Seasonal maintenance is necessary for any piece of mechanical equipment. This, however, is especially important for your HVAC system as the inconsistent spring temperatures will have your unit cycling on and off. Take this opportunity to get a jump start on your cooling systems with our Spring HVAC Maintenance Checklist:
This season, inspect each section of your system and clean if needed. Each and every part of your system should be inspected during your HVAC tune-up. Start by reviewing each component on this list:
Air filters
Belts
Burner assembly
Compressor
Condensate lines and drain pans
Duct system
Evaporator coils
Fan coils
Fan motor and blades
Heat exchanger
Supply and return air ducts
Thermostat
Air Filters:
Change air filters regularly during this time of the year.
Replace your facility’s filter after the completion of your seasonal task list.
Continue monthly checks and replace filters when necessary.
Belts:
Check the condition of the sheaves for worn or damaged grooves.
Clean the pulleys.
Align the sheave faces.
Inspect for cracks and tears in the belt.
Tension the belts properly. Ensure that there’s no slack.
Burner Assembly:
Clean the blower assembly from soot, dust, and other debris.
Check for proper operation of the limit switch. This is the safety control that turns off the burner when a furnace gets too hot.
Manually turn on your air conditioning units to see if they start up correctly.
Take temperature and pressure readings of the compressor itself. Abnormalities could be localized to just the compressor or could be an indicator of poor system conditions.
Inspect copper suction and liquid lines for breaks.
Condensate Lines and Drip Pans:
Before moving your system to cool air, inspect all of your condensate lines and drip pans for debris, damage, and clogged lines. Depending on the outdoor temperature, condensate can build up in a matter of minutes and cause damage to walls, ceilings, and flooring.
Duct System:
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Inspect and seal air ducts.
Adjust dampers.
Evaporator Coils:
Clean these coils at least once a year. A coating of dirt, debris, or scale can have a significant impact on the performance and efficiency within your cooling system. The coils are extremely delicate and can be broken or bent if not cleaned with care. That, along with their often difficult access, is why they should be cleaned by a professional.
Inspect fan coils for leaks in the supply and return piping.
Clean drip pans and condensate lines.
Ensure the fan coil intake isn’t obstructed. This will reduce efficiency and cause additional wear to the unit.
Test the thermostat to make sure the unit is able to cool.
Fan Motor and Blades:
Inspect the pulleys and belts for the following – if you have fan motors that are belt driven:
Heat Exchanger:
Clean visible debris from the heat exchanger with a vacuum.
Remove the heat exchanger and inspect for cracks or breaks. If there are breaks, you will want to have the unit replaced, as these breaks can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Power wash and clean to get rid of build-up.
Supply and Return Air Ducts:
Open and close supply air ducts to meet your building’s air supply configuration based on the seasons.
Ensure none of these ducts are blocked by debris or other objects.
Thermostat:
Set your thermostat to your facility’s desired temperature. During the inconsistent weather of spring, set limit controls with a minimum and maximum temperature.
Consider replacing with a tamper-proof system if occupants change the temperature often.
While completing your inspection, be sure to make a list of any operational issues you notice that will need to be addressed. Work with your facility’s certified professional or your single-source provider, to work through any necessary items.
Need Help Completing Your Spring HVAC Maintenance Checklist?
Seasonal maintenance is especially important to ensure that your facility’s HVAC is operating at an efficient level prior to the harsh summer months. Without proper seasonal maintenance, you will see a spike in energy costs due to an inefficient HVAC system and a decrease in occupancy comfort. Completing this Spring HVAC Maintenance Checklist is a great place to start.
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