The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

When it is about your cooling and heating system, regular maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan that you pay an affordable monthly fee to get the system checked, repaired or cleaned when required.

It is also recommended to perform DIY maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters, and keeping the area surrounding outdoor units free of debris will promote the proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils in the condenser in your air conditioner are the core of the cooling process. If they are dirty the system is likely to struggle to cool and may even break down. This is why cleaning them is a vital part of HVAC maintenance. It’s also quite simple to do. This simple DIY task can avoid the need for costly repairs, and save you money on your energy bills and extend the longevity of your AC unit.

It is the first step. It is crucial to shut off the power to your unit. This can be done by turning off the breaker in 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 to clean up any large debris that is obstructing the air condenser unit. This includes cleaning up any leaves, sticks, or other debris that have accumulated around or on the unit. A shop vacuum that has crevice tools is a great tool to reach into the nooks, crannies and remove dirt or dust that has built up.

The coils need to be cleaned. Before doing this however, ensure that you have in your possession several essential tools. Included in this are coil cleaning concentrates, a pump up garden sprayer and the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the label, and then rinse with a water hose. It is essential not to apply too much pressure when washing the coils as the fins can easily be bent.

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

If the fins and coils are in good condition Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the fins and coils, you can return to your house and start your air conditioning. After around 24 hours, you can examine the thermostat to ensure that temperatures are normal.

Clean the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring air in from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout your home. Air is transported from the evaporator in your condenser to your home’s registers and vents through a system ducts. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other contaminants when they aren’t cleaned and sealed correctly. This can block the air filters, which in turn reduces the efficiency of your system and puts strain on your AC unit.

Cleaning the ductwork can be an extremely difficult job that requires specialized equipment and techniques. However, there are some things you can do on a regular basis to ensure your ducts remain clean and well-functioning. First, you should change your filter on a regular basis to prevent dust and allergens out of building up in the ducts. This will also help to prevent clogging, which can lead to a reduced system efficiency and higher energy costs.

Another method to keep your ducts tidy is to regularly cleaning the area around the vent openings. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can eliminate all the dust and crumbs that build up over time, and assist in improving airflow through the vent. It is also essential to make sure your ducts are properly sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture, which can cause mold and other biological contaminants.

Ducts that have not been regularly cleaned can be filled with a variety of contaminants, including dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can cause a flare-up of respiratory and allergies, especially in children and the elderly. In addition, moisture in ductwork may result in the growth of mold, which releases spores into air and can cause health issues for those who suffer from respiratory issues.

It is generally recommended that you get your ductwork cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate these contaminants and ensure your HVAC system is working effectively. If your ducts are sealed well and you change your filter regularly it might not be necessary to clean them. The best way to be able to tell for certain is to have your ducts tested. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to gauge the amount of particles in your ductwork and will suggest suitable cleaning schedules based upon the specific circumstances.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is an essential component of the system. It has to function properly to provide cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t functioning as it should it could affect your productivity and cause downtime for your equipment. Fortunately, preventive maintenance can help catch minor issues early and help avoid prolonged downtime. These regular checks will also save you money by keeping your unit as good as possible.

A common indication of a problem with a compressor 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 cause bearings to wear down and reduce the lifespan of the compressor. A blocked air filter is another common issue. Filters that are blocked can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent this, it is important to clean or replace the filters regularly based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.

Additionally, a blocked filter can also cause rattling noises in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are worn out and require to be replaced. Regularly replacing belts and pulleys is a good idea. A loose belt or pulley can cause the compressor to overheat, causing other problems. It’s also a good idea to drain your compressor on a regular basis. This will help remove moisture that can cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will also look for air leaks in the hoses, and ensure an adequate seal between the compressor and the pressure switch.

A puddle of liquid near the compressor could be an indicator of an issue. This could be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, turn off the air compressor. Get a professional to assist you.

Check the Thermostat

It’s not too surprising that technicians will always look at the thermostat first when there is a problem. It’s also one of the most frequently neglected maintenance items, but maintaining your thermostat properly is crucial for ensuring your HVAC system’s operation. Common indicators that your thermostat needs a check-up include incorrect temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Thermostat sensors can become dirty over time, which could cause the device 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 calibration could result in your system constantly switching on and off that is known as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort as well as cause unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. These issues can be resolved by simply replacing the batteries in the thermostat or resetting the breakers.

If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat at all, it’s a good idea to check the breakers that control the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, it will need to be reset to allow the thermostat to be able to communicate with the system once more.

It’s also crucial to examine your thermostat for any signs of wear or damage. Look for dust or dirt and ensure that the thermostat is not overly exposed to the sun. Lastly, the fan blades must be inspected for any indications of rust or damage. These simple checks will help prevent expensive repairs in the future, and will ensure that your equipment is operating as smoothly as it can.

Performing basic hvac maintenance on your commercial building is an excellent way to cut down on energy consumption, ensure comfort and extend the life of your cooling and heating equipment. By identifying issues with your thermostat, setting the breaker and replacing the batteries in the process, you’ll be able keep your building warm all year round. Remember to call a professional if you are having other issues or unsure of what is going on with your system.