The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it is about your cooling and heating system, regular maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan that you pay a low monthly rate to get the system checked, fixed or cleaned when necessary.

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 debris will promote proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils in your condenser for 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 an important part of HVAC maintenance. It’s also relatively simple to complete. This simple DIY task can prevent the need for expensive repairs, and save you money on your energy bills, and extend the life of your air conditioning unit.

In the beginning, it is essential to cut off the power to your unit. This can be done by turning off the breaker inside the electrical box, or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your electrical components and motors from being flooded when cleaning.

After the power has been shut off it is now time to remove any large debris that is blocking the air condenser unit. This includes sweeping up any leaves, sticks or other debris that has built up on or around the unit. Using a shop vacuum with crevice attachments is a great method to get into the nooks and crevices and get rid of any dust, dirt or other debris that has collected.

The coils need to be cleaned. Make sure you have the necessary tools on hand prior to beginning. This will include a concentrate for coil cleaning, a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner according to the directions on the label, then rinse it off with a water hose. It is important not to use too much pressure when washing the coils, because the fins may be bent.

After the coils have been cleaned, examine them for signs of damage. Over time hail, stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other items can 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 also to assist in ensuring that the coils operate more effectively.

When the fins and coils are in good condition, you can return to your house and turn on your air conditioning. After around 24 hours, you can check the thermostat and make sure that the temperature is normal.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring outside air into your home, then cool it and then distribute it throughout your home. The air travels from the evaporator coil in the condenser unit to your home’s vents and registers through a network of ducts. The ducts could become blocked with dust and other contaminants if they are not cleaned and sealed properly. This could block air filters which reduces the effectiveness of your system as well as can strain your AC unit.

Cleaning ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires expert equipment and techniques. There are a few actions you can take regularly to keep your ducts tidy and functioning properly. To stop dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, you should change your filter regularly. This will also help keep clogs from occurring, which could result in a decrease in system efficiency and a higher cost for energy.

Another way to help keep your ducts clean is by regularly vacuuming the area around the vent openings. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can get rid of all cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time, and assist in improving air flow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts have been sealed tight and protected from moisture getting in, which could cause mold and other biological contaminants.

If ducts aren’t regularly cleaned, they may accumulate a variety of contaminants like dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory and allergy conditions especially for children and the elderly. The moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, which releases microbes that can harm those suffering from respiratory ailments.

It is generally recommended to have your ducts cleaned every three to five years to eliminate the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is working efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are well-sealed and you regularly change your filters the cleaning of your ducts may not be required at all. You can only be certain by having your ducts checked. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to gauge the amount of particulates in your ductwork, and will suggest appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on the specific circumstances.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It has to function properly to deliver 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 the equipment to shut down. Preventive maintenance can help identify minor issues early, preventing excessive downtime. Regularly checking your unit can also help you save money by ensuring that your equipment is in good condition for as long as is possible.

A typical sign of a compressor issue is a reduction in cooling capacity, although this could be caused by many different causes. One possibility is that a compressor could be working too hard due to poor airflow. This can cause bearings to wear down and decrease the life of the compressor. Another common issue is a blocked filter. Filters that are blocked can hinder airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. It is essential to change or clean the filters according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

Additionally, a blocked filter can create a rattling sound inside the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings are worn out and require to be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace pulleys and belts on a regular basis. A pulley or belt that is loose could cause the compressor to overheat, causing other issues. It is also a good idea to drain your compressor frequently. This will eliminate the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will look for leaks in the pipes, and ensure an adequate seal around the pressure sensor and compressor.

Lastly, a pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor can be an indication of a leak in the refrigerant. This could be a risky problem and needs to be fixed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor. Contact a professional.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat acts 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 occurs. A properly maintained thermostat is crucial to the proper operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items. Check your thermostat if 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. You can prevent these issues by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with a separate thermometer.

A malfunctioning sensor or calibration could cause your system to keep switching off and on that is known as short cycling. This can affect your comfort, and cause unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. These issues can be resolved by replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breakers.

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

It’s also important to check your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Check for dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat is not overly exposed to the sun. Examine the fan blades for signs of rust and damage. This simple check will help avoid costly repairs in the future, and ensure that your equipment is running as smoothly as possible.

Basic HVAC maintenance is a great strategy to cut down on energy costs and keep your comfort in a commercial building. It can also prolong the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building comfortable all year round. Be sure to call an expert if you’re having other issues or are unsure of what’s wrong with your system.