The HVAC system in your home is an expensive piece of equipment. It’s also one of the most complex systems in your house. That’s why it’s important to have regular maintenance done on it to avoid costly problems in the future. Unfortunately, no HVAC system lasts forever, and eventually you may need repairs on your unit. Fortunately, most HVAC repairs are relatively simple and don’t require specialized training to complete. In fact, the majority of HVAC repairs are DIY projects that only require a few tools and your own know-how to complete. Here are some of the most common HVAC repairs:

Check for carbon monoxide leaks

One of the most dangerous problems with HVAC systems is carbon monoxide leaks. If there’s a leak in your unit, carbon monoxide can build up in your home and put you and your family at risk. Unfortunately, carbon monoxide is often hard to detect. You may not even realize it’s a problem until you’re feeling sick or experiencing other unpleasant side effects. Thankfully, there are a few signs that may indicate a carbon monoxide leak in your system. If you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to have your HVAC unit checked out by a professional as soon as possible:

  • Headaches

  • Dizziness

  • Nausea

  • Shortness of breath

  • Confusion

  • Loss of consciousness

Check and clean the air filter

One of the easiest and most important HVAC repairs you can do is to check and clean the air filter in your HVAC unit. Air filters play an important role in keeping your system clean and helping it run more efficiently. Unfortunately, air filters need to be replaced regularly. If you don’t change your air filter on a regular basis, it can quickly become clogged with dust and debris, which can reduce the efficiency of your system and increase your energy bill. To check the condition of your air filter, follow these steps:

1. Shut off the power to your HVAC unit and then open the cabinet that houses the unit’s filter.2. Look at the filter to determine if it’s still clean and whether it needs to be replaced. If the filter is dirty, you can either clean it or replace it.3. Change the filter on a regular basis to ensure that it’s clean and effective.4. After cleaning or replacing the filter, close the cabinet door and then turn the power back on to your HVAC unit.

Check and clean the heating unit

Like your air filter, the heating unit in your HVAC system also needs to be cleaned regularly to ensure that it’s working properly. The heating unit in your HVAC system is responsible for heating the air in your home, so it’s important that it’s clean and functioning properly. To check and clean the heating unit in your HVAC system, follow these steps:

1. Shut off the power to your HVAC unit and then open the cabinet that houses the unit’s filter.2. Look at the filter to determine if it’s still clean and whether it needs to be replaced. If the filter is dirty, you can either clean it or replace it.3. Change the filter on a regular basis to ensure that it’s clean and effective.4. After cleaning or replacing the filter, close the cabinet door and then turn the power back on to your HVAC unit.

Check the condensate pump and drain pan

If water is leaking into your home’s crawl space or basement, it’s probably because the condensate pump in your HVAC system isn’t working properly. The condensate pump in your HVAC system is responsible for removing water that condenses from the air in your home and moving it to a central condensate tank. If this pump isn’t working properly, you could experience serious problems in your home. To check and fix the condensate pump and the drain pan in your HVAC system, follow these steps:

1. Shut off the power to your HVAC unit and then open the cabinet that houses the unit’s filter.2. Look at the filter to determine if it’s still clean and whether it needs to be replaced. If the filter is dirty, you can either clean it or replace it.3. Change the filter on a regular basis to ensure that it’s clean and effective.4. After cleaning or replacing the filter, close the cabinet door and then turn the power back on to your HVAC unit.

Check the fan motor and belt

The fan motor and belt in your HVAC system are responsible for circulating air throughout your home. If the fan motor or belt in your HVAC system is broken, the fan will not work, which could cause your HVAC system to overheat. To check and fix the fan motor and belt in your HVAC system, follow these steps:

1. Shut off the power to your HVAC unit and then open the cabinet that houses the unit’s filter.2. Look at the filter to determine if it’s still clean and whether it needs to be replaced. If the filter is dirty, you can either clean it or replace it.3. Change the filter on a regular basis to ensure that it’s clean and effective.4. After cleaning or replacing the filter, close the cabinet door and then turn the power back on to your HVAC unit.

Check the condensate tank and float switch

The condensate tank in your HVAC system is where water that condenses from the air in your home is stored. The float switch in the tank is responsible for regulating the water level in the tank. If the float switch in the tank isn’t working properly, it could lead to water damage in your home. To check and fix the condensate tank and float switch in your HVAC system, follow these steps:

1. Shut off the power to your HVAC unit and then open the cabinet that houses the unit’s filter.2. Look at the filter to determine if it’s still clean and whether it needs to be replaced. If the filter is dirty, you can either clean it or replace it.3. Change the filter on a regular basis to ensure that it’s clean and effective.4. After cleaning or replacing the filter, close the cabinet door and then turn the power back on to your HVAC unit.

Summary

The HVAC system in your home is an expensive piece of equipment. It’s also one of the most complex systems in your house. That’s why it’s important to have regular maintenance done on it to avoid costly problems in the future. Fortunately, most HVAC repairs are relatively simple and don’t require specialized training to complete. In fact, the majority of HVAC repairs are DIY projects that only require a few tools and your own know-how to complete. Here are some of the most common HVAC repairs:

Conclusion

The HVAC system in your home is an expensive piece of equipment. It’s also one of the most complex systems in your house. That’s why it’s important to have regular maintenance done on it to avoid costly problems in the future. Fortunately, most HVAC repairs are relatively simple and don’t require specialized training to complete. In fact, the majority of HVAC repairs are DIY projects that only require a few tools and your own know-how to complete. Here are some of the most common HVAC repairs:

Frequently Asked Question

HVAC service maintenance can be performed once or twice a year, depending on usage. If it runs intermittently, then once a year is usually enough.

In addition to your air conditioner and furnace, HVAC includes combined systems like heat pumps and indoor air-quality equipment like air purifiers. It also encompasses the control systems and smart thermostats that help everything work together.

It's recommended that you service your home air conditioning system at least once every year. The same goes for your heating system.
  1. Check the Battery. If your thermostat is battery-powered, the first thing you should look at is the battery life
  2. Clean Dust and Debris
  3. Test Heating and Cooling
  4. Clear Debris
  5. Clear Fins
  6. Make sure Unit is Leveled
  7. Finishing Up
  8. Clean Evaporator Coil
Here are the average life expectancies of different HVAC systems: Air conditioners and heat pumps: 10 to 15 years. Furnaces and boilers: 15 to 20 years. Geothermal: 30 years.