Most HVAC parts are necessary and critical to system performance and efficiency, as well as safe operation. For that reason, removal and/or replacement of nearly all parts should be left to a certified HVAC technician. Still, if your system needs professional repair, it’s helpful to know which replacements will be a relatively minor procedure versus those that are more complex and involve considerable labor.
Most home HVAC systems present a sole opportunity for do-it-yourselfers: air-filter replacement. Located in the indoor air handler, the air filter can be changed by most people in a few moments. If you don’t know how, your HVAC contractor will be happy to demonstrate. In most cases, the system air filter should be changed monthly during the summer air-conditioning season and every other month during winter heating season.
For trained professionals, some of the most common and readily replaceable HVAC parts in a typical system include:
- System thermostat. Easily accessible on an indoor wall and usually connecting to three to five wires, a thermostat upgrade is a familiar task for any certified HVAC technician.
- Contactors. Located in the outdoor AC unit, contactors switch 220-volt power to the compressor and lower voltage to the condenser fan motor. These commonly replaced HVAC parts may be affected by wear and tear. Because of high voltage involved, safety issues make this a job for trained professionals only.
- Run capacitors. Capacitors deliver a burst of power to start the powerful electrical motor in the air-conditioner compressor. Replacement may be required at least once during the service life of a central AC. While installation is straightforward, electrical hazards make it a don’t-do-it-yourself job.
- Refrigerant. Circulating between the indoor and outdoor AC coils continuously, refrigerant is an HVAC “part” that transforms from a gas to a liquid and back again to move indoor heat to the outdoor unit. Though AC systems include accessible fittings for measuring and adding refrigerant, it is a toxic substance and by law can only be handled by EPA-licensed technicians.
For qualified, experienced replacement of HVAC parts, contact the certified service pros at Ace Hardware Home Services.
