Author: Onboarding
Everyone loves the satisfaction of a DIY win around the house, and we should. There’s no harm in taking pride in accomplishing a task that usually requires specialized skills – often outside your comfort zone – and having it all go as planned. It’s one of the true joys of homeownership. While many home maintenance and improvement projects are perfectly suitable for the do-it-yourselfer, you won’t find much about HVAC maintenance and repair on that list.
What Makes HVAC Systems a Risky Endeavor for the DIY’er?
HVAC systems comprise a series of complex machines, like compressors and condensers, each with its own set of electrical components. There are highly pressurized lines running into and out of the home that contain harmful chemical refrigerants, and other elements like blower motors and fan bearings that require specific tools and know-how to not damage said systems and components during servicing.
But Nick’s, What Can We Do to Help Our HVAC Systems?
Change Your Air Filters Regularly — It’s the Easiest Way to Protect Your System
One of the most important HVAC maintenance tasks is the most DIY-friendly: regularly changing your system’s air filters. How often you need to change them will depend on several factors, including how much use your HVAC system gets, what type of filters you’re using, and the amount of dust, dirt, and other particulate matter in your home’s air.
If you’re using filters with a MERV rating of less than 8, you’ll want to change them every month or two at a maximum. Filters with a MERV rating of 11 will provide significantly improved filtration to capture pet dander, mold spores, and smaller airborne particles for between 3 and 6 months.
MERV 13 through 16 are top-of-the-line air filters primarily used in hospitals or homes where residents have respiratory issues.
Programming your thermostat
Another step homeowners can undertake without damaging their HVAC system. The manual for your particular thermostat model will guide you through the programming process. Most thermostat manuals can be found online by searching the manufacturer’s name and your unit’s model number.
The most efficient way to program a thermostat is to determine the days and hours when your home is occupied and empty. Setting your home’s temperature to 80 degrees during the summer when it’s unoccupied during the day will help save money on your energy bills and will result in less wear and tear on your HVAC system.
Program your thermostat to start cooling your home an hour before you arrive, come home to cool comfort while knowing you’re saving money at work or school.
So, while the homeowner can safely perform a few basic HVAC maintenance tasks, anything beyond that is best left to the experienced, licensed professionals at Nick’s Air Conditioning.
Why Knowing the Limits of DIY HVAC Repair Matters
Attempting air conditioner repair DIY-style might seem like a great way to save a few bucks, but without the proper knowledge or tools, you’re only likely to make things worse. Diagnosing complex HVAC problems without adequate training can put you at risk of electric shock, refrigerant exposure, or injury from moving parts.
The homeowner should always seek the guidance of a professional HVAC company when diagnosing heating or cooling system failures, handling refrigerant leaks, or replacing key components. Knowing when to step back and let an experienced HVAC technician take over is not just about protecting your equipment—it’s about keeping you and your family safe.
Other Common HVAC Maintenance Tasks You Can Do Yourself!
Cleaning Around the Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor condenser unit needs continuous airflow to remove heat from your indoor air. Make sure that leaves, grass, and other debris are cleared away from around the unit so it can operate more efficiently.
Checking for Obvious Blockages or Obstructions
Inspect air vents and returns inside your home to ensure nothing is blocking airflow. Ensure that any vents mounted in or near the floor do not have furniture or rugs on top of them or nearby curtains that can be drawn up against a return vent.
While these tasks can help prevent bigger problems, they only go so far. If your home’s comfort system is still acting up after these steps, it’s time to call in the pros.
Most HVAC Repairs Will Require a Licensed Professional
But when should you call a professional for AC repair?
A trained technician should be called to handle any issue involving internal components, refrigerants, or electrical systems. Anything within these three categories will not be DIY-friendly tasks, and you may find yourself doing far more harm than good. To either your HVAC system or yourself.
AC Is Not Cooling Properly Despite Basic DIY Fixes
If your AC isn’t blowing cold air after checking the filter and thermostat, you could be dealing with low refrigerant, a failing compressor, or electrical issues—not DIY territory.
New, Unusual Noises from Your HVAC
These noises often signal mechanical issues that shouldn’t be ignored. Grinding sounds might point to worn-out motor bearings leading to metal-on-metal contact. Squealing could indicate a slipping or frayed blower belt, especially in older systems. Banging noises often indicate loose or broken parts inside the compressor or blower assembly. It’s best to have a licensed technician inspect and repair the system to prevent further damage.
Water Leaking From Air Conditioner
Your AC’s condensate drain line channels the moisture removed from the air during cooling away from the unit, typically directing it into a household drain like a bathroom sink. Over time, this line can become clogged with dust, mold, or algae, leading to water backing up into the drain pan. Regular maintenance, including periodic cleaning of the drain line, can help prevent these issues and ensure your system operates efficiently.
Thermostat Wiring Repairs
Installing a new programmable thermostat is DIY-safe if it’s a simple swap with existing wiring. If you get the old thermostat off the wall and realize there’s some rewiring or a need to start diagnosing electrical issues, it’s time for a professional.
Compressor or Capacitor Replacement
Certain components within your HVAC system, such as capacitors and contactors, are responsible for managing high electrical loads and pose significant risks due to their ability to store energy.
Capacitors retain a substantial electrical charge long after the system has been powered down, and this stored energy can deliver a severe shock if mishandled. Moreover, damaged capacitors often leak hazardous substances, adding a chemical risk to the electrical hazard.
Attempting to service these components without proper training and equipment can lead to serious injury or even fatality. Therefore, it’s crucial to leave the inspection and repair of these parts to licensed HVAC professionals who are equipped to handle them safely.
Why Professional HVAC Repair Is Important For Your System
Fixing HVAC issues isn’t just changing out worn parts or adding refrigerant to your system. It’s about figuring out what’s causing the problem and appropriately addressing it. The licensed and experienced HVAC technicians at Nick’s Air Conditioning bring the know-how and tools to handle everything from electrical diagnostics to dealing with refrigerants safely and effectively.
How to Prevent Costly Repairs in the Future
The only way you’ll be able to keep your HVAC system running smoothly throughout every season is through regular maintenance. By catching minor issues before they become major problems, you extend the life of your equipment and can even lower your energy bills. Nick’s Smart VIP Maintenance Program takes this further by including two HVAC maintenance visits and one plumbing inspection each year. These scheduled check-ups ensure that your systems are always in top shape, giving you peace of mind and saving you money in the long run.
But the Smart VIP Program offers more than just routine maintenance. It provides 24/7 monitoring of your HVAC system and water heater, giving you real-time alerts about potential leaks or inefficiencies.
Members also enjoy unlimited free service calls during regular business hours, a yearly camera inspection upon request, and a one-year workmanship warranty on all labor performed. Plus, with the Nick’s Smart VIP app, you can easily track your system’s performance and avoid any problems. It’s a comprehensive plan designed to keep your home comfortable and your systems running efficiently.
Don’t Be Afraid To Call Nick’s After A Failed DIY Attempt!
We get it—DIY attempts to repair AC can go sideways fast. When you’ve done all you can and the problem still isn’t solved, Nick’s Plumbing & Air Conditioning is ready to step in. Our licensed HVAC technicians handle everything from routine maintenance to emergency professional AC repair.
We’ll help you figure out what’s wrong, fix it correctly, and ensure your system is running safely and efficiently. Sometimes, the most brilliant DIY move is knowing when to call it quits—and let Nick’s take it from here.
Relax, We’re on the Way.