Let’s get one thing straight.
You don’t need to be an HVAC tech to keep your Goodman system running strong — but you do need the right tools. Not gimmicks. Not overpriced “HVAC kits” with junk you’ll never use.
Just the core maintenance gear that actually prevents breakdowns, keeps efficiency where it should be, and saves you from calling a pro for things you can handle yourself.
This is the no-nonsense DIY maintenance kit I’d recommend to any Goodman owner who wants fewer problems and longer system life.
🧠 Why the Right Tools Matter More Than You Think
Most HVAC damage doesn’t come from abuse — it comes from neglect and improvised fixes.
Wrong filter?
Dirty coils you “meant to clean”?
Using household cleaners where they don’t belong?
That’s how good equipment gets ruined early.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, proper HVAC maintenance can cut energy use by up to 15% and significantly reduce wear on motors and compressors.
👉 https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/air-conditioner-maintenance
The tools below aren’t optional if you want those results.
🌀 Filters: The Cheapest Part That Causes the Most Damage When Ignored
If airflow is restricted, everything else suffers — blower motors, coils, heat exchangers, even control boards.
What You Actually Need
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High-quality pleated filters
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MERV 8–11 (higher is not always better)
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Correct size — no gaps, no bending
Tony’s Rule
If light barely passes through the filter, your system is working too hard.
ENERGY STAR confirms clogged filters are one of the top causes of reduced HVAC efficiency and premature failures.
👉 https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/heating-cooling/maintenance-checklist
How many to keep on hand:
At least 3–4 replacements so you’re never “stretching” filter life.
🧼 Coil Cleaning Gear: Where Efficiency Is Won or Lost
Your condenser and evaporator coils are heat exchangers. Dirty coils trap heat — and heat kills efficiency.
Must-Have Items
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Non-acidic foaming coil cleaner
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Soft coil brush or fin comb
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Garden hose with spray nozzle
What NOT to Use
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Pressure washers
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Household degreasers
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Acid-based cleaners
The Environmental Protection Agency notes that dirty coils reduce heat transfer efficiency and increase energy consumption.
👉 https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq
💧 Drain Line & Moisture Control Tools (Small Kit, Big Consequences)
Condensate issues cause:
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Water damage
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Mold
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System shutdowns
All from one neglected drain line.
Your Drain Line Kit
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Distilled vinegar or approved condensate cleaner
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Wet/dry vacuum (for clearing blockages)
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Small funnel or squeeze bottle
Tony’s Tip
Flush the drain every spring — not after it overflows.
The CDC emphasizes moisture control as a key factor in preventing mold and indoor air quality issues.
👉 https://www.cdc.gov/mold
🔊 Fan & Blower Inspection Tools (Listen Before It Breaks)
Motors don’t just fail — they warn you first.
Tools You’ll Use
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Screwdrivers (flat + Phillips)
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Nut drivers (¼” and 5/16”)
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Flashlight or headlamp
What You’re Looking For
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Dust buildup on blower wheels
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Loose mounting hardware
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Unusual play or wobble
Cleaning a blower once a year reduces strain and improves airflow consistency.
⚡ Electrical Safety Basics (Visual Checks Only)
You’re not testing voltage — you’re spotting problems early.
What to Keep
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Non-contact voltage tester
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Insulated gloves
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Safety glasses
What You Can Safely Check
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Burnt or loose wires
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Corrosion on terminals
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Insect nests in disconnect boxes
Anything beyond visual inspection? That’s pro territory.
📏 Measurement Tools That Prevent Guesswork
Guessing leads to overworking equipment.
Worth Having
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Digital thermometer (supply vs return air)
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Basic multimeter (for continuity, not live testing)
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Tape measure (filter and clearance checks)
Tracking temperature splits helps you catch performance drops early — before they become service calls.
🧽 Cleaning & General Maintenance Supplies
These seem basic, but they matter.
The Essentials
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Microfiber rags
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Shop towels
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Mild detergent
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Small shop vacuum
Clean systems run cooler, quieter, and longer.
🗂️ Documentation Tools (The Most Ignored “Tool”)
Keep a simple maintenance log:
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Filter changes
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Coil cleanings
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Observed issues
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Professional service dates
Why it matters:
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Faster diagnostics
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Warranty support
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Better resale value
Goodman warranties assume reasonable maintenance has been performed.
👉 https://www.goodmanmfg.com/warranty-information
🚫 Tools You Don’t Need (And Should Avoid)
Let’s save you money and trouble.
Skip These
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Refrigerant gauges (illegal without certification)
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Leak sealants
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Pressure washers
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“HVAC miracle sprays”
If it sounds too easy, it usually causes bigger problems later.
EPA regulations strictly control refrigerant handling for a reason.
👉 https://www.epa.gov/section608
🧠 DIY vs Pro: Know the Line
DIY-friendly tasks
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Filters
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Coil cleaning
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Drain flushing
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Visual inspections
Call a pro for
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Refrigerant issues
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Electrical diagnostics
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Gas furnace combustion checks
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Control board faults
Smart homeowners don’t try to win awards — they try to avoid disasters.
🏁 Final Word from Tony
Your Goodman system doesn’t need pampering.
It needs consistency.
With the right DIY maintenance kit:
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You reduce wear
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You protect efficiency
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You avoid panic repairs
This isn’t about being cheap — it’s about being smart.
Buy this on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/4hyDyKH
In the next topic we will know more about: How to Clean Your Goodman AC’s Coils Like a Pro (Without Paying a Pro)
