The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it comes to your heating and cooling system, maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. The majority of HVAC companies have a service plan that allows you to pay each month to have the system inspected, repaired or cleaned as needed.

It’s also an excellent idea to carry out some 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 that make up the condenser of your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they’re dirty the system will be unable to cool properly and may even break down. Cleaning them is a crucial part of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, fairly easy to do. This easy DIY task will save you money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the life of your air cooling.

First and foremost, it is important to disconnect the power source to your unit. This can be accomplished by turning off the breaker inside the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will stop your motors and other electrical components from becoming oversaturated when cleaning.

After the power has been shut off, you can start taking down any large objects that could be hindering the condenser air. This includes sweeping up any sticks, leaves or other debris that has been accumulating around or on the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice tools is an excellent way to get into the crevices, nooks, and loosen dust or dirt that has been accumulating.

The coils need to be cleaned. Be sure to have the necessary tools in your arsenal prior to beginning. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate as well as a pump-up garden sprayer, and an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the instructions on the label, then rinse it off using a garden hose. When washing the coils it is important not to apply excessive force since the fins can bend easily.

It is recommended to 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 can damage coil fins. Fin combs can be used to straighten bent fins for better airflow and performance of the coil.

When the fins and coils are in good shape, you can return to your house and switch on your air conditioning. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to ensure temperatures are within the normal range.

Clean 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 of the condenser unit to your house’s vents and registers through a duct system. If these ducts aren’t properly cleaned and sealed, they could become loaded with dust and other contaminants. This clogs the air filters which reduces system efficiency and puts strain on your AC unit.

In most cases, cleaning the ductwork is not an easy task and requires expert equipment and techniques. But, there are actions you can take regularly to ensure that your ducts remain clean and functioning well. To prevent dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, change your filter frequently. This will also help prevent clogging, which can cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy costs.

Another method to keep your ducts tidy is to regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will take away all the cobwebs, crumbs and other messes that have built up over time. This will increase airflow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts have been sealed tightly and are insulated to prevent moisture from getting in, which could cause mold and other biological contaminants.

If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they could build up a myriad of contaminants like dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of allergies and respiratory conditions particularly for children and the elderly. Moisture can also cause mold to develop in the ductwork, releasing the spores that can be harmful to those suffering from respiratory ailments.

It is recommended that you clean your ducts once every three to five year to eliminate these contaminates and ensure that your HVAC is operating efficiently. If your ducts have been well-sealed, and you change your filter regularly it might not be necessary to clean them. The best way to know for certain is to have your ducts examined. A contractor accredited by the EPA can use specific testing methods to measure the amount particulates found in your ductwork. They will then suggest cleaning schedules that are appropriate for your specific situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an essential element of the system. It must function properly to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating properly and isn’t functioning properly, it could impact your productivity and lead to downtime for your equipment. Preventive maintenance can help spot 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 possible.

A common sign of a compressor issue is a decrease in cooling capacity, but this could be caused by many different causes. A compressor may be operating too hard due insufficient airflow. This can wear out the bearings and diminish the lifespan of the compressor. A blocked air filter is a different issue. If the filter has become clogged it could reduce the airflow to the compressor and cause overheating. It is crucial to clean or replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

A clogged filter may also cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are wearing out and must be replaced. Regularly replacing pulleys and belts is an excellent idea. A loose pulley or belt can slip and lead to overheating of the compressor and other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor regularly. This can remove accumulated moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. 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.

Lastly, a puddle of water near the compressor could be an indication of a refrigerant leak. This is a risky issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, shut off the air compressor and contact an expert.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat acts like the boss of your entire HVAC system, and it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will check when trouble arises. It’s also one of the most often neglected maintenance items, yet an appropriately maintained thermostat is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s proper operation. Common signs that your thermostat requires an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which could cause the thermostat to display inaccurately. You can avoid this issue by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with the use of a separate thermometer.

A faulty sensor, or a flawed calibration could cause your system to turn off and on continuously. This is called short cycling. This can affect your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately this can be corrected by the simple act of replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting the breaker.

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

Check your thermostat for indications of wear and tear. Check for signs of dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat isn’t too exposed to sunlight. The fan blades need to be examined for signs of rust or damage. These simple checks will help prevent expensive repairs in the future, and help ensure that your equipment is operating as efficiently as possible.

Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent method to cut energy consumption, ensure comfort, and extend the longevity of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying issues with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries and fuses, you’ll be able keep your building cool all year round. Make sure to contact a professional if you are having other issues or are unsure of what’s the issue with your system.

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