Are you searching online for DIY AC repair video tutorials? Watching these videos may make you think that fixing your air conditioner on your own is easy, but in reality, it’s quite complicated.
When it comes to HVAC systems, you’re better off not doing it on your own. Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t do it.
1. You May End Up Causing Further Damage
ACs are composed of different parts – most of which are unfamiliar to you. If your unit has parts that work differently from those videos that you’re watching on the internet, the chances of causing further damage to the air conditioner may become higher. If you do manage to find the faulty component, what are you going to do with it? Are you going to repair it? Replace it? Or, does the broken part lead to a much bigger issue?
Hiring a professional technician to provide AC service Bunker Hill or in your local area is far easier and more convenient than watching online video tutorials and causing more damage to your unit.
2. AC Repair Takes Time
AC repair takes time. So, if you think that DIY AC repair will save you time, you’re wrong as it isn’t the best solution. Each part found in your air conditioning unit comes with hundreds of components and moving parts. To troubleshoot each part requires expertise and time that only a professional can do.
Even for the most experienced AC technicians, it may take hours before they can determine the real issue. Once the problem has been properly diagnosed, repairing it can be even more time-consuming. Fixing your AC on your own will certainly take a lot of time, which is really not ideal, especially during the summer months.
3. You May Not Have The Right Tools
As mentioned earlier, ACs have multiple moving parts and complex mechanisms. Knowledge isn’t the only thing you need to fix these components when they break down. You also need to use specific tools to repair the problems. Now, most of these tools are usually not available on average DIY toolbox.
Licensed AC technicians aren’t only knowledgeable, but they also have the right training to use this specialist equipment. These tools aren’t something that a DIY person can pick up easily. Not to mention that these tools are also quite expensive. You may end up paying more for them than hiring a professional to service your AC unit.
4. You Could Void The Warranty
Just like all home appliances, air conditioning units also come with a warranty, especially those that were installed by HVAC companies. Most of the time, the warranty provides coverage for parts and repairs.
Now, these warranties are voided once you attempt to fix your AC on your own. If a non-authorized individual fixes or repairs your unit while it’s under warranty, you’ll no longer be able to avail yourself of any benefits such as free or discounted repairs and maintenance once your air conditioner breaks down.
5. You’re Risking Your Health & Safety
Additionally, repairing your AC can put you and your family’s health and safety at risk. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you can easily get electrocuted by faulty wiring or exposed to harmful chemicals.
Refrigerant is a working fluid that’s used by the AC to cool the air before it’s blown into your home. If you accidentally puncture a tube where it’s stored, it can cause a refrigerant leak. When this gas leaks, it can poison your lungs without you even knowing since it’s odorless and tasteless which can be deadly.
DIY repairs can also lead to lower air quality which allows allergens and contaminants to spread throughout your living spaces. So, if you don’t want to put your health and safety at risk and add medical bills to go with your AC repair expenses, it’s better if you call a trained technician instead of fixing it on your own.
6. It Is Cost-Effective To Hire A Professional
Hiring a professional instead of doing it on your own is a cost-effective solution. You’re making things more complicated than they should be if you prefer to fix your AC system by yourself.
The services of a professional AC technician aren’t that expensive. Paying for the technician is worth more than doing the job on your own and causing more problems instead of fixing them.
7. It Might Be Illegal
AC units use refrigerants to cool the air before blowing it out into your house. What you don’t know is that these compounds are quite dangerous when released into the atmosphere. This is why there are some places where fixing AC systems should only be handled by certified professionals.
For example, the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) has issued some regulations about the service, repair, and disposal of refrigerants. In the US, only certified professionals are allowed to handle these dangerous substances. You can’t even buy refrigerant if you don’t have a certification from EPA.
8. Poorly Executed Repairs
As a DIY person, you probably have some sort of experience and specialized tools to try and fix your AC unit. But without a proper diagnosis from a professional, the repairs you do won’t be that good and the problem will likely happen again. Or worse, you could end up fixing the wrong part and do more damage to your AC system.
Bottomline
Fixing your AC on your own may seem easy. Some homeowners even think that it’s the most cost-efficient thing to do. But in hindsight, DIY AC repairs can actually lead to more headaches and cost you even more money down the line. From causing further damage to health and safety risks, there’s a lot that can happen if you attempt to do it on your own. It’d be wise if you just let an expert fix your air conditioner faster and more effectively so that it can always run reliably and efficiently.
