Air Conditioning Maintenance: Spend Less Now To Save More Later
Many parts work together in your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable. While the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has not identified a single HVAC failure as the most common. However, ASHRAE and industry experts do agree on one point. If you do not maintain your HVAC system correctly, you are much more likely to deal with issues.
Irregular or non-existent upkeep quickly leads to component failures that can cause many problems. Mid-Fla Heating and Air gives insight into the major components of a heating and cooling system that are susceptible to failure and why routine HVAC maintenance is necessary.
Significant Components of HVAC Systems Susceptible to Failure
Many pieces make up your HVAC system, but some are more susceptible to failure without proper upkeep.
Clogged Air Filters
One of the most frequently cited HVAC problems is clogged or dirty air filters. Air filters trap debris and dirt to keep them from circulating throughout your home. They get grimy and can restrict airflow if you don’t change them regularly.
This forces your HVAC system to work harder than usual. As a result, your energy bills increase, and the blower motor and other components experience more stress. Ultimately, this can cause overheating or a total system failure, which is why routine HVAC maintenance is necessary.
Dirty Coils
Other components that can get dirty and cause issues are the evaporator and condenser coils. Over time, these coils collect layers of grime, dust, and dirt. If they are overly dirty, they are unable to transfer heat effectively, which forces the system to work harder. This can lead to premature failure of the compressor and increased energy consumption.
Refrigerant Leaks
The refrigerant in your A/C unit keeps the air cool in your home. If your refrigerant line leaks, it will cause a slow loss of cooling ability. ASHRAE research has shown that many commercial and residential air conditioners have issues with improper refrigerant levels. If your system has low refrigerant, it will work harder than ever, which can lead to a frozen evaporator coil and compressor failure.
Electrical Problems
While you might not see any obvious problems on the outside of your HVAC system, the inside could be a totally different story. When a licensed technician comes in to assess your system, they can easily find issues like corroded wiring or worn-out contactors. Undetected problems can cause electrical failures that force the system to malfunction or shut down completely. It can also be a fire hazard.
Clogged Condensate Lines
Part of the job of your HVAC system is to remove moisture from the air. It is then drained through a condensate line. If this line isn’t properly maintained, it can become clogged with mold and algae growth, which causes the unit to leak water. This can cause the system to trip a safety switch and shut off.
The Consequences of Neglect
If you neglect your HVAC system, you can end up with a lot of problems. ASHRAE has noted that a “significant amount of energy is wasted by malfunctioning or ill-maintained building systems.” For instance, a commercial air conditioning unit’s airflow is, on average, 15–25% below optimal. A lack of upkeep frequently causes this.
This highlights the importance of preventative upkeep for keeping your HVAC system healthy. Regular maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs or replacements in the future.
Ensure Comfort With Professional HVAC Maintenance Today!
Do you need to schedule routine HVAC maintenance? At Mid-Fla Heating and Air, we are happy to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
