DIY HVAC Maintenance: What You Can Do Yourself

While many HVAC tasks require professional training and equipment, there are several things you can do yourself to keep your system running efficiently.

Tasks You Can Do

Change Air Filters The most important maintenance task. Check monthly, change when dirty.

Keep Outdoor Unit Clear - Remove leaves, grass clippings, and debris - Trim vegetation back 2 feet from the unit - Gently rinse the coils with a garden hose (from inside out) - Keep the top clear of falling debris

Check and Clean Vents - Remove and wash vent covers annually - Vacuum dust from vents and registers - Make sure furniture isn't blocking airflow

Monitor Thermostat - Replace batteries annually - Check that it's reading temperature accurately - Consider upgrading old mechanical thermostats

Inspect Visible Ductwork - Look for obvious disconnections or damage - Check that insulation is intact - Note any condensation or water stains

Clear Condensate Drain If accessible, you can flush the drain line with a cup of bleach mixed with water annually to prevent algae buildup and clogs.

Test the System Run heating in fall before you need it. Run AC in spring. This catches problems before peak season.

Tasks for Professionals

Electrical Work Don't touch electrical components, capacitors, or contactors. Capacitors store dangerous voltage even when power is off.

Refrigerant Adding or checking refrigerant requires specialized equipment and EPA certification.

Gas Components Never attempt repairs on gas valves, burners, or heat exchangers. This is a safety issue.

Internal Cleaning Evaporator coil cleaning requires removing panels and specialized cleaners. Leave this to pros.

Any Repair If something's broken, call a technician. DIY repairs often void warranties and can cause more damage.