The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it concerns your heating and cooling system, routine maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. The majority of HVAC companies offer a service plan that allows you to pay a monthly fee to have your system checked and cleaned or repaired when needed.

You should also carry out some DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area surrounding the outdoor units free of clutter will help ensure proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils of the condenser of your air conditioner are the primary component of the cooling process. If they’re dirty your system is likely to struggle to cool and could even fail. Cleaning them is an important part of HVAC maintenance. It’s fairly easy to complete. This easy DIY task will help you save money, avoid costly repairs and prolong the life span of your air cooling.

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

After the power has been shut off, you can begin to clean up any large debris blocking the air condenser unit. This includes sweeping up any leaves, sticks or other debris that have accumulated around or on the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with a crevice tool is a great way to get into the crevices, nooks and remove dust or dirt that has accumulated.

The coils require to be cleaned. Before you do this, though, make sure that you have in your possession a few key tools. This will include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the product label and then rinse using the hose. When washing the coils, it is important to not use too much force as the fins can be bent easily.

After the coils have been cleaned, you should inspect them for any signs of damage. Over time, the impact of hail and stones thrown from lawnmowers or other objects can cause damage to coil fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool known as a fin-comb can straighten them for better air flow and assist in ensuring that the coils operate more efficiently.

When you have a great coil and fin setup then you can turn on your air conditioner. Check the thermostat every 24 hours to ensure temperatures are within the normal range.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring outside air into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout your home. Air is moved from the evaporator inside your condenser to your home’s registers, vents, and registers by the system ducts. If the ducts aren’t cleaned and sealed, they could become loaded with dust and other contaminants. This causes air filters to become blocked which reduces the efficiency of your system and strains your AC unit.

In most cases, cleaning the ductwork isn’t an easy task that requires the help of professional equipment and methods. There are a few actions you can take regularly to ensure that your ducts are clean and working well. To prevent dust and allergens from building up in the ducts, change your filter on a regular basis. This can also help prevent clogging, which can result in a decrease in system efficiency and a higher cost for energy.

Another way to keep your ducts clean is by regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will remove all traces of dust, crumbs and other messes that have been accumulating over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. It is also essential to make sure your ducts are tightly sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that are not regularly cleaned can become loaded with a myriad of contaminants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can worsen allergies and respiratory problems particularly in the elderly and children. Moisture can also cause mold to develop in ductwork, which releases spores that are harmful to those suffering from respiratory ailments.

It’s generally recommended that you have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to remove the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is operating efficiently. If your ducts are well-sealed, and you change your filter regularly it might not be necessary to clean them. You can be certain by having your ducts checked. A contractor that is certified by the EPA will use special testing methods in order to determine the amount of particulates present in your ductwork. They will then recommend cleaning schedules that are suitable for your situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an important element of the system. It has to be able to deliver cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning as it should it could affect your productivity and cause the equipment to shut down. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can help catch minor issues early and avoid excessive downtime. Performing these routine checks can also help you save money by keeping your unit in good working order for as long as is possible.

A loss of cooling capacity is a typical indication of a problem with the compressor. It could be caused by several different factors. One possibility is that the compressor may be overworking because of poor airflow. This can cause the bearings to wear down and decrease the life of the compressor. Another common problem is a clogged filter. Filters that have become blocked can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is crucial to change or clean the filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

In addition, a clogged filter could create a rattling sound inside the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings are worn out and need to be replaced. It is recommended to replace belts and pulleys regularly. A belt or pulley that is loose could cause slipping and result in overheating of the compressor and other issues. It is recommended to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will remove the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team can check for air leaks in the hoses, and ensure an adequate seal between the compressor and pressure switch.

Lastly, a puddle of water near the compressor could be an indication of a leak in the refrigerant. This is a potentially dangerous problem that must be dealt with immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, switch off the compressor that is running and then contact a professional.

Check the Thermostat

It’s not a surprise that a technician will check the thermostat first when there’s a problem. A properly maintained thermostat is essential for the smooth operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items. Check your thermostat if you find inaccurate temperature readings, ineffective controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

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

A defective sensor or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to turn off and on continuously. This is known as short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort as well as cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. These issues can be resolved by replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breakers.

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

It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Look for dust or dirt and make sure that the thermostat is not too much exposed to sunlight. Lastly, the fan blades must be inspected for any signs of rust or damage. These simple checks can prevent costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as it can.

Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial building is a great way to reduce energy costs, maintain comfort, and extend the life of your cooling and heating equipment. You can keep your building cool throughout the year by identifying any issues with your thermostat, resetting your breaker and changing your batteries. Make sure that if you have any other issues, or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system make sure to contact a professional.