Most modern homes feature air conditioners that help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures through the warmer times of the year. As a homeowner, it’s important to know what types of air conditioning maintenance tasks are appropriate to handle on your own and what should be left to trained professionals. Let’s explore 5 air conditioning maintenance situations that are safe to DIY.

1. Cleaning or Replacing Air Filters – The air filters in your HVAC system need to be changed fairly regularly, and this task is generally simple enough for you to handle on your own. It’s typically best to change or clean the air filters every 3 months, but asking a professional to ensure you’re on the right schedule for your specific unit is always a good idea.
2. Cleaning the Outdoor Unit – The outdoor unit of your air conditioning system is constantly exposed to the elements, so it needs a good cleaning on occasion. Check it periodically and clear away any debris like leaves or overgrown grass. You can also use a garden hose to gently rinse it off as needed.
3. Ensuring Proper Airflow – It’s easy to forget about the vents and registers throughout your home and unknowingly block them, restricting airflow. Every few months, do a quick walkthrough of your home to ensure that furniture, rugs, curtains, or other household items don’t block the vents.
4. Clearing the Condensation Line – The condensation line channels excess moisture away from the inner workings of your air conditioning unit. Over time, it can become clogged with debris like leaves, grass clippings, moss, algae, or mold. You can inspect the line to ensure it’s clear of obstructions, and it’s safe to rinse it with water or a mild cleaning solution to remove any buildup.
5. Replacing the Thermostat Batteries – Some air conditioning units have thermostats that are battery operated, and those batteries will require changing on occasion. This task is safe to handle independently as long as you know the exact location and type of the batteries and are comfortable changing them.

While the above air conditioning maintenance tasks are safe to DIY, it’s important to recognize when an issue is beyond your expertise. If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to contact an air conditioning maintenance professional who can accurately and safely address the issue.