Want to maintain your HVAC system while keeping costs low?
You do. We all do. Some things around the house you can fix or handle yourself. Other projects are best left to trained professionals with experience and equipment.
Here’s the kicker…
If you try a repair you’re not trained for or skip important maintenance you WILL get slammed with costly breakdowns and sky-high energy bills.
The good news is that when you know what you CAN do yourself you save money while keeping your system running longer.
In this article we’ll cover:
- Do I Need My Air Ducts Cleaned?
- HVAC Maintenance Tasks You Can Do
- Warning Signs to Call a Professional HVAC Tech
- How Much Will You REALLY Save?
Do I Need My Air Ducts Cleaned?
Let’s start with this dirty little secret…
Your air ducts run all throughout your home. They suck up all kinds of dust, pet dander, pollen, pollutants and other debris every day. One study by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association showed homes with no professional duct cleaning in three or more years had up to 40 pounds of debris in their ductwork.
Yes. Seriously.
40 pounds.
But here’s the catch…
Unless you’re a certified duct cleaning technician you can’t actually “clean” your air ducts at home. At best you’re just moving all that contaminant around and pushing it deeper into your ductwork. At worst you could damage duct joints and seams.
That’s why professional duct cleaning is important. Expert technicians use powerful vacuum hoses and brushes designed just for cleaning ductwork. They’ll remove buildup and debris without harming your HVAC equipment. They can even spot mold, pests and other problems you’d never know about.
When you need professional duct cleaning done call:
- You see visible mold growing inside the ducts or on registers and vents
- You see signs of rodents or insects inside the ductwork
- You notice a huge amount of dust coming from registers when system is on
- Musty or stale odors come from registers when system is running
- You’ve had recent remodeling that created a lot of dust
HVAC Maintenance Tasks YOU Can Do
There are several HVAC maintenance chores you can handle without any special tools. Some take just a few minutes and can drastically improve how your system works.
Here they are:
Change HVAC Filters Regularly
We can’t stress this enough. Changing your HVAC air filters is the number one thing you should do to maintain your system. Dirty air filters restrict airflow which causes your equipment to work harder.
Most air filters should be changed every 30-90 days depending on your home. Some homes may need to change filters more or less often.
Changing your filter is easy and takes less than five minutes.
Remove debris from outdoor HVAC units
Your outdoor AC condenser needs open space around it to operate properly. Cut grass, leaves and other debris can block air flow. Make sure there are at least two feet of space around all sides of the unit.
Wash visible vents and registers
Air vents and registers can get dusty too! Supply vents and return vents should be cleaned with a damp cloth to remove dust buildup. You should also vacuum vent covers to remove dust that collects inside.
Swap out your thermostat batteries
Did you know a big reason people call their HVAC tech is because of dead thermostat batteries? It’s true. Double check your batteries first before calling for service. Replace your thermostat batteries once a year and ensure the settings match the current season.
Signs You Should Call Your HVAC Pro
However, there are some things your HVAC system will need checked out by a trained professional. Most DIYers end up causing more problems than they solve when they try to repair complex issues.
Don’t be that guy.
If you experience these symptoms with your HVAC system it’s time to call a pro:
Strange Sounds
If your system is making banging, squealing, grinding or other strange noises you have a problem. Loose fittings, worn belts, or even failing motors will produce recognizable noises. A technician can identify the problem and make repairs before it causes more damage.
Weak airflow
Your system might also suffer from weak airflow. This means some rooms might seem stuffy while others have plenty of air. Restructed ductwork, failing blower motors and blocked vents are just some causes of poor airflow.
Temperature inconsistencies
Do you have hot or cold spots in your home? Temperature imbalance could be the result of ductwork issues, malfunctioning systems or other distribution problems.
Increased energy bills
If your heating or cooling bills skyrocketed it’s likely due to efficiency losses. The U.S. Department of Energy states that poorly maintained HVAC equipment can consume up to 25% more energy than a well-maintained unit.
Frequent cycling
Systems that turn on and off frequently are wasting energy. Short cycling is hard on your equipment and prevents your system from properly heating or cooling your home.
How MUCH Will YOU Save?
Think you’re being smart by skipping maintenance?
Think again.
A study showed 85% of HVAC repairs can be linked back to not properly maintaining your equipment. Eighty-five percent!
Maintenance also greatly increases the lifespan of your HVAC system. Regularly maintained equipment has been shown to last up to 50% longer than equipment that wasn’t maintained.
What does maintenance prevent?
- Costly compressor repairs that can cost you $3000-$5000 to fix
- Refrigerant leaks which impact efficiency and the environment
- Electrical problems which pose safety hazards to you and your family
- Early system replacement
What does maintenance provide?
- Lower monthly energy bills and more consistent HVAC performance
- Comfortable temperatures throughout your home year-round
- Fewer service calls and emergency repairs
- Better indoor air quality
Only about one-third of homeowners even schedule preventative maintenance each year. The majority of homeowners are playing HVAC roulette with their comfort and their pocketbooks.
DIY vs Professional HVAC Maintenance
As you can see, the wisest course of action is a little bit of both. DIY what you can. Change those filters, wash your vents, and clear away debris. But leave these things to the pros:
- Work involving electrical components
- Refrigerant issues
- Repairing or deep cleaning ductwork
- Annual maintenance inspections
Here’s a helpful hint:
If you don’t have the tools or knowledge to do it safely and correctly, hire a professional. It’s nothing compared to the costs of damaging your equipment or safety hazards.
Time To Get Started
Want to make sure your HVAC system runs efficiently all year long?
It’s easy. If you know your limits you can DIY the small stuff and leave the big repairs to trained experts.
Simply put. Change your filters, wash your vents, and clear debris. If your maintenance involves things you DON’T know how to handle safely call a professional HVAC technician to do it for you.
Remember, your HVAC system only gives you what you put into it. Treat it right and it will keep your family comfortable for years to come.