When you think of HVAC systems in a building, you probably think of the furnace and the boiler. But there are other components that are just as important but don’t get as much attention. These less glamorous systems work together to keep your building at the perfect temperature all year round. Read on to find out more about what air handling units do and why they are so essential for your building.
To keep your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system running smoothly, you need to be sure you have the right maintenance programs in place. If something goes wrong with your system, it could mean big problems for your business and your tenants. You might not know this, but when it comes to keeping your HVAC system up and running at peak efficiency, maintenance is everything. Here are some tips on how to keep your air handling units operating like clockwork every single day of the year.
HVAC Systems and Air Handling Units: What’s the Difference?
The first thing to understand is that the two systems work together to provide your building with the right amount of heating and cooling. The HVAC system is responsible for regulating the indoor temperature, humidity, and air quality. When you first turn on the air conditioning, it cools the air, but it also drains the humidity out of the room. The HVAC system heats your building with a heat pump, which draws hot air out of your building and pulls in cooler, fresh air from outdoors. The air handling unit is the part of the system that delivers the cool or hot air from the HVAC system to the spaces you need it in. The air handling unit is usually found in the ceiling. It’s the box that contains all the ductwork for your air conditioning system. This is where the air is conditioned before it’s sent out to your building. Air handling units and HVAC systems go hand in hand, but they serve different purposes.
Why Is Air Conditioning Maintenance Important?
You probably think that since the air conditioner isn’t running all year round, maintenance isn’t that important. But that couldn’t be more wrong! For example, if you don’t lube the outdoor unit correctly, you could be in for a very expensive repair when the extreme cold hits. The outdoor air conditioner needs to be properly maintained so it can run efficiently. If you don’t maintain your air conditioning system, you run the risk of it breaking down when you need it most. This could cause some serious problems for your tenants, who rely on their indoor climate being comfortable and consistent. No one likes to live in an uncomfortable building, but it’s also bad for business if people don’t want to stay there. A broken air conditioning system isn’t just inconvenient; it can also be extremely costly to repair. You could find yourself with a very unhappy landlord or tenant if you don’t take air conditioning maintenance seriously.
Tips for Maintaining Your Air Handling Unit
If you’re going to maintain your air handling unit, you’ve got to do it right. Here are some tips for keeping your air handling unit in tip-top shape: - Replace the filters: The air filters are the ones that clean the air coming into your building. They also help keep your HVAC system running smoothly. - Check the ductwork: You want to check the ductwork to make sure it isn’t crushed or collapsed in any way. If it is, you’ll need to repair or replace it before you can keep the air handling unit running smoothly. - Check the fan blades and motors: These are what push the air around your building. If they’re not working properly, you’ll definitely notice it. - Ask a professional to inspect everything: You can clean and maintain everything, but you can’t see inside the system. To see if everything is running smoothly, you need to have a professional look at your air handling unit.
Check the Filters
The first thing you should check is the air filters. The air filters are what trap dust, pollen, and other contaminants out of the air. They also keep the air from getting too hot or cold. When the air filters are too dirty, the air handler can’t push the air through them and it gets backed up in the ductwork. When that happens, you’ll start noticing things getting hotter in your building because the air handler can’t push enough air through. As a result, the temperature in your building can climb up to uncomfortable levels. If the air filters are too dirty, they’ll clog up and not let any air through. The longer the filters go without being changed out, the more likely they are to get clogged up. You should check and change the filters every three months. If you notice the airflow is slowing down, check to see if the filters need to be cleaned or changed out.
Check the Ductwork
Next, you’ll want to check the ductwork. The ductwork is what brings the air from the air handler to the rooms in your building. If the ductwork is crushed or collapsed, the air handler can’t push the air where it needs to go. As a result, the temperature in your building can climb up to uncomfortable levels. If you notice the airflow is slowing down or you can feel hot or cold spots in your building, the ductwork might be crushing in on itself. The first thing you should do is check the ducts to see if they’re collapsing. If they are, you’ll need to get them repaired.
Check the Fan Blades and Motors
The fan blades and motors are what push the air around your building. If the fan blades or motors aren’t working properly, you’ll notice it. You might notice it as hot and cold spots in your building because the air handler can’t push the air where it needs to go. You might see a vibration in the fan or hear strange noises coming from the fan motor. If you notice any of these issues, the fan blades or motors might need to be replaced. If you notice the air handler isn’t pushing the air like it normally does, check the fan blades and motors to make sure they aren’t broken. If they are, you’ll need to replace them. If the fan blades aren’t spinning like they normally do, they might need to be lubricated. If the motors are making strange noises, they might need to be repositioned or replaced.
Ask a Professional to Inspect Everything
Last but not least, you need to ask a professional to inspect everything. You can clean and maintain everything, but you can’t see inside the system. To see if everything is running smoothly, you need to have a professional look at your air handling unit. When the professionals come and check your system, they’ll be able to tell you if anything isn’t working properly. They’ll be able to let you know what needs to be cleaned and what needs to be repaired. A professional can also let you know if there is anything you are doing wrong with your HVAC system. If there is, they can let you know how to fix it so it doesn’t happen again. After reading this article, you know what HVAC systems and air handling units are, why maintenance is important, and how to keep your air handling unit running smoothly. Keep these tips in mind to make sure your air handling unit stays in great shape.
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