As the weather warms up, summer is a time when everyone usually gives their HVAC system a bit of a rest. However, when the hotter weather of summer comes around, businesses are often victims of a failing air conditioning system. In our experience, more than 50 percent of all air conditioner failures are the result of improper cleaning (or failure to clean at all).
The following HVAC maintenance checkpoints are necessary to check in the spring so all air conditioning systems are ready to go once the weather warms up:
Check the condenser unit
After fall and winter, the condenser unit’s coils can become clogged with fallen leaves and other plant debris. Damage to the coils may also occur during strong winter storms, where snow and ice put pressure on them. Be sure to remove debris from the coils, straighten any bent coils, and then clean them with soapy water.
Inspect the wiring
Unfortunately, mice and other rodents seek shelter in HVAC unit wiring over the winter. That’s why it is important to check the wiring for signs of a nest, which may mean there is damage such as burnt wires, loose connections, or electrical shorts.
Survey refrigerant levels
When refrigerant levels are low, this may indicate the system has a leak. Before adding more refrigerant, it’s important to repair the unit.
Clean drain lines, the blower fan, and evaporator coils
During the bad weather months, blockages of mold, mineral deposits, dust and dirt may clog drain lines, blower fans, and evaporator coils. Remove any debris you find and clean for proper drainage and airflow.
Replace filters
The quality of the filter dictates how often it needs to be changed. For example, fiberglass or charcoal filters last only one month, while pleated filters need to be changed once every three months.
A perfectly functioning HVAC system works to reduce energy consumption and help keep a business’s utility bills from spiking due to seasonal temperature changes. In fact, it’s in your best interest to have a maintenance agreement with a professional HVAC company—this way, you can have someone on-call to deal with any emergencies and your business can stay cool at all times.
As more businesses are relying on commercial energy management programs to flatten energy costs, springtime HVAC maintenance has become almost mandatory—a clean, properly working HVAC system is going to be at its most efficient.
A system that isn’t properly maintained can have half the lifespan of a professionally maintained system. Replacements and repairs are vastly more costly than regular maintenance. The HVAC system is likely one of the most expensive and essential systems for your business. By preparing and maintaining it early on, you can prevent any possible issues and allow yourself peace of mind for the rest of the year.
For any of your maintenance needs, a reputable and reliable HVAC company is your solution. At Level One HVAC we are experts at both installing and maintaining your HVAC systems year-round. Don’t hesitate to call us at (248) 486-6500 if you’d like to learn more about what we can do for you. If you’re busy, we have an online contact form for you to fill out and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
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