Crowley, TX, is like the rest of Lone Star State. It sees extreme temperatures – like summer highs in July and August averaging 96 to 97 degrees and January lows down to 36. Some DIY HVAC maintenance tasks might be helpful between professional upkeep sessions because of the excessive heat and the near-freezing temperatures, but what’s safe and what’s not?
As it works harder during these extreme conditions, your HVAC system may produce unusual symptoms hinting at arising issues. However, while some DIY maintenance tasks at home are fine, others are downright dangerous.
Below, the licensed professionals from Minuteman Heating & Air explain what’s safe to try yourself and what to entrust to the HVAC experts.
What Maintenance Tasks Can You Do Yourself?
Whether you have an air conditioner, furnace, central air, or heat pump system in Crowley, it relies on air filters. The meshy surface traps airborne allergens in your indoor air, which takes it out of your breathing space and also stops the debris from entering the mechanical parts.
Grime settling on components makes them work a lot harder, and this buildup grows to the point where particles don’t attach to the mesh but break off and re-enter your air and cooling system. Restricting airflow also leads to overheating and system shutdowns. To keep this from happening, professionals like Minuteman Heating & Air recommend that you replace the filter seasonally (or clean them with a mild soap before air drying and reinserting them).
Other DIY HVAC maintenance tasks that are crucial between semi-annual professional Crowley care services include the following:
- Clearing the outdoor condenser unit area: Trim foliage and remove fallen leaves.
- Checking the thermostat: Readjust settings and change batteries regularly.
- Cleaning ductwork: Wipe down vents and vacuum ductwork as far as you can go.
Maintenance Tasks Better Left to the Crowley Professionals
Not all HVAC services in Crowley, TX, are as straightforward as filter changes or wipedowns. A strictly professional maintenance checklist would include:
- Lubricating moving parts, like the compressor
- Checking household insulation
- Tightening loose nuts and bolts
- Cleaning coils and drains
- Vacuuming and sanitizing air vents
- Recalibrating thermostats
- Checking for water and refrigerant leaks
- Clearing flues and ventilation obstructions
Dealing with air filters, thermostat batteries, or dusty vents is simple with things you already have at home – rags, brushes, and gentle soap cleansers. However, other tasks demand specialized equipment.
Handy and Professional Tools and Equipment for HVACs
What are some special tools DIY HVAC maintenance may lack? One example is when we’re checking the system’s internal pressure and temperature. HVAC gauges and manometers measure these accurately.
Crowley technicians like Minuteman Heating & Air also use a multimeter to measure voltages and refrigerant leak detectors to find coolant leaks. An amateur has three options:
- Use faulty or incorrect tools that make the issues worse.
- Purchase expensive equipment you’ll only need once.
- Hire a qualified HVAC team that comes with a toolbox filled with distinct tools and equipment.
It’s not difficult to see which choice is the best.
More Safety When Left to the Professionals
Even with the right tools, you’re still dealing with a dangerous machine. Imagine overlooking a blocked vent or insufficiently clearing a clogged flue on a gas furnace to find your Crowley system suddenly releasing deadly carbon monoxide! Air conditioners also carry a hazardous substance called refrigerant, which runs through coils and is highly toxic if it leaks out of pinhole cracks.
For leaked coolant, a technician sanitizes the affected area and refills the coils to restore safe and optimal cooling. HVAC experts have spent years training and working with these resolutions for dangerous issues. Leave the risks to them!
Other Reasons To Hire a Technician
Drop DIY HVAC maintenance and enjoy the following with expert service providers instead:
- Keep your Crowley manufacturing warranty intact. They warn against DIY projects.
- Pay for fewer breakdowns in the long run. A trained eye catches issues early.
- Use a more energy-efficient system. It costs less to run if it meets a professional maintenance and repair standard.
Trust Our Near Five-Star Crowley Team Today!
Don’t play trial and error with a machine that determines your indoor comfort and safety most months out of the year. Drop that wrench and grab your phone to start choosing HVAC contractors like us.
Minuteman Heating & Air has a 4.8-star Google rating and many years of experience in Crowley, TX, and beyond. Committed to excellence, our licensed team knows what it takes to do the job right the first time. When you’re ready to opt out of DIY HVAC maintenance and into quality climate control, contact us!