After the winter months and harsh weather conditions, our HVAC systems may have suffered. That’s why an inspection of your systems is important. We’ve put together our best tips for how you can ensure you HVAC system is ready for summer:
1. Clean around the HVAC system
After winter storms and weather, there could likely be leaves, twigs, and other debris that can block air intakes around the unit. Blocked grilles and intakes can lower the efficiency of the HVAC system, even if they are only partially blocked.
If this is the case, you can use a heavy-duty degreaser or a hand vacuum cleaner to clean it away, or just some good old-fashioned effort!
2. Inspect the Panels around the Unit
The outdoor units will probably be enclosed in panels with seals that protect the electrical components. Check each side of the unit to make sure that all the panels are still secure and intact. If any are misaligned or seem to be damaged (likely from wind and storms), contact your HVAC technician to fix it. In addition, if any seals have breached, these should be replaced to ensure moisture cannot ingress into the unit.
3. Clean and replace air filters
Dirt and debris can clog the air filter, and again this will lower the efficiency of your HVAC unit. Having clean filters will stop any dust and allergens from being blown into your home/workplace, which is important for the people’s health. Your system will either have filters that can be cleaned or disposable ones that will need to be replaced. Either way, make sure you have a good inspection of the filters, and if in doubt, get in touch to speak to our HVAC experts.
4. Check the pipe work insulation
The pipes that link between the outside unit and its inside counterpart should be properly insulated. This will maximize efficiency and therefore save you money. If it isn’t, you could be making your HVAC system work harder to do less which results in paying more. Contact us to check that your insulation integrity and suitability.
5. Clean coils & drains
There may be a build up of dirt, pollutants, mould and more on your coils from the winter months. This causes the system to work harder and the airflow, cooling capacity and pressure are reduced. Both the indoor and outdoor coils should be cleaned along with drip trays, condensate pumps and drain piping & hose. Some systems may need professional cleaning. At PPS we can service Gas Fired Equipment and Heat Pump units.
6. Refrigeration Circuits
A qualified and experienced engineer should be able to make the basic checks following the FGas guidelines. This would include a Leak check, visually and with an electronic detection tool, in addition operating the equipment and ensuring the temperatures and pressures are correct for the type of system and refrigerant. A leak in the system is an issue both environmentally and for the health and performance of the unit, potentially causing damage to key components and loss of heating or cooling.
7. Check Your Air Ductwork
Have our HVAC experts check your air ducts for possible leaks. Leaks will cause your system to run longer to cool your home/workplace. Leaks or blockages in the supply ducting could reduce the performance by as much as 25 percent.
8. Test the HVAC system
Start up your system, does it reach the target temperature or are there any alarms displayed? Can you spot any leaks or hear any funny noises? If you notice something that doesn’t look right, you should call a HVAC technician. You can contact us here.
9. Schedule a regular maintenance service
Finally, and most importantly, schedule in a HVAC service. Having a regular maintenance schedule is the single best thing you can do to keep your system in good condition. Small tasks, such as the ones listed above, will help ensure your HVAC system is working well ready for summer, but other preventative procedure must be completed by a HVAC professional. Preventative checks and maintenance will ensure your system is always working in its optimal condition.
For more information on any of these points, or anything else to do with HVAC, get in touch with our team.