The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it comes to your heating and cooling system, regular maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies have a service plan where you pay each month to have your system checked and cleaned or repaired when needed.

It’s also a good idea to perform a few DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area around outdoor units free of clutter to allow for the proper flow of air.

Clean the Condenser

The coils inside your air conditioner’s condenser are the mainstay of the cooling process. If they are dirty, your system will struggle to cool, and it could even fail. Cleaning them is an important part of HVAC maintenance. It’s also relatively simple to complete. This easy 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.

It is essential to disconnect power from your unit first. This can be accomplished by shutting off the breaker in your electrical box or by turning off the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from being oversaturated when cleaning.

After the power has been shut off, you can begin removing any large objects that could be blocking the condenser air. This includes sweeping up any sticks, leaves or other debris that has been accumulating around or on the unit. Using a shop vacuum with crevice attachments is a great method to reach into the nooks and crevices and remove dust, dirt or other debris that has accumulated.

The next step is to clean the coils. Before you begin however, ensure that you have on-hand several essential tools. These include a concentrate for coil cleaning and a pump-up garden sprayer and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the label of the product and rinse with the hose. When washing the coils, it is important not to apply too much force as the fins are easily bent.

You should inspect the coils for signs of damage following cleaning. Over time, hail and rocks thrown from lawnmowers or other items can damage coil fins. Fin combs can be utilized to straighten bent fins to ensure improved airflow and coil performance.

If the fins and coils are in good shape If you are satisfied with the condition of your fins and coils, go back to your home and turn on your air conditioning. After approximately 24 hours, you can check the thermostat and make sure that temperatures are normal.

Cleaning the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring air in from outside, cooling it and then distributing it throughout your home. The air travels from the evaporator coil in your condenser unit to the vents and registers of your home through a duct system. The ducts could become blocked with dust and other pollutants when they aren’t cleaned and sealed correctly. This clogs the air filters which reduces the efficiency of the system and puts strain on your AC unit.

Cleaning ductwork can be a difficult task that requires specialized equipment and techniques. There are some things you can do regularly to keep your ducts tidy and working well. First, you should change your filter on a regular basis to prevent dust and allergens from building in the ducts. This will also help to stop the clogging that could result in a lower efficiency of the system and higher energy costs.

Cleaning the area around the vent openings is another way to keep your ducts cleaner. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner will remove all traces of dust, crumbs and other debris that has accumulated over time. This will improve airflow through the vent. You should also make sure that your ducts are sealed well and are protected from moisture getting in, which could result in 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 allergies and respiratory conditions, especially for older people and children. Moisture can also cause mold to grow in the ductwork, which releases the spores that can be harmful to people suffering from respiratory issues.

It is generally recommended that you have your ducts cleaned every three to five years to remove the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is operating efficiently. However it is possible that if your ducts are sealed properly and you change your filters regularly it is possible that duct cleaning won’t be necessary at all. You can only be certain by having your ducts examined. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to measure the amount of dust particles in your ductwork, and will recommend the suitable cleaning schedules based upon the specific circumstances.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a critical element of the system. It must be able to supply cool air into the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating as it should, this can affect your productivity and result in interruption to your equipment. However, preventive maintenance can assist in identifying issues that are minor and prevent unnecessary downtime. These routine checks will also save you money by ensuring that your equipment in the best condition possible.

A common indication of a problem with a compressor is a decrease in cooling capacity, but this could be due to a number of different factors. A compressor may be operating too hard due to poor airflow. This can cause wear on the bearings and diminish the lifespan of the compressor. Another common problem is a clogged filter. If the filter is clogged it could reduce the airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. To prevent this from happening, it is important to clean or replace the filters on a regular basis, based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.

A blocked filter could cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This could mean that the bearings are worn out and must be replaced. Regularly replacing the belts and pulleys is an excellent idea. A belt or pulley that is loose can cause slippage and cause compressor overheating and other issues. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will remove the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can examine for air leaks within the hoses and an adequate seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.

Finally, 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 problem and needs to be fixed right away. If you suspect there is a leak, turn off the compressor that is running and then contact an expert.

Check the Thermostat

It’s not a surprise that technicians will always look at the thermostat first when there’s a problem. A well-maintained thermostat is crucial to the smooth operation of your HVAC system. It’s one of the most neglected maintenance items. Common indicators that your thermostat is in need of an inspection include inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or continuous cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors can become dirty over time, which may cause the thermostat to display incorrectly. Monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy regularly with a separate thermometer will assist you in avoiding these issues and conserve energy.

A malfunctioning sensor, or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to cycle on and off continuously. This is called short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort and cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be corrected by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breakers.

If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way it’s recommended to examine the breakers that control both the thermostat and your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has been tripped, it will need to be reset in order for the thermostat to be able to communicate with the system once more.

Examine your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Look for signs of dirt or dust and ensure that the thermostat isn’t too exposed to sunlight. Finally, the fan blades need to be examined for any signs of rust or damage. These simple checks will help prevent expensive repairs in the future, and ensure your equipment is operating as smoothly as it can.

Conducting basic HVAC maintenance on your commercial building is a great way to reduce energy consumption, ensure comfort and extend the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying any issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker, and then replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building comfortable all year round. Make sure to contact a professional if you are having other issues or unsure of what is wrong with your system.