You should never attempt to do HVAC repairs on your own. Why is that? Read on to learn why you should leave HVAC repairs to the professionals.
Research shows that 43 percent of homeowners who’ve ever attempted a DIY repair project messed up.
And though the percentage of successful repairs appears high, as many as 63 percent end up regretting the decision to DIY in the first place. This is either because the problem keeps creeping up or the efficiency of their system gets reduced extensively.
So, are homeowners overestimating there “handy” capabilities? Or are they trying too hard to save money on repair costs?
Even if you’re excellent at basic home repairs, some projects merely require the skills of an expert. One example is HVAC repairs.
You don’t want to do these tasks yourself. Here are the top reasons why:
1. You’re Compromising Safety
The fact that HVAC systems use high voltage and are extremely technical makes them a hazard for any rookie technician.
Also, most ventilation machines have refrigerant fluids for air heating and cooling. These fluids are mostly chemicals belonging to a class known as ozone-depleting substances (ODS). They’re dangerous to the environment and deadly for anyone handling them without taking proper precautions.
In essence, you need specialized training, safety gear, as well as certification to handle these chemicals.
2. You Need Special Equipment for HVAC Repairs
In addition to credentials, you require purpose-built tools to handle HVAC machines. Pliers and screwdrivers won’t work.
Instead, you’ll need equipment like reciprocating saw blades, pumps, cordless drills, pipe wrenches, tin shears and snips, voltage testers, as well as multi-meter.
Buying these tools is only the first part. You also need to learn how to use each one of them.
3. There’s a Risk of Incurring Higher Costs
With HVAC, a small issue can quickly develop into a bigger problem.
For instance, you might think that a component of your new HVAC system needs replacing, only for the condenser to blow up right after repairs. Thus, accurate diagnosis is vital before you embark on any fixes.
This makes relying on professional services quite insightful. If technicians make wrong initial decisions, the extra repair costs are on them, and not you.
4. Reduced Efficiency
Admittedly, widely available information can enable you to successfully tackle a home AC repair.
But since you wouldn’t have done the job with the ability and precision of a professional, there’s a high chance your appliance will operate at a substandard efficiency.
As a result, you’re likely to incur increased monthly operation costs throughout the unit’s life.
5. Voiding Warranties
Most manufacturers have warranty terms stipulating that only a qualified professional contractor should undertake maintenance and repairs.
In some cases, you may need to prove that you didn’t DIY past repairs before receiving any warranty services.
Leave HVAC Repairs to Pros
There are many things you can do to preserve your HVAC’s optimum functionality so that you rarely require HVAC repairs. They include changing your filters regularly, cleaning off debris, as well as unblocking vents. These measures don’t require any specialized tools and will go a long way to prevent bigger issues.
Nonetheless, always call in a professional for any problem that you can’t easily troubleshoot.
