Why Do-it-Yourself HVAC Repair is a Bad Idea
Professional Services
October 18, 2021
Your heating system can develop issues without warning, especially if you don’t receive regular boiler service. When that happens, should you repair your HVAC yourself or call a licensed HVAC repairer?
Some people choose do-it-yourself HVAC repair because they think it’s cheaper and more convenient. In reality, DIY HVAC repair is more expensive, less convenient, and even dangerous. Keep reading to find out why from the consummate pros at Professional Services in Port Washington, WI.
Why You Should Avoid DIY HVAC Repair
1. Risks of Danger
During HVAC repair, if you make one mistake, you could end up cut, burned, broken, or electrocuted. Should your mistake lead to a fire or a falling appliance, someone else within your property could get hurt. The cost of treating such an injury will far outweigh your savings from not calling an HVAC expert.
A licensed HVAC repairer has the skills and specialized tools to prevent injuries while providing repair services. Also, most reputable HVAC companies have insured and bonded technicians. If an insured technician gets injured while working on your property, you won’t be financially responsible for their injuries.
2. Poorly Executed Repairs
You must have experience and specialized tools to diagnose what’s wrong with an HVAC system. Without proper diagnosis, you could fix the symptom of the problem, but not the cause. If you don’t fix the cause, the problem will likely reoccur.
Also, without proper diagnosis, you could end up fiddling with the wrong thing and do more damage than good to your HVAC unit. If you want cost-effective HVAC repair that delivers lasting results, hire a trained contractor with proven experience repairing your type of HVAC system.
3. Cost of Tools
It takes more than a screwdriver and pliers to perform heater and air conditioner repair. The right tool for the job will depend on your specific HVAC problem. To prepare for every possible issue, you would have to buy every available HVAC repair tool.
Buying these tools is expensive and may not be a good investment because you’ll only need them occasionally. Also, even if you have the best tools, you don’t have the training to use them properly.
An expert HVAC repairer already has the expertise and every necessary tool. Instead of buying pricey tools that you’ll rarely use, it’s more cost-effective to hire a well-equipped professional to handle your heater or air conditioner repair.
4. Inconvenience
Do you really want to spend your precious free time tinkering with your HVAC system? Use your free time to pursue hobbies or relax and leave the HVAC repair and maintenance to the experts.
Also, if you choose do-it-yourself HVAC repair, you may have to wait days or weeks before you have enough free time for the job. If it’s peak winter, you and your family will have to bear the discomfort and danger of below-freezing days and nights until the HVAC repair. A better option would be to call an HVAC technician for emergency repair services.
5. Voided Warranty
HVAC systems from reputable brands come with warranties that protect the buyer’s interests. However, some brands have terms and conditions that void a warranty if an unlicensed person repairs or services an HVAC unit.
That means if you or any other unlicensed person tampers with your HVAC unit, you could lose your warranty. Considering that a warranty can save you thousands of dollars, you are better off avoiding do-it-yourself HVAC repair.
6. Spending More
Due to your lack of experience, you may think that you need to replace multiple pricey HVAC components to repair your unit. An experienced technician who has dealt with your exact HVAC problem can recommend more cost-effective solutions that fit your budget.
7. Trouble Reassembling
Fixing an HVAC system may require dismantling the unit to reach and repair or replace a faulty component. Dismantling an HVAC unit can be difficult, but it’s easier than putting the system back correctly.
If you make any mistakes during reassembly and power on the system, it may not come on, or several things could go wrong quickly. Since HVAC professionals have disassembled and reassembled so many systems, they can put yours together correctly and in less time than you can.
What HVAC Repair Can I DIY?
Do you want your HVAC system to run smoothly? Perform these do-it-yourself tasks at least once a month:
- Clean the HVAC Exterior: Clean the body of the air handler and remove debris from the outside unit. If you have foliage around the outside unit, clear the vines or branches, or they might disrupt airflow into the system.
- Clean and Replace Air Filters: Clean your HVAC’s air filter at least once a month and replace it every three months. Cleaning the filter will protect your indoor air quality and prevent airflow issues. You don’t need any special tools to perform the above tasks, and you can safely complete them within a few minutes. If you feel adventurous and want to attempt bigger do-it-yourself HVAC repairs, no one can stop you. However, unless you are a trained and licensed technician, we strongly advise that you do not attempt these advanced HVAC repairs:
- Refrigerant Leaks: Since refrigerant comes in pressurized containers, accidents can easily happen while fixing a refrigerant leak or refilling your HVAC’s refrigerant. Inhaling AC refrigerant or getting it on your skin or eyes can be painful and dangerous. Stay safe by letting an expert handle all your AC refrigerant issues.
- Evaporator Coil Cleaning: Depending on the design of your HVAC system, accessing and cleaning the evaporator coil can be difficult. Avoid injuries or damaging the system by leaving the job to the professionals.
- Fan Malfunction: If you have to remove the fan to repair your AC, call a professional. It’s a delicate job, and a small mistake can lead to needing a complete AC replacement.
Are you looking for an emergency HVAC repairer in Wisconsin? Choose HVAC services by Professional Services. By letting us restore your heating and cooling system, you can eliminate the hassle, uncertainty, and dangers of do-it-yourself HVAC repair. We are available 24/7 and have everything we need to fix all types of HVAC systems within a single visit.
Call our Professional Services team today at
(262) 214-5548 to schedule HVAC repair in and around Port Washington, WI.
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