Comprehensive Fall HVAC Maintenance Checklist for Your Business
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. By making and following a fall HVAC maintenance checklist, you can extend the life of your system. It’s a simple yet essential task that will head off expensive repairs and replacements. Before you perform your fall HVAC maintenance, prepare your list, so you don’t miss any critical tasks.
1. Change Filters
Changing your filters is one of the more manageable parts of fall HVAC maintenance. The filters will most likely need changing after six months at the longest. It would be best to inspect your filters at least once a month. If your HVAC system has to push air through clogged filters, it will have to work much harder. Unfortunately, this means decreased performance, increased energy bills, and more wear and tear on your system.
You may find that your building is in an area that needs more or less attention to the filters. Perhaps your HVAC system doesn’t run much because your climate is temperate. In this case, you should still include this item on your fall HVAC maintenance checklist. An unusually clogged filter could be a sign of a deeper problem.
2. Clean All Equipment
Dust, dirt, and debris can hinder HVAC performance. Your fall HVAC maintenance should begin outside with the exterior components. Any branches, shrubs, or other plants restricting airflow need to be cut back.
Inside, check combustion chambers for soot. Don’t let dust sit and build up. Both soot and dust can reduce the life of your filters and cause allergic reactions in building occupants.
Pay close attention to electrical connections. Corrosion can lead to shorts or poor connections. Clean them and adjust them as needed.
Next, turn your attention to the drain pans and condensate lines. They should be free from obstructions and may need to be cleaned to ensure proper flow. Finally, clean the coil, cabinet, and ignition system as well.
3. Check Equipment Condition
Look for broken or worn parts, especially pulleys and belts. In many cases, a simple adjustment will take care of a malfunction. However, belts can fray and snap if you don’t replace them when they start to wear.
You will also want to inspect your:
- Compressor
- Fan motor
- Blades
- Control box
- Wiring
- Blower assembly
- Evaporator coil
- Heat exchanger
- Burner assembly
Make sure all moving parts are operating normally.
4. Apply Lubricant
Most moving parts in your HVAC system will require lubrication to function. Start with the fan motor, then move on to any belts in the system. Drag from inadequate lubrication will decrease HVAC equipment life and performance.
5. Measure Refrigerant
Your system’s refrigerant levels need to be kept in perfect balance. Too much refrigerant can increase system pressure and flood the compressor. Too little, and the system can’t transfer heat well. In either case, the compressor will experience damage. For optimal temperature regulation and system health, measure the level and recharge if necessary.
6. Reprogram Thermostats
Even if you have a smart thermostat-based system, you still need to inspect it. Make sure your thermostats are at the optimal settings for occupant comfort and energy savings. Check your heating and cooling schedule and adjust accordingly. Your building may have different occupancy than last fall and might require a schedule change.
Trust The Experts at The Severn Group for Your Maintenance Needs
A professional HVAC technician can thoroughly inspect your system and take care of any fall HVAC maintenance or repair your system requires. The Severn Group is a leading HVAC contractor dedicated to ensuring these systems operate at peak efficiency.
We offer full maintenance schedules tailored to your specific needs. We also provide 24/7 emergency service if something goes wrong with your system. To keep your HVAC system running smoothly, contact us today.