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Lionel Boulin • May 09, 2020

HVAC Maintenance: The Jobs You Can Do On Your Own and Those the Pros Should Do

Your HVAC unit is an important part of your home as it is what helps keep it cool and comfortable all year round. With that in mind, it’s important that you maintain the unit every now and then to ensure that it remains in top condition. However, while there are some maintenance steps that you can do, home heating companies say that there are others that you should leave in the hands of the professionals.

Here are the HVAC maintenance jobs that homeowners can perform and the ones that should be left to the pros.

HVAC Maintenance Jobs You Can Do

According to experts, there are two HVAC maintenance jobs that homeowners can do on their own. The first is changing the air filter. When you have an HVAC unit, it’s highly recommended that you replace its air filter every 3 months to prevent a reduction in AC efficiency, keep the blower motor from overheating, and avoid poor indoor air quality around your home. To do this, shut off the AC, remove the air handler cover and take out the filter, and then insert the new one before replacing the cover. As much as possible, get an air filter with a MERV rating higher than 11 for the best results.

The second HVAC maintenance job that you can do by yourself is cleaning the condensate drain pain. As time goes by, the condensate line can become clogged by algae, mold, or dirt, preventing the system from draining moisture and causing water to stagnate in the pan. 

To clean your drain pan, turn off the HVAC unit and find the condensate pan. Use a rag or a vacuum to suck up the water and clean the pan with soapy water. Afterwards, use the vacuum to suck any clog in the condensate drain outlet. Once you’ve done that, you can now clean the access point in the drain line by pouring in white vinegar or hot water with dishwashing soap to flush the line.

HVAC Maintenance Jobs Pros Should Do

Compared to the DIY jobs, air conditioner maintenance pros say there are three HVAC maintenance procedures that should always be left to the pros. For instance, any electrical work on the unit should always be handled by a trained HVAC technician or an electrician should fix any electrical issues your unit is facing. Otherwise, you may sustain injuries in the process.

Fixing the gas furnace is another task that should be left to the professionals as a furnace emits deadly carbon monoxide fumes and any incorrect repair work could be fatal in the long run. Therefore, to prevent this, make sure that a professional is fixing your gas furnace issues. 

Finally, refilling the refrigerant is another maintenance job that you should never do on your own as refrigerant gas is a highly toxic material if handled poorly. Other than that, it’s also illegal to handle refrigerants without the proper licenses.

Are you looking for expert duct cleaning companies who can help you maintain your HVAC unit? Look no further than Home Air Services. When it comes to HVAC maintenance and installation services, we are the leading experts to approach and you can count on us! Give us a call at (301) 585-8100 or fill out our contact form to request a service.

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