7 HVAC repairs you can do yourself and 5 you should never try

When your HVAC starts acting up, it’s tempting to see what you can fix yourself before calling a professional.Sometimes, you’re right, and all you need to do is fix a filter issue or reset the thermostat.But not every issue is an easy fix.

Some problems are not DIY-friendly.Anything involving electrical repairs, refrigerant, drainage or gas can be a safety risk and you might make the issue worse.That is especially true when your system is already struggling in extreme weather.

“If a customer is calling with a need and they’re in distress because their system is broken — and let’s say that it’s 105 degrees outside — they need somebody there right now,” says Josh Conder, division operations manager for American Residential Services (ARS) Central Division.“We can’t say, ‘All right, we’ll get out there next week.

Just sweat for the next week.’ That doesn’t work well.”But your best bet is still to wait for the right kind of help when the issue is beyond a basic fix.So how do you know what to check yourself and what to leave alone?Here are seven HVAC repairs and fixes you can usually do yourself — and five you should never try without a professional.This is one of the easiest issues to fix.

If you have restricted airflow or feel like the air is not cooling enough, the first thing you want to check is the filter.If the filter looks dirty, clogged or gray with dust, replace it with the correct size and type for your system — and make sure it is installed in the right direction.Joey Dooley, a general manager at ARS in Texas, says newer systems can even help homeowners know when a filter is actually dirty.“There are even systems now that can help tell you if a filter is actually dirty versus replacing it just because it’s ‘time,’” he says.“If you’re buying expensive filters, replacing them when you don’t need to is unnecessary.”That said, if changing the filter does not improve airflow or the system is still freezing,...