DIY vs. Professional HVAC Maintenance: What You Can Do and When to Call the Pros

HVAC systems are an important part of the home because they continue to work efficiently so that you can be comfortable in your home. However, many people often make the mistake as they do not pay much attention to providing their HVAC system with proper maintenance to keep it in top shape. HVAC systems play a vital role in keeping your indoor environment safe and healthy for you.

These systems are responsible for controlling the temperature, maintaining the levels of humidity and providing you with clean air quality. It makes sure that you will stay safe and comfortable throughout the year, whether it is a hot summer day or a chilly winter night. So, it is necessary that you offer your HVAC system with proper maintenance as it holds the key to making sure that your HVAC system will be able to work efficiently for a long period of time.

However, when it comes to maintenance many people often consider making it a DIY job instead of calling a professional. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of maintenance of your HVAC system. We will also discuss the things that you can do in DIY HVAC maintenance and when you should call a professional for HVAC maintenance.

The Importance Of HVAC System Maintenance

The full form of HVAC systems is Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It is extremely important that you provide your HVAC system with regular maintenance because it will make sure that your air conditioner system is running smoothly and efficiently. When you make a schedule for giving maintenance to your HVAC system then it helps you in many ways such as lowering the risk of damage which can eventually result in costly repairs.

It will be able to efficiently serve its main purpose of providing you with a comfortable environment in your home or office. It is quite easy to maintain your HVAC system. All you need to do is regularly complete small tasks like replacing the air filters of your HVAC system and checking if there are any signs of leaks. These small things will help in improving the overall performance while reducing energy costs and also helping in extending the lifespan of your HVAC system.

DIY HVAC Maintenance

If you decide to make the task of HVAC maintenance a DIY (Do It Yourself) project then there are certain tasks that you need to complete. Because these tasks are so simple and easy to do, lots of homeowners do not bother to call a professional for this job. To complete these tasks a person does not require to have any special knowledge or skill. They just require some small tools and basic knowledge. Below you will find some of these tasks that you can perform to offer your HVAC system proper maintenance.

1. Replacement Of Air Filter

The very first task is the replacement of the air filters of your HVAC system. It is quite a simple job to change the air filters. This is also considered one of the most important tasks because if you choose to use a dirty air filter in your HVAC system then it creates multiple problems for you like decreasing the indoor air quality. After all, a dirty air filter will not be able to properly filter out harmful airborne pollutants. It can also cause you to have higher energy bills because when the air filter gets clogged it causes extra workload on your HVAC system. So, to prevent all of this from happening you need to make sure to regularly replace your air filter every 1 to 3 months.

2. Cleaning Of Condenser And Evaporator Coils

The next important task you need to do is to make sure that you regularly clean the condenser coil and evaporator coils. There are some people who often get confused between them. There are multiple differences between them: the condenser coil is located outside while the evaporator coil is located inside. Other than that they both have different functions as the condenser coils are made to release the heat while the evaporator coils are built for the purpose of absorbing the heat. Cleaning both coils regularly will help you in many ways like making your HVAC system more energy efficient as dirty coils can decrease the efficiency of your HVAC system causing the system which eventually causes it to consume more energy to operate.

3. Examining The Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most essential parts of your HVAC system. It is a device that helps in monitoring the temperature of your room and also helps in adjusting the amount of heating or cooling in your HVAC system. Because of this useful device, you will be able to set the desired temperature in your living space. The thermostat is installed in the wall of your home or office. It is extremely important that you make sure to examine your thermostat from time to time to ensure that it is running smoothly and efficiently. If your thermostat is set incorrectly then you need to fix it as soon as possible. You can consider upgrading your thermostat to a better and smarter thermostat.

4. Removing Dust And Debris From Outdoor Units

Lastly, you need to check the outdoor unit of your HVAC system as lots of dust, dirt, and debris like leaves and twigs often get collected inside it. This causes blockage in the flow of air. It is considered a very important task because the collection of dust and debris can clog your HVAC system which makes it work even harder to maintain the temperature you desire. The extra workload on your HVAC system also leads to higher levels of energy consumption making your utility bills go higher. Regular cleaning of dust and debris also helps in preventing mold growth or mildew. The presence of dust and debris does lead to the growth of microbiological organisms like mold. This can also result in releasing mold spores in your home which can be quite dangerous to your health.

Professional HVAC Maintenance

Even though you do not require expert assistance while completing the small tasks for providing maintenance to your HVAC system. However, there are plenty of big jobs that you should not try doing by yourself. So, for completing those tasks you need to call a professional for the job. Because those individuals have the skills and years of experience along with full knowledge of how to deal with situations and also have all kinds of necessary equipment for completing the job.

1. Complicated System Failures

Whenever you face complicated system failures in your HVAC system then it is important that you do not waste any time in calling a professional to fix the issue. A professional will know exactly how to deal with situations like malfunctions in thermostats that cause the HVAC systems to operate inefficiently which leads to other problems like lowering the comfort and increasing the energy bills. There are other problems like water leaks which are caused when the drainage lines get clogged or damaged. Experts like HVAC technicians have the experience to deal with situations like this. So you can trust them to fix the problem of system failures.

2. Problems In Refrigerant

If you start to face problems with your refrigerant then it is best to seek help from a professional to fix this issue. When you do not pay much attention to the refrigerant or handle it improperly then it can cause leakage which can not only harm the environment but can also increase the risk of your HVAC system taking damage. A professional HVAC technician will know how to fix the leaks in your refrigerant and possess the necessary skills and tools to replace the refrigerant if required. You can rest easy by knowing that your HVAC system is in good hands with an expert HVAC technician who will be able to provide proper maintenance to your system.

3. Electrical And Wiring Problems

You should never try to handle the electrical and wiring problems of your HVAC system on your own. This issue requires a person to have complete knowledge about how to handle wires and electrical things. The entire electrical system of your HVAC unit is quite complicated which makes it extremely dangerous for you to work on. It has detailed electrical connections that are wired with different parts of your HVAC system like the fans, compressors, and thermostats. When any of these connections get damaged then it can lead to dangerous problems like short circuits, fire hazards, or entire system failure. So, it is best to leave this job to the experts as they are highly trained to examine the situation and repair any electrical and wiring problems.

4. Complete Inspection And Maintenance

You should call a professional HVAC technician from time to time so that the experts can have a complete inspection and provide your HVAC system with maintenance if required. The HVAC experts are trained professionals who know how to properly and safely work in your HVAC system. Trying to provide maintenance to your HVAC system can be quite dangerous so you should avoid making it a DIY project and call a professional who has years of knowledge and is certified to work safely while giving maintenance and making the necessary repairs. Because they have years of experience they can easily spot the problems that mostly go unnoticed. Regular inspection and maintenance of your HVAC system can help in extending the lifespan of your HVAC system.

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Conclusion

You have learned the importance of providing your HVAC system with proper maintenance as it helps you in many ways by enhancing the efficiency of your HVAC system along with extending its lifespan. You also discovered DIY HVAC maintenance by completing small tasks like changing the air filter, cleaning the condenser coil and evaporator coil, time to time examination of the thermostat, and eliminating the dust, dirt, and debris for your outdoor units. And you also learned when you should call a professional in HVAC maintenance. In situations like system failures, issues with refrigerant, electrical and wiring problems, and for complete inspection and maintenance you should seek help from a professional.

We at Custom Filters Direct help you to keep your HVAC system trustworthy and efficient by providing you with clean air quality. When you make sure to complete the essential tasks like replacing your air filter then it helps in maintaining your HVAC system. So, if you are looking for a high-quality air filter then we would like you to know that we have some of the best quality air filters with premium designs that help keep your HVAC system safe and lower the risk of damage. You can purchase an air filter by visiting our website and if you have any questions that you would like to ask then you can contact us by sending an email to info@customfiltersdirect.com or giving us a call at 877-958-5612. Our friendly staff members will be happy to assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can DIY HVAC Maintenance Cancel My Warranty?
Most of the time DIY HVAC maintenance is either about replacing your air filters or cleaning the dirt and debris from your HVAC system. These things do not have any effect on the warranty of your HVAC system. However, if you try to fix the complicated repairs or try to make any kind of modifications then it will not only result in damaging your HVAC system but can also cancel the warranty. So, it is important for you to remember to check your warranty document and consult with a skilled HVAC technician before trying to DIY HVAC maintenance. If you incorrectly handle the components of your HVAC system while trying to repair the HVAC system then it will cancel your warranty.
Are There Any Safety Risks With DIY HVAC Maintenance?
Yes, there are some safety risks with DIY HVAC maintenance such as if you do not turn off the power supply before working on the HVAC system then it increases the chance of you getting an electric shock as there are plenty of live wires in your HVAC system. If there are refrigerant leaks in your HVAC system then this issue needs special attention. It is also essential that you remember that if the HVAC system is improperly installed then it can cause the production of harmful gas like carbon monoxide. It is a colorless and odorless gas that can be dangerous for your health. Incorrect repairs can also lead to more damage which can eventually increase the overall cost of fixing the system.
How Do I Know If An HVAC Technician Is Qualified For The Job?
It is extremely important that you look for an HVAC technician who is properly qualified for the job. You also need to make sure that HVAC technicians should be highly skilled and have years of experience. While looking for a HVAC technician you need to consider essential things like their education. Those individuals should have a high school diploma because it is the minimum requirement. However, many people often prefer to hire a technician who has a higher education degree in HVAC technology. There are many schools that provide full courses and knowledge on how to become a professional HVAC technician. It only takes six months to a year to complete the course.
What Are The Signs That My HVAC System Needs Professional Maintenance?
There are certain signs that will indicate that your HVAC system needs professional maintenance. These signs include things like getting higher energy bills, hearing unusual and strange noises from your HVAC system, improper airflow, smelling bad odors, the HVAC system not being able to maintain proper temperatures, dirt and debris being visible, and noticing leaks around the unit. All of these problems showcase that you need to hire a professional for the maintenance of your HVAC system. A professional HVAC technician will be able to provide your HVAC system with proper maintenance like cleaning the condenser coils and evaporator coils, checking the refrigerant levels, replacing the air filters, and many more.
How Long Does Professional HVAC Maintenance Take?
A professional HVAC maintenance usually takes 1 to 2 hours. However, the total time depends on several factors like the type of air conditioner you have. The size of your home also plays an important role in deciding the time taken for the maintenance of your HVAC system. If your HVAC system is in good condition then it will not take much time but if the condition of your HVAC is bad then it will take more time in maintenance of your HVAC system. The accessibility of your HVAC system also affects the time to complete the maintenance. The time taken for inspection also adds to the time for the maintenance of your HVAC system.
Can Professional HVAC Maintenance Improve Energy Efficiency?
Yes, providing your HVAC system with professional maintenance can help in improving energy efficiency. This helps in identifying the cause of the problem and fixing it before your HVAC system causes any wastage of energy. It is also important to clean and tune the essential parts like the coils, filters, and fans. This helps your system to operate at a much higher efficiency. A professional HVAC technician also adjusts the settings of the thermostat along with airflow sensors, and refrigerant levels during the maintenance. All of these settings play an important role in energy efficiency. It is also important that you provide your HVAC system with regular maintenance. This will also help in avoiding costly repairs and frequent replacement.
How Can I Save Money By Maintaining My HVAC System Properly?
When you maintain your HVAC system properly then it helps you in saving money. It can reduce your energy bills along with providing you with better air quality in your home. It is one of the most important things that you make a schedule of cleaning your air filters as dirty air filters cause extra load on your HVAC system which eventually causes it to consume more energy resulting in higher energy bills. When your home is not properly insulated then it allows the heat to escape during the cold months of winter and gives access to the outside heat to enter your home in the hot months of summer. This also causes your HVAC system to work harder to maintain a comfortable environment in your home.

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