8 Reasons to Avoid DIY AC Repairs
As the weather heats up and the summer heat sinks in, this is usually when your home’s air conditioner may stop working. All homeowners dread expensive air conditioning repairs. Having to wait on a repair person and pay out of pocket to fix the problem can be frustrating.
Trying to repair your AC yourself can be tempting to save time and money, but DIY-ing your AC repairs can have severe consequences. While contacting a licensed HVAC contractor may seem daunting at first, calling a professional can be well worth it. In this article, we’ll break down 8 reasons why you should avoid DIY AC repairs.
1. Lack of expertise
Central air conditioning units seem simple, however, they are made up of many moving parts. Certified HVAC technicians install and service hundreds if not thousands of AC units every year. They have been extensively trained on how AC units work. Plus, they have the experience to diagnose issues correctly and quickly.
Without the expertise and experience, you’ll likely find it challenging to solve any unexpected issues. You also run the risk of damaging your unit or even creating safety concerns for you and your loved ones.
2. Access to parts
Most homeowners can’t just go to the store and buy the necessary HVAC parts or equipment. HVAC suppliers will only sell to licensed HVAC contractors and experts. The equipment can be dangerous, which is why the State of Florida regulates the HVAC industry and aims to keep HVAC parts and equipment in the right hands.
Keep in mind, when you hire a licensed HVAC contractor for AC repair service, you’re not just buying the parts, you’re also getting the experience of the technician who diagnosed your system’s issue, all the experienced team members who sourced the parts, and then the technician’s expert-level skills to make the repairs.
3. Electrical issues
Air conditioners are powerful pieces of equipment that require high voltage electrical power. One wrong move can cause significant damage to your HVAC system. More importantly, the electrical in your air conditioner also has the potential to shock you and create life-threatening injuries. There is also a risk of fire when dealing with electricity. And no one wants to set their house on fire to save a few dollars.
Even if you have basic electrical knowledge, there is still a huge risk of electrical issues. It’s best to leave any electrical repairs, including your AC, to licensed and trained technicians.
4. Other safety hazards
Beyond electrical issues, DIY AC repairs in your home can be dangerous for other reasons. There is also a risk of bodily injury. Homeowners should not handle refrigerants on their own or try to set the charge on their system. Refrigerants are dangerous to inhale. And the potential to burn yourself with refrigerant can pose a significant safety risk.
AC units are often up in an attic or tucked away in corners. Using ladders or maneuvering around your home’s structure can leave you vulnerable to injury. Additionally, AC units and their parts can be incredibly heavy, making it a dangerous (and difficult) project to tackle alone.
5. Voiding warranty
If you have a newer AC unit, chances are it’s likely under a manufacturer’s warranty. Having a warranty is great because the parts to repair your equipment may be covered if they need to be replaced, often for several years after you made the initial investment. By trying to make repairs yourself, there’s a good chance you’ll void the warranty – meaning you’re on the hook for the cost of parts that might have been covered.
6. Wrong tools
Your homeowner toolbox likely doesn’t have the special repair tools necessary to complete AC maintenance or repair. These tools can be very expensive and often require special training to use safely. These tools are also always changing to make it easier for specialists to complete repairs.
Even if you have access to the tools you think you need, you might find it challenging to use them properly without damaging other parts of your air conditioning unit without the proper training or expertise.
7. Time-consuming
AC issues can be difficult to diagnose the issue and troubleshoot. Even the most experienced professionals can sometimes hit snags when it comes to diagnosing issues. Without the experience or expertise, trying to DIY it can take a long time. You might even cause more issues by trying to make your repairs. (Yes – even with the best YouTube tutorials!)
If you end up having to call a professional anyways, may end up spending more time (and possibly money!) than if you had called a licensed HVAC contractor from the start.
8. Costly
Tinkering around with your home’s air conditioning system can do you more harm than good. Repairing your AC may involve servicing the electrical or mechanical components. If you’re trying to fix one part of your unit and accidentally damage another part of the unit, it can cost you even more to repair the additional issues.
Significant damage might even require replacing the entire unit. So while bringing in a certified professional may seem more expensive than doing it yourself, you’ll most likely save money in the long run.
The bottom line
If you’re handy, you can certainly do some things to keep your AC in good shape. From doing simple maintenance like changing your air filter and cleaning your drain line, you can still do your part to save some cash when it comes to your air conditioner. A certified HVAC technician can help advise you on simple maintenance tasks you can take care of yourself or they would be happy to complete the maintenance for you, too!
Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning is a full-service heating and air conditioning company and a Bryant® Factory Authorized Dealer in Central Florida. Whether you need repair, maintenance, or installation of a new heating or cooling system, we provide efficient, cost-effective, and professional service. When it’s hot, call Scott!
Tags: AC maintenance, AC repairsCategorised in: Air Conditioning
