DIY Home Improvement: HVAC Maintenance And More

Know some of the DIY Home Improvement tips and tricks for HVAC Maintenance and More.

45 Views
29 August 2024 1:00 PM
Average Reading Time: 15 Minutes
DIY Home Improvement: HVAC Maintenance And More
DIY Home Improvement: HVAC Maintenance And More

HVAC maintenance can be quite expensive. So, choosing the DIY option to improve your home will ultimately cut the cost and make sure you make the changes that you need and not waste money on unnecessary upgrades and additions.

HVAC System & Its Components

If you want to improve your home and maintain the HVAC system well, you need to know how it works.
HVAC system maintains the temperature and the quality of air. It circulates air well and controls temperature. It also removes dust particles and other contaminants from the indoor air.
Here are the key components a HVAC system may have.

Component

Function

Air Conditioner

It performs the primary air conditioning functions and cools down the air. 

Furnace or Heat Pump

Works as a primary heating source. However, unlike a furnace, heat pumps also have a cooling function, similar to an air conditioner.

Ductwork

It is a connection of pipes. It actually distributes or flows conditioned air all over the building.

Registers

This is the place through which conditioned air enters into rooms.

Return Ducts

These ducts or pipes bring back air to the system for recirculation. 

Air Handler

It circulates air indoors.

Thermostat

This maintains and regulates temperature. It tells the AC condenser what temperature it should aim at.

Air Filters

Filters remove dust particles and other contaminants from the air.

Compressor

It helps in air conditioning. You can count it as an essential part of the air conditioner condenser. 

Evaporator Coil

Heat is drawn in from the air inside your home by this coil.

Condenser Coil 

It releases the absorbed heat outside your home.

These are the key elements of an HVAC system, and all HVAC systems can be classified into the following types. Central HVAC Systems 

  • Ductless Mini-Split Systems 
  • Geothermal Systems 

DIY HVAC Maintenance Tips

If you are not maintaining your HVAC system well, your air conditioning system will not work properly after a period. 

Here are some practical tips for you to help you maintain your HVAC system more efficiently:

1. Change the air filters regularly:

Your first DIY task will be changing the air filters regularly. There is a lot of dust and dirt in the air, even at home. That's why, over time, the dust accumulation clogs the air filters. It restricts the flow of air. It also contaminates the air. 

To ensure proper airflow and purify the air, the system has to work harder, which will ultimately create pressure on the system. So, you should change the air filters regularly to get efficient results from the HVAC system. Changing it every 1 to 3 months, depending on the dust buildup in your home, is recommended.

2. Keep the Condenser Unit clean:

As mentioned earlier, the condenser coil or unit releases heat and air outside your home. Leaves, shrubbery, tree pants, pots, and debris can restrict this condenser. Keeping it clean will make the system's operation easy and effective. But how do you clean it? Here's a DIY cleaning hack for you.

  • First, turn the power of the unit off.
  • Gently wash away the dirt using water and a soft brush
  • Clean leaves, shrubbery, tree pants, pots, debris or any other obstacles around the unit.
  • Before you turn on the unit, wipe off the dust from the unit.

We recommend cleaning at least 2 feet of area around the unit. It will ensure proper airflow.

3. Clean the evaporator coils:

Dirt or dust can gather inside the evaporator coils. These can affect the coil’s performance. Clean it well regularly. Follow these DIY steps to clean it.

  • Turn off the HVAC system. 
  • Use a coil cleaner to clean. You can take a soft brush otherwise. Clean the coils gently.
  • Let it dry before turning on the unit.

4. Check the thermostat settings & adjust if needed:

The thermostat settings control the operation of your HVAC system. If you do not have the proper settings, it may cause discomfort. So, check the settings from time to time and adjust accordingly. 

5. Check and clean the vents and ducts:

Check the ducts regularly. If you find any leaks, try using duct tape to seal it. If the leak is too big or if there are too many, call HVAC professionals for help. Also, clean the vents and ducts regularly.
 
This is how you can keep your HVAC system clean and efficient. It will allow you to get a longer period of service. You will not need expensive servicing if you keep up with these maintenances.

Common Issues & Their Solutions 

We all want to improve our homes. So, we try whatever is possible to make it cozy and comfortable. However, despite your best efforts to keep our HVAC unit in good shape, some common issues occur from time to time. Here are some of those common problems with air conditioning systems and how we can resolve them:

  • You may hear some unusual noise from the system. It usually happens due to loose parts of the system. Turn the system off and tighten the loose parts to solve this issue.
  • If you experience weak airflow, try changing the air filters and cleaning ducts and coils. It usually happens due to dirt accumulation.
  • You might feel the system is not cooling or heating your home. It happens due to incorrect thermostat settings or clogged filters. To sort this out, check your thermostat's settings and ensure it is properly tuned for your needs. Also, clean and/or change air filters. 

If these tips don’t help, try calling an HVAC professional for help.

More DIY Tips — HVAC and Beyond

If you haven’t skipped the article, you already know how to maintain your HVAC system and keep your home cozy and comfortable. However, here are a few more suggestions from my own personal experience that’ll improve your HVAC system. Try installing UV lights in your ductwork. If you cannot do it by yourself, get help from a professional. This UV light will kill any mold, bacteria, and other pathogens breeding in your duct system. I have talked about duct leaks before. Try using duct mastic or metal-backed tape to seal any leaks. I also suggest adding insulation to ducts in unconditioned spaces. 

  • If your system is compatible, try using zoning controls. It will allow you to control the temperature individually in different rooms or zones that you set.

Here are some other home improvement ideas to brighten up your home. 

  • Try applying a fresh coat of paint on your walls. Use colors that complement your furniture. Add different aesthetic paintings on your walls. It will give your home a vibrant look.
  • Upgrade your kitchen and bathroom area. You can use hardwood, lamination or tile flooring to upgrade the floor.
  • Keep the outdoor area clean. Add plants or use lights in different to give it a warm appeal.

Remember, only installing an HVAC system in your home will not give you the comfort you seek. You have to maintain it too. Follow our DIY hacks to check on and maintain the HVAC system to ensure optimal performance.