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Which HVAC Repairs Should You Leave To The Pros?

bearded handyman holding screwdriver while fixing broken air conditioner in living room

A pleasant home environment can contribute to its aesthetic. Outside may be hot or cold, but the home should always be comfy. Maintaining these conditions in the home could mean the HVAC system should be fully functional. So, what happens when it’s not?

Some minor repairs, cleaning, or maintenance may be necessary. However, there are instances the residents would have to call for reinforcements like the experts from ac installation Stafford.

Instead of trying limited handyman skills on more complex issues, consider if the problem is one for the pros. Here are some examples of situations an expert’s services would be the better option:

1. Cleaning system parts and ducts

Although the external parts, like the cover and duct surfaces, are relatively easy to dust and keep clean, the inside could be more complicated. In such a case, calling the pros may be best. Companies similar to furnace guys Fredericksburg, VA, can check, maintain, repair, and clean parts, like:

  • Air filters: Filters tend to gather lots of dust over time, and it may be necessary to replace them every thirty to ninety days.
  • Blower motors: Because the engine has electrical connections and needs to work closely with the thermostat, it could be dangerous to attempt alone, especially when the residents don’t have any electrical knowledge.
  • Evaporator coils: Leave this one to the pros. These should be calibrated expertly for optimal efficiency.

Furthermore, cleaning the air ducts could be complex, even when they don’t require regular maintenance. It’s better to leave this job to the professionals so you don’t cause harm to yourself, your home, or the HVAC system, especially when you notice any of the following:

  • Signs of mold
  • Vermin infestations
  • Blocked air ducts

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends professional cleaning in these instances to protect the health and well-being of residents in the home. Any of these could exacerbate conditions like asthma or trigger allergies.

2. Repairing or connecting electricity

The HVAC system has many electrical components and connections that could succumb to wear and tear over the years. An untrained and inexperienced person attempting to remove, replace, or repair any of them could pose a danger to themselves and the residents.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are four types of injuries electricity can cause:

  • Fatal electrocution
  • Electric shock causing injury
  • Burn wounds from an arc blast
  • Falling from a height after contact with electricity

Pros have the training to avoid these injuries and handle the repairs safely. Additionally, they have safety equipment, making it safer for them.

 handyman in overalls holding screwdriver while fixing broken air conditioner

3. Configuring the thermostat

Thermostats could differ between HVAC systems. Knowing the difference could be challenging, so configuring them could be just as demanding. Most systems use one of three types of thermostats, such as the following:

  • Thermostats with a mercury switch
  • Mechanical thermostats
  • Digital or smart thermostats

Moreover, homes can save up to 10% on heating or cooling by adjusting the thermostat or using a programmable thermostat. Not only will pros do quick work of configuring the complicated settings of a thermostat, but they will also help residents save money on their utilities.

4. Examining ducts for condensation

Excess condensation causes moisture build-up in the HVAC system. It could contribute to deeper problems, like mold. What’s more, there may be underlying issues causing the excess condensation that an untrained eye could miss, for example:

  • Gaps between ducts allow cold air to escape
  • No insulation surrounding the ducts
  • Problems with the blower motor not moving properly
  • The space around the vents is too humid
  • Dirt or debris not allowing cold air to flow efficiently

Homes with a musty smell could indicate condensation in the HVAC system. Unfortunately, it may be challenging for residents to find the exact cause. On the other hand, a pro could examine and repair the underlying causes and issues in no time.

5. Finding fluid leakages

Residents can expect some fluid leakage from their fully functional HVAC system. Conversely, if more significant amounts of water pool around the unit or its ducts, there may be cause for concern. Forbes Home mentions that there are a few common culprits for leaking fluids, among others, from the home’s HVAC:

  • Clogging, damage, or disconnection of the condensate drain pipe
  • The drip pan is damaged and thus not holding the regular effluent
  • The condensate pump has difficulty draining the drip pan
  • Thermostats on a too-low setting cause the evaporator coil to freeze
  • Dirty air filters can cause clogging in the pipes or pumps

Pros can assess the leakage for added peace of mind. They may have specialized leak detection tools that make it easy to find the source of the fluid. More so, they could give an accurate estimate to repair the problems.

To conclude

HVAC systems could be complicated, and many things could go wrong. Finding the source of the problem and making the necessary repairs or adjustments could also be tricky for residents to do themselves.

For this reason, contacting a pro and having the work done professionally can be the best option. Residents will be comforted knowing that they’re in the hands of capable professionals and that their HVAC system won’t have the same problem anytime soon.

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