HVAC Maintenance 101: Combatting Dirt and the Effects of Age
The cold of winter is behind us, and spring is right around the corner. But that also means that the summer heat is coming; before long, the heat and humidity will intensify. This will trigger a lengthy cooling season for air conditioner systems, and if you are like most Texans, you will depend on AC all summer long. Is your air conditioner ready? For the next few lines, we will cover the most common HVAC Maintenance problems that develop with air conditioners and give simple solutions for working through them.
Dirt
We use this general term to define a problem every mechanical system faces. Engine oil needs to be changed regularly because it gets dirty. Air conditioners need to be cleaned regularly because of dirt.
- Since air conditioners move so much indoor air, an air filter is installed to help clean the air. The same dust that collects on surfaces gets caught in this filter, and eventually, the dust is thick enough to coat the filter’s surface. This thick coat of dirt restricts the airflow, making the entire system work harder. A clogged air filter remains the problem that garners the most repair calls. Air filters are commonly available and need to be changed quarterly.
- The outdoor portion of the air conditioner is called a condenser unit. The inside is hollow, with a large fan. The fan draws air through the sides of the condenser, which is actually a network of tubes and fins. The tubes contain hot gas that needs to be cooled before it can be recycled. Should the condenser fail to cool the gas, it reenters the compressor and will overheat the compressor motor.
The dirt, in this case, includes dust, pollen, and grass clippings that get drawn onto and through the condenser network. Dirt inhibits the transfer of heat, and the gas remains hotter. The cure for this is to wash the dirt away with a garden hose; removing a few screws will give clearer access to the tubes and fins. It might be tempting to use a power washer, but this can damage the fins. A garden hose will do.
Age
All mechanical systems experience wear and tear every time it is used. Most of the time, this leads to a predictable useful life cycle, and owners of these systems must consider this fact.
- There are only a few moving parts with an air conditioner system, but these parts work incredibly hard. A blower motor moves air throughout the home—lots of air through lots of cycles. At the same time, the condenser fan works hard to move air through the condenser network to cool the gas. There is also a very small compressor motor that compresses refrigerant gas to between 200 and 400 psi. Heating and cooling cycles require these components to work very hard.
- This refrigerant gas is extremely important to the cooling process. Since it is under such high pressure, any flaw in the tubing will result in it leaking away very quickly. Bye-bye, air conditioning!
- Using electrical parts results in wear, whether small or large. Many of the sensors, switches, and controllers are very sensitive; wear tends to weaken their effectiveness. The stress this causes can cascade when neglected.
For these reasons and more, regular preventative maintenance goes a long way to keep an air conditioner running smoothly and efficiently for as long as possible.
Beat the Heat: Prep Your AC Before Summer Strikes with HVAC Maintenance from Northwind AC and Heating
As spring arrives and summer looms, homeowners must prepare their AC systems for the demanding cooling season. Common issues like dirt buildup, especially in air filters and condenser units, and the inevitable wear and tear from age can significantly impact AC performance. While homeowners can address some issues with simple tasks like filter changes and condenser cleaning, comprehensive preventative maintenance is crucial for optimal efficiency and longevity.
For expert HVAC maintenance and to ensure your system is ready for the Texas heat, contact Northwind AC and Heating. Their skilled technicians can provide thorough inspections, and professional cleaning, and address any age-related concerns, keeping your home cool and comfortable all summer long.
Northwind Air Conditioning and Heat can help answer your HVAC maintenance questions for your home. Contact us and get the help you need.