Home Maintenance Checklist: HVAC DIY Do’s and Don’ts
When you encounter a problem on your home maintenance checklist, it’s natural to want to fix it yourself in the most efficient, cost-effective way possible. While something as small as a fuse or air filter seems to be an easy fix, there are times when it’s better to call in the experts. Depending on your skill set and experience, here are some basic DIY Do’s and Don’ts for your HVAC system.
Maintenance
The Value of Keeping an HVAC Maintenance Log
Developing and keeping an HVAC maintenance log is a simple way to stay on track with your regular maintenance. It also serves as a record-keeping tool that’s helpful in many ways as it relates to the value of your home. READ BLOG
Our Recommendation: DIY Do
Keeping a HVAC maintenance log is a great plan! Share it during your regular maintenance appointments, and add in new information on an ongoing basis.
How HVAC Maintenance Plans Save Time and Money
Did you know that approximately half of the energy used in your home is from your heating, ventilating and cooling system? Signing up for an HVAC maintenance plan is one simple way to save time and money, protect your investment and ensure your family’s comfort throughout the year. READ BLOG
Our Recommendation: DIY Do
Be proactive, and sign up for a maintenance agreement before you need one.
What Type of Home Air Conditioning Filter is Best?
A clean, functioning air filter helps keep dust, dirt, pollen, mold and its spores, hair and animal fur, lint and more out of your living spaces. Here are some pointers if you want to replace your air filter yourself, or you can leave it up to you HVAC professional as part of your maintenance plan. READ BLOG
Our Recommendation: DIY Do
Once you learn more about which filter works best for your home, set a regular schedule for replacement. Or let your HVAC technician do it during the maintenance plan visit.
6 Projects to Maximize HVAC Efficiency
From DIY tasks to in-depth maintenance requiring the expertise of a heating and cooling specialist, here are a few HVAC-related projects that will help ensure your home comfort system is operating at peak efficiency. READ BLOG
Our Recommendation: DIY Do
These basic home maintenance suggestions can be completed before your next maintenance plan checkup. When it gets beyond your level of expertise, call for help.
Why is My A/C Unit Freezing? 4 Common Reasons
Even in our warm climate, it is possible for your A/C unit to freeze, limiting the system’s ability to cool your home. If your unit is no longer cooling your home or is blowing hot air, your evaporator coil may be frozen. One of these common HVAC malfunctions is likely the cause. READ BLOG
Our Recommendation: DIY Don’t
Unless it is a minor fix like replacing your air filter, most likely you’re going to need assistance from an HVAC specialist.
6 Must-Know Heating and Cooling Tips for Pet Owners
If you have pets in your home, you probably consider them part of your family and know that it’s important to keep them comfortable. After all, they live in your home, too, and there’s a good chance they spend more time there than you do. Here are some heating and cooling tips for pet owners. READ BLOG
Our Recommendation: DIY Do
Rover won’t be much help with these home maintenance tasks, but he will appreciate the ones you’re able to complete.
Repairs
Can I Fix My Own HVAC?
You should think twice about opening up your HVAC unit to repair it yourself. If you’re in need of a fix and find yourself wondering, “Can I fix my own HVAC?” here’s what you need to know. READ BLOG
Our Recommendation: DIY Don’t
Although there are times you can do some minor maintenance, you should bring in the experts when you’re ready to start on larger repairs.
Get Smart: Troubleshooting Your Smart Thermostat
Thermostats have come a long way since the bronze dial or the off-white box that your dad yelled at you not to touch. Now, you can tell your thermostat to make it warmer or cooler. But these intelligent gadgets can sometimes go awry. Keep reading to learn more about smart thermostats and how to troubleshoot them. READ BLOG
Our Recommendation: DIY Do
Even if you need assistance later, troubleshooting will help you learn more about how your smart thermostat works.
Blown Fuses May Be a Sign of Bigger A/C Trouble
Fuses are the little glass safety nets in our electrical systems. And when they blow, they get our attention. Keep reading to find out if your blown fuses are due to a routine failure or a bigger – and more expensive – issue. READ BLOG
Our Recommendation: DIY Don’t
Sometimes, what seems like a small problem can require specific expertise. Ask for help!
5 Reasons Your AC Unit is Leaking and What to Do
Noticed a leak in your air conditioning unit? No need to panic. Your unit may be leaking for several reasons, and though some causes may require a system replacement, others can be repaired or remedied. READ BLOG
Our Recommendation: DIY Do
Although you may be unable to complete a leak repair, go through these causes first.
Habits
Resolutions to Help Lower Your Energy Bill
With a few minor adjustments, you can lower your energy bill each month. Fortunately, it’s not hard to do. In addition to saving money, lowering your energy bill also lowers pollution and benefits the environment. It’s time to check in on your resolutions for heating and cooling, energy efficient lighting, appliances and electronics, and scheduling an energy audit. READ BLOG
Our Recommendation: DIY Do
A few minor changes in your home maintenance habits can make a big difference.
Turning Off the Ceiling Fan
To save money, make sure you know when to turn that ceiling fan off. The rule to remember is that ceiling fans are meant to cool off people, not rooms. READ BLOG
Our Recommendation: DIY Do
Create a new habit every time you leave a room for an extended period of time. When you flip the light switch off, turn off your fan, too.
How Pets Can Damage Your HVAC Unit Inside and Out
Your furry four-legged friend might be putting a damper on your HVAC’s efficiency by causing HVAC damage. From nose to tail, your pets can do some serious damage to both your inside and outside unit. Here are some steps you can take to mitigate future problems. READ BLOG
Our Recommendation: DIY Do
No one else loves Fido as much as you do. Do your best to go through this helpful list, then ask for help if the damage has already been done.
DIY projects on your home maintenance checklist should always be approached with caution, and that’s why you have experts like our team at Barineau Heating and Air Conditioning. We encourage homeowners to be proactive and to stretch yourselves with simple projects. However, leave the more challenging maintenance, repairs and replacements to us. Contact us online or call 850-580-4029 to discuss your options with our team.
