DIY HVAC Maintenance: Know Your Limits

DIY HVAC Maintenance: What You Can and Can't Do - Guidance from Air Comfort

Maintaining your HVAC system is crucial for its longevity and efficiency, especially in Minnesota's variable climate. While professional maintenance is recommended, there are several things homeowners can safely do themselves to help maintain their system. However, it’s also important to understand the limitations of DIY to avoid damaging your system or putting yourself at risk.

Here’s what you can and shouldn't do:

What You Can Do:

1. Changing Air Filters:
   • Regularly replacing or cleaning your air filters is a simple task that significantly impacts your system’s efficiency and air quality.
2. Cleaning Around Units:
   • Keeping the area around your indoor and outdoor units clear of debris, leaves, and dirt will ensure proper airflow and prevent system overloads.
3. Checking Thermostats:
   • Ensure your thermostat is functioning correctly and consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat for better energy management.
4. Inspecting and Cleaning Air Vents:
   • Regularly check and clean air vents to ensure unrestricted air flow. This can be done with a vacuum cleaner or by wiping down the vent covers.

What You Shouldn't Do:

1. Refrigerant Handling:
   • Handling refrigerant, fixing refrigerant leaks, and recharging the system are tasks that require professional certification and should not be attempted as DIY.
2. Electrical Repairs:
   • Any repairs involving electrical components should be left to professionals due to the high risk of shock or causing further system damage.
3. Deep Internal Cleaning:
   • While surface cleaning is manageable, deep cleaning of internal components, like coils and blowers, should be done by a professional to avoid unintentional damage.
4. Ductwork Modifications:
   • Any modifications to ductwork can affect your entire system’s efficiency and should only be handled by HVAC professionals.