The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it concerns your heating and cooling 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 service plan that you pay the monthly cost to have the system checked out, fixed or cleaned if necessary.

It is also recommended to perform DIY maintenance throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around outdoor units free of debris to promote the proper flow of air.

Clean the Condenser

The coils that make up the condenser of your air conditioner are the heart of the cooling process. If they’re dirty your system will be unable to cool properly and may even fail to function properly. Cleaning them is an essential aspect of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, relatively simple 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 vital to cut off power from your unit before you disconnect it. This can be accomplished by turning off the breaker inside your electrical box or at the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your electrical components and motors from being over-saturated during cleaning.

Once the power is off, you can begin clearing any large debris that may be blocking the condenser’s air. This includes cleaning up any sticks, leaves, or other debris that have been accumulating on or around the unit. Utilizing a shop vacuum that has a crevice attachment is a great method to reach into the crevices and nooks and loosen dust, dirt or other debris that has accumulated.

The coils require to be cleaned. Make sure you have a few essential tools on hand prior to beginning. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates and a pump-up garden sprayer and an outdoor hose. Spray the coil cleaner on according to the instructions on the product label and then rinse using the hose. It is important not to use excessive pressure when washing the coils since the fins could easily be bent.

It is recommended to inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time hail, stones thrown by lawnmowers, and other objects can cause damage to the coil’s fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins for better airflow and performance of the coil.

Once the coils and fins are in good shape Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the fins and coils, you can return to your home and switch on your air conditioner. Check the thermostat after about 24 hours to ensure temperatures are normal.

Cleaning the Ductwork

Your HVAC system works to bring outside air into your home, cool it and then distribute it throughout your house. The air moves from the evaporator coil in the condenser unit to the vents and registers of your home through a network of ducts. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other contaminants when they aren’t maintained and sealed properly. This causes air filters to become blocked and reduces the efficiency of your system and puts strain on your AC unit.

In most instances, cleaning ductwork is not an easy job and requires professional equipment and methods. There are some things you can do to keep your ducts tidy and functioning properly. To prevent dust and allergens accumulating in the ducts, it is recommended to change your filter regularly. This can also help prevent clogging, which can lead to a reduced system efficiency and higher energy costs.

Another way to keep your ducts clean is to regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. Utilizing the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner can remove all the cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time, and help to improve air flow through the vent. It is also important to make sure your ducts are tightly sealed and insulated to keep out moisture which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that are not cleaned on a regular basis can become loaded with a variety of contaminants, such as dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory issues and allergies particularly in children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to grow in the ductwork, which releases microbes that can harm people suffering from respiratory issues.

It is generally recommended to have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years to eliminate these contaminants and ensure your HVAC system is operating efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are sealed and you clean your filters frequently it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be necessary at all. The best way to determine for certain is to have your ducts tested. A certified contractor can employ specific testing methods to determine the amount of particles in your ductwork, and will suggest appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on your particular situation.

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, it can affect your productivity and cause the equipment to shut down. Preventive maintenance can help identify minor issues earlier, avoiding unnecessary downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by ensuring that your unit as good as possible.

A typical sign of a compressor problem is a loss in cooling capacity, however this could be caused by a number of different factors. A compressor may be working too hard due to poor airflow. This could cause the bearings to wear out and decrease the life of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another frequent problem. Filters that are clogged can reduce airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this from happening, it is essential to clean or change the filters on a regular basis, based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.

A blocked filter can cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could indicate that the bearings are worn out and need to be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is recommended. A pulley or belt that is loose can slip, causing the compressor to overheat, causing other problems. It is also a great idea to drain your compressor regularly. This will remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other parts. A professional service team will also look for air leaks in the hoses and an adequate seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.

A pool of water in the vicinity of the compressor can be an indication of a leak in the refrigerant. This can be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed right away. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor. Contact a professional.

Check the Thermostat

It’s not too surprising that technicians will always examine the thermostat first if there is any issue. It’s also among the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, but a properly maintained thermostat is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s optimal operation. Examine your thermostat if you notice incorrect temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors may become 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 conserve energy.

A defective sensor or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to cycle on and off constantly. This is known as short cycling. This can adversely affect your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor. This issue can be solved by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.

If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat at all, it’s a good idea to check the breakers that control the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, it’ll require resetting to allow the thermostat to communicate with the system again.

It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Look for evidence of dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Examine the fan blades to find signs of rust and damage. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future and ensure that your equipment runs as smoothly as possible.

Basic maintenance of hvac is a great way to save energy and ensure comfort in your commercial space. It can also prolong the lifespan of heating and cooling equipment. By identifying problems with your thermostat, resetting the breaker, and replacing the batteries, you’ll be able to keep your building cool all year round. Make sure to contact a professional if you are having any other problems or aren’t sure what’s wrong with your system.