DIY HVAC Repair Vs. Professional HVAC Repair
The only thing more infuriating than a broken HVAC system is having to wait around all day for a professional HVAC technician to arrive to solve the problem. It’s no wonder why many people turn their HVAC repairs into DIY projects, especially with broader access to Youtube video tutorials and DIY blogs.
While working on your HVAC system yourself may be tempting, it’s not always a good idea. While do-it-yourself air conditioner repairs, furnace fixes, and DIY mini-split installations might look easy and cheap on YouTube, real life isn’t a home renovation TV show as there are severe risks and expenses involved.
Sure, there are HVAC repairs that enthusiastic amateurs can certainly tackle; however, performing daunting tasks can have drastic consequences. Attempting certain HVAC repairs can be dangerous to your house and harmful to yourself. Installing an HVAC unit yourself without experience, for instance, could be hazardous.
Not only could faulty DIY HVAC work lead to spending more cash on repairs than you would have paid if you’d hired an HVAC pro from the start, but faulty DIY work could also result in a home code violation, serious injuries, or even death.
So, why should you never DIY your AC repair? Keep reading to learn more!
Why You Should Avoid DIY HVAC Repair
While DIY projects might help you save money in some cases, installing or repairing HVAC systems isn’t one of these projects. Even if DIY is your life rule, there are specific cost-cutting measures you want to avoid when it comes to home maintenance. If you mess up a DIY HVAC project, you might wind up paying big bucks to hire an HVAC expert to fix the damage you’ve done.
Also Read: 8 Warning Signs That Indicate Your HVAC System Needs Emergency Repair by Professional
Here are seven reasons why you should avoid DIY HVAC Installations and Repairs:
1. Personal Endangerment
Dealing with DIY repairs on your AC makes you prone to potential dangers such as electrical shock. While mild electrocution only leads to slight pulls, it could also be a high voltage shock, with extreme repercussions.
While the voltage in most residential homes is mostly 110 volts, the voltage is higher for utilities such as central air conditioners, and accidentally touching the wrong line or component could lead to fatal electrocution.
HVAC repair technicians undergo thorough training to analyze, identify, and repair your HVAC problems while being safe and without causing more issues in the process. While it is tempting to save some cash by attempting DIY on ‘small’ HVAC issues, seeking expert help is always advisable.
2. Poorly Executed Repairs
Do you know how to diagnose HVAC problems accurately?
Your decision to DIY an HVAC repair job based on your assumption of knowledge could be the beginning of trouble. Your home may be at risk of significant damage in case your DIY repair fails to meet the required standards.
Your greatest undoing will come from your lack of knowledge of wiring and other electric works. Such negligence could lead to a short circuit, resulting in a potential electrical fire.
Electrical faults directly account for more than 51,000 house fires in the United States every year, most of them resulting from defective repairs. Saving a few bucks by doing it yourself is not worth the safety risk to you, your family, and your home.
3. Lack of Proper Tools and Parts
You’ll need more than a screwdriver set and pliers to perform heater and air conditioner repair.
You probably don’t have even half the tools you need to take on DIY HVAC jobs. You’re better off leaving these jobs to the experts who have all the tools they could ever need to complete HVAC installations and repairs.
4. Piece of Mind
Save yourself a headache by letting the pros handle it.
With the complicated nature of HVAC systems, they can get confusing to repair. Hire an experienced HVAC service technician to take over the project, and save yourself the headache of wondering what does what, what goes where, and what the problem may be.
Trained professionals know what to look for, so they’ll be able to find the problem and fix it quickly. Remember, a small mistake can cause a fire hazard, or even worse, an electric shock.
5. Voided Warranty
While most HVAC manufacturers offer warranties on their new HVAC systems, the warranty only remains valid if you get professional servicing or repairs. Your HVAC system’s warranty immediately becomes void if you attempt DIY installations and repairs.
6. Spending More
Avoid turning minor HVAC fixes into costly mistakes.
If you are not a qualified HVAC technician, you probably aren’t familiar with the most effective ways to fix HVAC issues. Also, the chances of making ‘tiny’ mistakes are high. Sure, some of the quick fixes might restore the current issue but at the expense of creating other problems. HVAC mistakes are no small fit, and future implications will dent your wallet.
DIY projects involve trial-and-error, which can be hazardous in HVAC repairs. Only a licensed HVAC technician can properly assess your HVAC system and make the best decisions about moving forward with your project.
7. Legal Risks
Before embarking on a DIY HVAC repair, be sure to look at the U.S. Environmental Protection Administration regulations before attempting HVAC work.
With the evident risk associated with refrigerant gas, a permit is a requirement in most states. Since refrigerant gas is both a health and environmental hazard, the permit seeks to ensure that only licensed HVAC service technicians can legally purchase and handle such parts or supplies.
If you are not a licensed HVAC technician, making refrigerant gas fillings without a permit can land you in trouble. You don’t have to attempt HVAC DIY projects that may expose you to myriad risks rather than benefits. Our HVAC technicians at Conejo Valley Home Services will walk you through safety measures when dealing with HVAC repairs and installations.
HVAC Repair Things You Can Do Yourself
While you should always hire an expert for your AC repair needs, It might make sense for you to fix specific HVAC problems yourself. However, these fall into the category of preventive maintenance rather than repair.
Here are several DIY HVAC maintenance projects you can do to save some money and keep your HVAC system in good shape:
» Clean the HVAC Exterior
Can you spray water on your AC?
Sure, you can spray water on your air conditioner if it needs cleaning, and nothing bad will happen. Spraying water on your AC’s condenser helps it run more efficiently. Your AC condenser needs regular spritzing to keep operating at peak efficiency.
Start by removing leaves, twigs, and other debris from the outside of the unit before spraying the outside of the fins with a detergent/water mixture or coil cleaner and wait 5 minutes. If you notice any bent fins, you can straighten them by running a butter knife between the coil fins.
» Change Air Filters
How often should you change AC filters?
If you have no allergies, you should replace these about every 90 days, but Conejo Valley Home Services recommends every 45 days for max efficiency and improved indoor air quality.
Be sure to replace them with the right size and type of air filter.
» Install or Replace Insulation
Is AC pipe insulation even necessary?
In an air-conditioning application, insulation protects your AC system against condensation, improving your system’s thermal efficiency and lowering energy consumption.
Since UV rays, weathering, and lousy installation can compromise insulation on your AC unit, you need to inspect it every year and replace the insulation if necessary.
Also Read: When Is It Time to Call a Pro for Furnace Tune-Up?
Common HVAC Repairs to Leave to The Professionals
While there are some tasks you can accomplish on your own, you should generally steer clear of taking on DIY HVAC projects whenever possible and obtain HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair services from a professional instead.
Here are examples of HVAC projects you should leave for the pros:
» Thermostat Calibration
While you’re free to adjust your home’s temperature and humidity to your heart’s content, those are the only thermostat adjustments you should make on your own. Call an expert immediately if you feel like something is wrong with your thermostat, or it needs calibration.
» Fluid Leaks
Fluid leaks might signal a significant problem with your air conditioner or heater. If you discover a fluid leak, don’t investigate it yourself. Try to identify the source visually, use a container to catch any leaking fluid, and call an expert to have a look.
» Part Replacements
Sure, it is okay to replace your HVAC system’s air filter every 30 to 90 days. However, you shouldn’t try to replace or repair any other parts, even if you know what’s wrong with your HVAC system.
» Duct Cleaning
Despite your efforts to keep your house spotless, your HVAC system’s ductwork still collects dust, dirt, and debris over time. Yes, you can vacuum and hose down the exterior of your heating and cooling registers, but you should never attempt to clean the ducts yourself.
Relax! Your HVAC is in Expert Hands Conejo Valley Home Services
Do not jeopardize personal safety or that of your family by attempting DIY in HVAC work!
Since 1979, Conejo Valley Home Services has been delivering dependable, quality service and comfort to the residents of Thousand Oaks, CA, and surrounding areas. Our HVAC technicians at Conejo Valley Home Services are ready to help Conejo Valley homeowners with all types of residential HVAC installations and repairs.
If you need any HVAC services in Thousand Oaks, call Conejo Valley Home Services at (805) 499-0448 or contact us online!
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