HVAC Maintenance Tasks: DIY and Pro

If HVAC maintenance is on your “to-do” list, you’ve probably considered whether you should do it yourself or hire a professional. Since HVAC maintenance involves a variety of tasks, most homeowners opt to do some maintenance themselves and hire a pro for the rest.

Today’s HVAC systems are complex pieces of machinery. One wrong move while doing maintenance can lead to expensive repairs. Because of that, it is a good idea to leave certain types of maintenance to the pros:

• Anything related to the electrical systems. Electrical connections can become loose or get worn out. They should periodically be inspected and if needed, tightened or replaced. HVAC technicians know where to find the electrical connections and how to tell if they’re working properly.
• Refrigerant levels. Either too much or too little coolant can cause your HVAC system to work inefficiently. The pros know how much refrigerant your particular system needs and can spot leakage issues.
• Clogs in your condensate line. The condensate pan and drain line sometimes get clogged with rust or debris. This can lead to backed up water spilling over and causing water damage. Your HVAC technician can check the water level in the pan and flush out the drain line if needed.
• Air flow and temperature. If your system isn’t reaching the set temperature or you’re experiencing less air flow from certain supply registers, that can be a sign of a more serious problem. Technicians have tools to check the force and temperature of the air being put out by your system.

At the same time, there are certain tasks most homeowners can do themselves. For example:

• Air filter maintenance. Whether you have a replaceable air filter or a reusable one, it needs to be checked every 30–90 days. If it’s dirty, it should be replaced or cleaned.
• Outside unit maintenance. Keeping the unit clear of debris and plants helps air flow freely, improving the efficiency of your system.

Need more information about professional HVAC maintenance or any other HVAC issues in the Middletown area? Contact us at C.R. Wolfe Heating & Air Conditioning today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Middletown, New York about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 845-367-4482.

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