Biggest HVAC DIY Mistakes for Homeowners
As a homeowner, you no longer have the luxury of calling the maintenance department to fix your problems; in short, welcome to the world of DIY, do-it-yourselfer. Mowing and maintaining your own lawn, patching drywall, and other tasks/repairs are no longer the responsibility of your property management company’s maintenance department. As for your home’s HVAC system, it will be up to you to maintain your own property and avoid costly mistakes like the ones listed below as much as possible in the process.
Fireplace Flue? What is That?
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, it is important to understand proper flue operation. Simply put:
- Before and during use, open the flue to allow smoke and more importantly, carbon monoxide, to safely exit the living space via your chimney.
- When heating or cooling your home, close the flue to retain indoor temperature.
As you can imagine, operating your fireplace with a closed flue will quickly fill your living space with smoke and carbon monoxide, so please become familiar with your flue and its operation and maintenance before use.
Rarely Replacing Dirty/Clogged HVAC Filters
This is a very common and potentially expensive occurrence with homeowners, with some of them not even aware that their HVAC systems had filters in the first place. As professionals, we are here to say that they do indeed have filters, and that you should regularly check to see if your HVAC filter need to be replaced. Autumn and spring are usually the best times to perform these checks, as the demands on your HVAC system are typically at their lowest point then.
Clogged Fans and Registers
If you find yourself wondering why one room of the house is not reaping the benefits of your HVAC system as much as the others, chances are you have clogged fans and/or registers. Registers typically look like grills that sit flush with the carpet and serve as termination points for where the ducts disperse hot and cold air as needed. Over time, these can get clogged with dirt and debris, thus impeding airflow.
Fan covers and filters can also become clogged through normal operation. Simply remove any built-up dust, dirt, grime, or other debris, then check for airflow. If airflow is still restricted or not present, this could indicate a clogged or otherwise malfunctioning duct. When in doubt, call a professional.
Disassembling the HVAC Unit
This cannot be stressed enough: under absolutely no circumstances should you ever attempt to disassemble your HVAC unit. Not only could it potentially void your warranty, but it also puts you at risk of serious bodily injury and/or death. If you think your HVAC unit is malfunctioning, follow the manufacturer’s recommendation and contact a professional.
How FAMCO Can Help
FAMCO is one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of HVAC accessories and supplies in the Pacific Northwest. Quality and professional workmanship matter to us, and that is what motivates us every day. If you have any questions about our products and/or services, send us an email or give us a call. We will be more than happy to help.
