What part of proper HVAC maintenance is DIY and what part should be left to a qualified professional? Generally speaking, today’s air conditioning and heating units are complex systems and not the place for do-it-yourself efforts. The downsides of unqualified HVAC maintenance extend beyond the person doing it to the entire family living in the house. Very real safety considerations are involved, especially when working on heating systems.
Both the A/C and furnace should get annual system preventive maintenance by a qualified professional at the outset of the cooling and heating season, respectively. It keeps your warranty in force and is also your best insurance against efficiency and performance declines, as well as potential breakdowns, later in the season. Repair work, when needed, also requires proven industry expertise — most reputable contractors hire technicians that hold North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification — as well as an array of diagnostic technology and specialized tools.
A few very straightforward HVAC maintenance items, however, are within the skill set of the average homeowner:
- Change the air filter monthly. A dirty filter’s the first thing a qualified technician will look for to diagnose a variety of malfunctions relating to performance and efficiency. Changing it yourself is fast and easy and quality pleated filters purchased in multi-packs are economical.
- Check your programmed thermostat settings and make sure they’re appropriate for the season. Also, verify that the displayed temperature matches actual room temperature (compare it to a standard mercury thermometer.)
- Make sure all supply and return vents in the house are open and not obstructed by any objects.
- Take an occasional glance at the condensation drip pan beneath the A/C indoor air handler. It should be wet, but if you see standing water, that’s a red flag for a slow condensate drain that may totally clog and overflow. Contact your HVAC contractor.
- Outside, trim back vegetation around the outdoor central A/C unit to provide two feet of clear space on all sides for adequate air circulation.
Since 1922, Paitson Bros. has offered professional HVAC maintenance and service to Terre Haute homeowners. When you call, we’re ready.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Terre Haute, Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 812-645-6859.
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Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922