your productivity and result in downtime for your equipment. However, preventive maintenance can aid in identifying minor issues early and help avoid prolonged downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by keeping your equipment in the best condition possible.

A reduction in cooling capacity is a typical indication of a problem with the compressor. This can be caused by several different reasons. A compressor may be operating too hard due to inadequate airflow. This can cause bearings to wear down and decrease the life of the compressor. Another common problem is a clogged filter. If the filter has become clogged, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. To avoid this, it is crucial to clean or change the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

A blocked filter may create a rattling sound inside the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are worn out and need to be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace pulleys and belts on a regular basis. A belt or pulley that is loose could cause slipping and result in overheating of the compressor and other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will help remove moisture that could 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.

Lastly, a small puddle of water around the compressor can be an indication of a leak in the refrigerant. This is a risky problem that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the air compressor and contact a professional.

Check the Thermostat

It’s not too surprising that a technician will examine the thermostat first if there’s any issue. A properly maintained thermostat is vital to the efficient operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most neglected maintenance items. Examine your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time the sensors on your thermostat can get dirty. This can cause it to display inaccurately. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly with a separate thermometer will aid in avoiding these issues and help you save energy.

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 affect your comfort, and cause unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately the majority of these issues can be corrected by the simple act of replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.

Make sure you check the breakers on both your HVAC and thermostat If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat. If the breaker tripped then you’ll have to reset it in order for your thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.

It’s also important to check your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Examine for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t too much exposed to sunlight. The fan blades need to be examined for signs of damage or rust. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as possible.

Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent way to cut down on the cost of energy, maintain comfort and prolong the longevity of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, resetting the breaker and replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building comfortable all year round. Make sure to contact an expert if you’re experiencing any other issues or aren’t sure what’s the issue with your system.