Every HVAC system needs regular maintenance to ensure that it works at optimal levels. But can homeowners perform HVAC maintenance or is it something that they should leave to professionals?
According to Augusta HVAC services, there are some maintenance tasks that homeowners can perform on their own, but certain tasks should be performed by a professional. Here is everything you should know about homeowner and professional HVAC maintenance.
DIY Maintenance Tasks
There are several DIY maintenance tasks that homeowners can do to ensure that their HVAC system is at peak efficiency. Take the following DIY maintenance tasks into consideration to save on costs and ensure efficiency:
Change The Air Filters Regularly
All homeowners should learn how to change their air filters, especially since this is one of the easiest maintenance tasks. Depending on whether you have respiratory issues, allergies, pets, environmental factors, and the type of air filter you use, changing the air filters should occur every one to three months.
More expensive air filters can last up to six months without any need for replacement. However, you should speak with a professional to understand exactly what type of air filter is best suited for your circumstances.
Once you understand what type of air filter is the best for your home, stick with it and replace it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you notice that dirt accumulates too much and too often on your filters, change them and consult a professional to understand what the issues are and whether or not you should upgrade your HVAC system or your air filter.
Clean the Condenser Unit
Cleaning the condenser unit is another task that homeowners can do themselves to ensure the efficiency and airflow of their HVAC system. These outdoor units will accumulate debris, leaves, and dirt over time, which can cause issues.
Although it is generally recommended to clean condenser units every year, you should do it more regularly if too much debris starts to accumulate.
Check Thermostat Settings
The thermostat settings dictate your system usage and should be checked often. Adjust the thermostat settings accordingly to ensure that your HVAC system operates efficiently. Although most HVAC thermostats last for ten years or so, you can ensure their longevity and avoid inaccuracies by regularly cleaning the thermostat.
Consider cleaning the surface of your thermostat about once a week and the interior once every six months. If you want to get rid of the hassle of thermostat settings and save on costs, consider upgrading your thermostat to a programmable or smart one.
Inspect Ductwork
With ductwork, homeowners should visually inspect it from time to time and check for any leaks or blockages. However, when it comes to fixing things, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Generally, cleaning should occur every three to five years.
Clear Drain Lines
Another DIY maintenance task that homeowners can do themselves is to clear the drain lines. Usually, this should be done every one to three months, just like changing the air filter.
However, certain factors will influence how often you should clear the drain lines. For example, if you live in an old home, have pets, or the area where you live has high humidity levels, you should clear the drain lines every month for the best results.
This will help ensure that you avoid mold growth, water damage, and other issues that can have negative consequences on your health and the HVAC system. Use a mixture of vinegar and water to flush the drain lines and prevent clogs.
Tasks Best Left to Professionals
As seen above, there are several HVAC maintenance tasks that homeowners can do by themselves but when certain issues appear, it’s best to call a professional. Other maintenance tasks should be conducted by a professional from the start. Here are a couple of tasks best left to them to avoid potential damage to the system and harm to yourself:
Refrigerant Checks
Checking and refilling refrigerant levels should be done by trained HVAC technicians because handling refrigerants does not only require specialized knowledge and tools but also professional certification.
Checking your refrigerant levels should occur once every couple of years. However, depending on how old your unit is, you can schedule an inspection annually to ensure that everything is in good working condition.
If you get your refrigerant levels checked annually, you can avoid issues such as ice buildup, leaks, and cooling issues. If you notice that your system makes hissing or bubbling sounds, ice forming on the evaporator coil, or your system no longer cools as effectively as before, call a professional even if maintenance is not yet due. Some of the signs should be addressed properly to discover the issue early and avoid potential system damage.
Electrical Component Inspection
All HVAC systems have various electrical components that ensure proper operation. Homeowners should always avoid handling electrical components as it is extremely dangerous.
Only professionals should do it to ensure safety and compliance with local codes. Have your electrical components inspected, especially the wiring and connections, whenever you observe an issue. It might be a sign of a bigger problem.
Comprehensive System Inspections and Tune-ups
Although homeowners can perform various maintenance tasks related to their HVAC every month or so, that doesn’t mean they should completely avoid a professional inspection. A professional inspection should occur at least once a year to identify any potential issues and ensure that your system operates at peak efficiency.
Trained technicians can perform thorough evaluations and tune-ups for your system and help you save on costs in the long run by taking care of issues and providing personalized recommendations before anything goes bad and requires repair. Call an HVAC technician right away whenever a big issue occurs, even if it’s not time for the annual inspection.
