A broken furnace or air conditioner is never fun, especially during extreme heat or cold. You may try to fix your HVAC system on your own, thinking it will save you money. However, this could end up costing you more in the long run. In addition, such fixes are not as easy as they look on social media channels like YouTube and Facebook. DeZiel Heating & AC is a customer-friendly business that has been providing quality HVAC services for over 20 years. We are proud to be one of the most trusted names in the industry, and we strive to provide our customers with the best possible service. Here are a few dangers of do-it-yourself HVAC repair that you should know about before you start working on your system. Why is DIY HVAC Repair Not a Good Idea? A DIY HVAC repair may be a risk to yourself, your loved ones, your bank balance, and your heating and cooling equipment. Read on to find 5 risks associated with doing your own HVAC repairs.
1. You Could End Up Hurting Yourself
HVAC systems can be very dangerous, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. There are many moving parts in an HVAC system, and if you don’t know how they work together, you could end up getting hurt. By touching the wrong electrical part, you could face electric shock or even electrocution. Poisoning due to gas fumes is also a possibility if you don’t know how to properly work with gas. Explosion or fire can occur due to the wrong handling of natural gas. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could end up hurting your family with your DIY HVAC repairs. For example, if you don’t properly seal an air duct, carbon monoxide could leak into your home and poison your family.
2. You Could End Up Damaging Your Equipment
If you don’t have HVAC repair experience, you could end up damaging your HVAC equipment. This damage could be minor, like a loose wire, or it could be major, like a cracked heat exchanger. Either way, the damage will likely result in an expensive repair bill. While you may be able to get your heating or cooling equipment back up and running with a DIY repair, it may not function at top energy efficiency. This may be due to wrong thermostat adjustment or poor drainage.
3. You Don’t Have The Right Tools And Parts
HVAC repair needs special tools that the average homeowner doesn’t have. In addition, you need to have the right parts on hand to make the repair. If you don’t, you may end up making a temporary fix that could cause more damage in the long run. With technological advancement, these tools and parts also have to be updated. The high cost to purchase and update these tools and parts as well as the training needed to use them correctly may be yet another reason to use a professional HVAC contractor for your repair needs.
4. It Will Take You Longer To Fix The Problem
If you don’t know what you’re doing, it will likely take you longer to fix the problem with your HVAC system. This is because you’ll have to trial-and-error your way to the right solution. Not only will this take longer, but it could also end up costing you more money in the long run. HVAC professionals have the skill and experience to quickly diagnose and repair HVAC problems. In most cases, they can get your heating or cooling system up and running in no time. By doing the repairs yourself, you could expose yourself and your family to a longer period of discomfort.
5. You Could Void Your Warranty
One of the biggest dangers of do-it-yourself HVAC repair is that you could end up voiding your warranty. Most manufacturers void the warranty if the unit is not installed or repaired by a professional. This means that if something goes wrong, you’ll have to pay for the repairs out of your own pocket. To avoid this, it’s best to use a professional HVAC contractor for all repair needs, big or small. So, these are some of the dangers associated with do-it-yourself HVAC repair. As you can see, it’s not worth the risk. To keep your family safe and avoid expensive repairs, it’s best to use a professional HVAC contractor.
Things You Can do Yourself
If you’re a DIYer, here’s some news that should cheer you up. While you shouldn’t attempt HVAC repairs on your own, there are some preventive maintenance tasks you can do to prolong the life of your system and keep it running smoothly. These simple tasks will also help you avoid more costly repairs down the road.
Here are some maintenance tasks you can do yourself:
Clean Your Outside AC Unit Your outside AC unit houses the condenser. This works to remove heat from your home’s air and send it outdoors. To function properly, it needs unobstructed airflow. You can help ensure adequate airflow by regularly cleaning the area around your unit. Remove any debris, such as leaves or dirt, that may have accumulated.
Change Your Air Filter Regularly One of the easiest and most important things you can do to maintain your HVAC system is to change your air filter regularly. Depending on the type of filter you have, you should replace it every one to three months. A clogged air filter not only decreases the efficiency of your system but can also lead to major problems, such as a frozen evaporator coil. Install or Replace Insulation Your home’s insulation plays a crucial role in keeping your HVAC system running efficiently. If your insulation is old or damaged, it may be time to install new insulation. This is a project you can do yourself, but it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid damaging your HVAC system.
Common HVAC Repairs You Should Leave to The Experts
Below are some common HVAC repairs that, while they may seem simple, are best left to the experts: Refrigerant Leak R-22 refrigerant or Freon is being phased out in the United States. While the refrigerant stays on in your sealed system, there may be a leak. A leak is a complex repair that should only be attempted by a trained professional.
Dirty Evaporator Coils Dirt can build up on your evaporator coils over time. When this happens, it can cause your cooling system to run continuously without cooling your home. Over time, this can reduce your equipment’s lifespan. While you can clean the coils yourself, it’s best to leave this repair to a professional.
Fan Malfunctions There are two fans in your HVAC system – the blower fan and the condenser fan. If either of these fans is not working properly, it can cause a variety of problems, such as decreased efficiency and increased noise levels. These repairs should only be attempted by a trained professional. While it may seem like you’re saving money by doing your own HVAC repairs, this may not be the case in the long run. If you make a mistake, you could end up damaging your equipment beyond repair. This damage could void your warranty, leaving you with a hefty bill.
Do You Need Professional HVAC Repair?
If your HVAC system is in need of repair, it’s best to call a professional. The trained professionals at DeZiel Heating & AC will quickly diagnose the problem and get your AC up and running again in no time. We also offer preventative maintenance packages to keep your HVAC system running smoothly all year long. Contact us today at (763) 200-5453 to learn more!
