HVAC DIY Tips | HomeServe Self-Fix Program

With COVID-19 causing all of us to take extra precautions with our health, we understand that now is probably not the time you want an HVAC technician in your home. However, with many of us working from home and schools closed for the foreseeable future, we’re also putting more stress on our HVAC systems than we typically would.

That’s why HomeServe of Staten Island is here to help with some DIY tips for your heating and cooling system. While many HVAC repair services should be performed by a trained technician, there are some things that many homeowners can do without needing to have someone come to their home.

• Filter Cleaning: Dirty filters are one of the most common HVAC issues, and they’re also one of the easiest to fix. On a furnace, the filter is typically located inside the blower compartment on a built-in filter rack. All you have to do is pull the filter out, gently clean it off, and re-insert it into the unit. For your central AC unit, the filter will be on the air handler outside, and should require only removing a panel to access and clean it.
• Basic AC prep: It’s that time of year to get your AC unit ready for spring and summer, but we understand you may want to wait for your annual maintenance. In the meantime, you can do some simple things you clean your unit in case you need it before you need it before your full maintenance. Removing dirt, debris, leaves, and vegetation from around your outdoor unit is one key step. The air filter and fan are two easily accessible parts that you can clean as well. On the inside of your home, clean the vents where the air is distributed from. This will help reduce the spread of dust and allergens.
• Check your thermostat: Making sure you’re running your thermostat at optimal temperatures will help maintain your energy efficiency while you’re using your HVAC system more than usual. If you have an outdated thermostat and are a little more handy, you can even install a new smart thermostat following the packing instructions. This will further improve your energy efficiency.
• Self-Fix: We understand many homeowners aren't sure how to work on an HVAC system, which is why we're introducing our Self-Fix program. If you’re not sure how to handle a project, you can call us and schedule a Self-Fix appointment in which one of our technicians will have a video chat call with you and walk you through the steps to fix some basic HVAC issues. This is a great way for you be sure you’re doing things the right way without needing to someone to come to your home.

It’s important to put safety first, so don’t work on either your heating or cooling unit without the system being off. If you’re not comfortable, it’s better to wait for a professional rather than risk doing a project you’re unsure about and causing damage to the unit.

If neither a DIY or a Self-Fix option works for you, we can still send out a technician who will follow thorough health and safety guidelines to protect both your family and themselves. You can learn more about our Coronavirus precautions at https://www.homeservesi.com/about-us/coronavirus-update.

At HomeServe of Staten Island, we’re still here for our customers and will continue to support your HVAC needs throughout the remainder of the current health crisis. If you have any heating or cooling needs, give us a call at 800-691-5972 or contact us online today.