One dilemma every homeowner faces at one time or another is whether to DIY a project or call in pros. HVAC maintenance is no different. Some tasks are so simple there’s no reason not to do them yourself if you choose. However, some HVAC maintenance tasks are better left to someone trained to recognize and fix problems when they come up.
What HVAC Maintenance Can You DIY?
One question homeowners ask is, “What kind of maintenance can I do myself?”
The first, and most important, job is to maintain your air filter. A clean air filter lets the entire HVAC system work more efficiently. It keeps out dust and debris that can damage the mechanical parts, shortening the life of your system.
How often you change your filter depends on your home. If you live in a dusty area or have pets, your filter may get dirty faster. In that case, you should check your filter once a month and change it as needed. The maximum amount of time you should go between filter changes or cleanings is three months.
Another maintenance task you can perform yourself is clearing your outdoor unit of blockages. Dust on the condenser fins can be vacuumed off with a vacuum hose attachment. Leaves, grass, or other debris can be swept away, and plants can be cut back to allow easy air flow.
What HVAC Maintenance Should You Leave to the Professionals?
In general, anything to do with the inner workings of the HVAC system should be left to the pros. In part, this is because a simple mistake can be very costly by the time you’ve paid for repairs. Having pros inspect and maintain your system also gives them a chance to spot problems that are developing before they turn into catastrophes.
Typically, professional maintenance includes checking electrical connections and refrigerant levels, making sure air is flowing at the temperature and force that it should, and ensuring that all moving parts are well-lubricated and functioning properly.
To learn more about professional HVAC maintenance for your Calgary area home, give Arpi’s Industries a call today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Calgary, Alberta about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about preventive maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide.
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