Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are sophisticated and need routine maintenance to maintain reliability, longevity, and efficiency. Trying to handle the maintenance tasks on your own can be tempting, but the majority of HVAC servicing is best left to industry professionals. DIY activities might look as though they’d save you money now, but they can risk costly repairs, voided warranties, system inefficiencies, and safety hazards. Knowing the risks and who should handle which tasks helps you make the right decisions for your home and its HVAC system.
Things Homeowners Can Do Safely
Comprehensive maintenance is something you should leave to the professionals, but there are small steps you can take on your own in support of your HVAC system performance. To start, replace your air filters every one to three months. More frequent changes might be necessary if there are pets in your home, anyone living with you has respiratory sensitivities or allergies, or during seasons of high pollen. Keep the registers and vents in your home unobstructed and clean. Your outdoor unit should also remain free and clear of debris. Keep an eye on your energy bills for any unusual spikes that might suggest system inefficiencies.
DIY HVAC Maintenance Carries Certain Risks
HVAC systems have intricate components, including ductwork, motors, refrigerants, and electrical wiring. Most homeowners lack the proper tools and training to work on these components, and doing so could inadvertently cause more damage than improvement. DIY maintenance on HVAC systems is generally discouraged because of safety, system damage, warranties, and limited effectiveness.
1. Safety Concerns
HVAC systems can involve moving mechanical parts, flammable gases, and high-voltage electrical components. Handling any of these without the proper tools and training can lead to severe injuries, fires, gas leaks, and electrical shocks. Professional technicians can handle these potential hazards safely.
2. Risk of System Damage
Improper maintenance can result in irreversible damage to crucial components in your home’s HVAC system. For instance, mishandling refrigerants can result in compressor failure. Also, cleaning coils improperly can damage sensitive parts or bend the fins. Heating and AC tune-up professionals know how to correctly maintain systems without damaging them further.
3. Voiding Manufacturer Warranties
Many HVAC systems are covered by warranties, but the details in the fine print often require professional servicing or the coverage could be invalidated. Doing DIY maintenance or repairs could leave you personally responsible for costly repairs and replacements.
4. Limited Effectiveness of DIY Maintenance
Homeowners can usually safely clean vents and replace air filters, but those actions aren’t enough to make sure the system keeps performing optimally. Industry professionals conduct detailed inspections, diagnose underlying issues, and calibrate system components that DIY work might overlook.
Why Professional HVAC Maintenance Is Important
Qualified HVAC technicians have specialized equipment and training that enables them to perform comprehensive maintenance on your HVAC system, and professional servicing is important for many reasons.
1. Detailed System Inspections
Technicians do in-depth inspections to identify possible issues before they can grow into expensive repairs. These industry professionals check system performance, airflow efficiency, refrigerant levels, and electrical connections to make sure everything works smoothly.
2. Proper Refrigerant Handling
The Environmental Protection Agency regulates many hazardous substances, including refrigerants. Recharging or handling refrigerants without proper certification is dangerous and illegal. Technicians have the training to efficiently and safely manage refrigerant levels.
3. Accurate Diagnostics and Fixes
HVAC professionals can identify and resolve many problems in a shorter span of time than homeowners can. In fact, they can find and fix many issues a homeowner wouldn’t even detect. Expert attention is necessary to prevent damage with issues such as faulty wiring, refrigerant leaks, and malfunctioning thermostats.
4. Ductwork Maintenance and Better IAQ
Mold growth, blockages, and leaks are all potential ductwork issues that can have a notable impact on indoor air quality and HVAC efficiency. Professional ductwork services like sealing, repair, and cleanings can prevent energy losses and ensure the proper circulation of clean air.
5. Long-Term Savings
Many homeowners don’t want to do professional maintenance because it seems to them an additional expense. However, it can save money over time by preventing expensive repairs. Professional maintenance can also extend the life span of your HVAC system, getting more return out of what you invest into that part of your home. Improved energy efficiency is another way professional maintenance can save money in the long run. Poorly maintained systems use more energy, resulting in higher utility bills.
HVAC Maintenance Tasks That Technicians Handle
Industry professionals do comprehensive system inspections, handle and recharge refrigerant, and optimize the entire system. However, there are many other tasks they handle as well.
1. Maintaining and Repairing Electrical Components
Relays, capacitors, and circuit boards are all complicated electrical components inside HVAC systems that might result in short circuits, system malfunctions, and fires. Professional technicians inspect, test, and replace these parts while ensuring proper current flow and voltage.
2. Condenser and Evaporator Coil Cleaning
HVAC systems rely on heat exchange, and condenser and evaporator coils are responsible for this. When debris and dirt build up on these parts, efficiency goes down, and system strain goes up. Specialized cleaning agents can remove grime and dirt from coils without hurting them. Technicians know how to inspect coils for physical damage or corrosion.
3. Thermostat Testing and Calibration
Thermostats need to function properly for accurate temperature control. HVAC technicians calibrate them for optimal performance, ensure proper connections and wiring, test them for efficiency and responsiveness, and make upgrades as necessary. Malfunctioning thermostats reduce system performance and can drive up utility bills.
4. Condensate Drain Line Maintenance
The HVAC system condensate drain line gets extra moisture out of the equipment, but it can get clogged with debris, mold, and algae over time. The potential consequences include humidity issues and water leaks. Technicians clean these lines thoroughly to prevent blockages, inspect the drain pan for overflow and damage, and apply cleaning solutions or algaecides that avoid future clogs.
5. Lubrication of Moving Parts
Bearings, fans, and motors are some of the various moving parts HVAC systems use. Without the right lubrication, these parts experience wear and tear, excessive friction, and, eventually, premature failure. Technicians identify the parts that need lubrication and use manufacturer-approved options to reduce friction.
6. Testing for Gas Leaks and Carbon Monoxide
Not all HVAC systems feature gas furnaces, but those that do can risk carbon monoxide leaks as a potentially serious health hazard. HVAC technicians check for carbon monoxide and gas leaks to ensure safe operation and make the necessary repairs to prevent hazardous exposure. Regular safety checks include inspecting the venting systems and heat exchangers.
Critical for Your Comfort
HVAC maintenance is a necessary aspect of staying comfortable in your home, but most of the involved tasks should be left to industry technicians. They have the knowledge, tools, and skills to handle complicated maintenance requirements, and they can ensure your system’s longevity, safety, and efficiency. Entrusting your home’s HVAC maintenance to the right professionals means you can avoid costly repairs. DIY maintenance might look as though it can save money, but it frequently presents serious limitations and risks, including potential system damage, personal injury, and voiding your warranty coverage.
Blue Best Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Generators‘s HVAC Maintenance Plan makes it easy and affordable to keep your system in tip-top shape in Bountiful and the Greater Salt Lake City area. Contact our experts at Blue Best Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Generators today for your home’s HVAC maintenance needs.
