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Fix it yourself

HVAC Technician repairs you can do yourself

4 HVAC technician problems a careful person can handle at home — and the point where each one becomes a job for a pro.

You can do
4
Pro-only
0
Typical time
10 min – 4 h
  1. 01

    AC leaking water

    Switch the system off at the thermostat so the leak stops growing while you work.

    easy 20–45 min· $0–15 for vinegar and a filter

  2. 02

    AC not cooling

    Set the thermostat to COOL and 3 °C (5 °F) below room temperature; check its batteries and that the fan is set to AUTO.

    easy 20–60 min· $10–30 for a filter

  3. 03

    AC unit freezing up

    Switch the system to OFF at the thermostat and set the fan to ON so warm air melts the ice; leave it 2–4 hours.

    easy 1–4 h· $10–30 for a filter

  4. 04

    Thermostat not working

    Replace the batteries even if the screen is on — low batteries stop the relay from switching before the display dies.

    easy 10–40 min· $3–10 for batteries; $60–200 for a new thermostat

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Do this for a living

These are the calls an HVAC technician takes every week. Licensing, training and where the work is short of people.

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