The majority of us take our heating and cooling systems for granted. During the winter, we expect our heating systems to keep us warm, and during the summer, we rely on air conditioning to keep us cool.
How do these HVAC systems operate?
The three basic components of all climate control systems, such as thermostats, are a source of cooler and warmer air. They are a source of spreading the air to the rooms that are being heated or cooled and a control used to regulate the system. Warm air sources, such as a furnace, and cool air sources, such as an air conditioner, often use the same distribution and control systems in a home.
If your home has central air conditioning, the cool air travels through the same ducts as heat and is controlled by the same thermostat. Any of these three basic components could be the source of a malfunctioning heating or cooling system.
Maintaining AC and Heating Systems
An air conditioner’s filters, coils, and fins must be cleaned regularly if the AC and heating system in NY is to operate efficiently and safely over time. Moreover, the air conditioning performance will continue to degrade, while power consumption will increase if you neglect the maintenance. Below are the different ways to maintain ACs and heating systems:
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AC Filters
The primary purpose for HVAC maintenance is to ensure that your air conditioner’s efficiency is good or replace or clean its filters regularly. However, filters that are clogged or dirty prevent normal airflow and significantly reduce a system’s efficiency.
Filters that are jammed up or dirty obstruct normal airflow and reduce a system’s work efficiency. Dirt may be carried directly into the evaporator coil due to clogged airflow, limiting the coil’s heat-absorbing capacity. By replacing a dirty, blocked-up filter with a clean one, you can cut your air conditioner’s electricity usage by 5% to 15%.
Thus, the central air conditioner filters are usually found somewhere along the return duct’s length. Filters can be found in a variety of places, including walls, ceilings, furnaces, and even the air conditioner itself. A filter is mounted in the grill of a room air conditioner that faces into the room.
However, you may reuse some filters, while replacing other filters. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as different levels of efficiency. Clean or consider replacing the air conditioning systems filter(s) every month or two during the cooling season. If the air conditioner is subjected to dusty conditions, or you are having fur-bearing pets in the house, filters may require more frequent attention.
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AC Coils
Over years of using HVAC units, the evaporator and condenser coils of an air conditioner collect dirt. The evaporator coil is less likely to become dirty if you clean the filters regularly. On the other hand, the evaporator coil will keep collecting dirt over time.
Thus, this dirt interrupts airflow and insulates the coil, bringing down its heat-absorbing capacity. Inspect your evaporator coil once a year and clean it as needed to avoid this problem.
If the outdoor environment is dusty or there is foliage nearby, outdoor condenser coils can become very dirty. You can see if dirt has accumulated on the condenser coil’s fins because it is easily visible.
Therefore, you should prevent the dirt and debris from accumulating near the condenser. Dirt and debris can come from your dryer vents, falling leaves, and your lawnmower. You need to clean the coil area to remove dirt particles and trim greenery back at least 2 feet. It will allow a suitable airflow through the condenser.
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Coil Fins
The aluminum fins on the condenser and evaporator coils are relatively flexible and can disrupt airflow. Air conditioning wholesalers sell a tool called a “fin comb” to comb these fins to almost original form.
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Condensate Drains
Pass a stiff wire through the drain channels of the unit now and then. When drain channels become clogged, the unit eventually gives up to reduce the humidity factor, and the excess moisture that results can stain walls or carpet.
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Room Air Conditioner Window Seals
Inspect the seal between the air conditioner and the window frame at the start of each cooling season to ensure it contacts the unit’s metal case. Moisture can cause this seal to deteriorate, allowing cool air to escape your home.
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Winter Preparation
Cover or remove and store your room’s air conditioner in the winter. You must protect the central air conditioner’s outdoor unit from winter weather and debris by covering it.
Getting Professional Help
Hire a professional service technician if your air conditioner requires more than routine maintenance. A trained technician will diagnose and repair your air conditioning system.
The technician should be able to:
- Double-check the number of your refrigerant levels.
- To check for refrigerant leaks with a leak detector.
- Instead of illegally releasing refrigerant into the atmosphere, capture pollutants in order to evacuate them from the system.
- Measurement of the airflow through the evaporator coil.
- Verify that the electric control sequence is correct and that the heating and cooling systems are not operating simultaneously.
- Inspect electric terminals, clean and tighten connections, and, if necessary, coat with a non-conductive coating.
- Inspection of oil motors and belts for their tightness and wear.
- Must check the thermostat’s accuracy.
Benefits of Maintenances
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Lowering Energy Costs
A neglected heating and cooling system gradually loses its ability to keep your home running as efficiently as it once did. After a professional maintenance job, your Heating and Cooling system will use less fuel, lowering your electricity bills.
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Repairs are less frequent
By avoiding costly repairs, annual maintenance pays for itself. If there is a problem with the system, you can detect it earlier with the help of maintenance, preventing greater damage.
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Equipment lasts longer
Heating and cooling system equipment can work at its best if you invest in its regular maintenance and cleaning. A malfunctioning part can set off a major impact, causing the entire system to fall apart. Regular maintenance prevents these problems from occurring and extends the life of the equipment.
