Is your heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) damaged? Maybe an air conditioning coil is frozen, or perhaps the furnace cuts off prematurely. A damaged HVAC system can create an uncomfortable living environment for you and your family. Rather than repairing it yourself, however, you should contact an HVAC technician for professional assistance. Performing do-it-yourself HVAC repairs can lead to several problems.
#1) Requires Specialized Tools
HVAC systems require specialized tools to repair. You can’t expect to open the air conditioning system or furnace with just a screwdriver. While screws are used in HVAC equipment, they contain other and less-common types of fasteners as well. Without the right tools, you won’t be able to repair your HVAC system.
#2) Voided Warranty
Even if you have the necessary tools, repairing your own HVAC system could void its warranty. Air conditioning systems and furnaces – as well as heat pumps – often come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Many of them come with a 10-year limited warranty, for instance. If a part breaks due to a manufacturing defect within this period, the manufacturer will pay to replace it. Repairing your own HVAC system, though, may void the warranty.
#3) Refrigerant
Many HVAC repairs involve refrigerant. Refrigerant is used in both air conditioning systems and heat pumps. It’s a chemical or blend of chemicals that’s used to transfer heat. Unfortunately, purchasing refrigerant can be difficult. Freon, for instance, requires a license to purchase. And if your HVAC system uses a different type of refrigerant, you may lack the tools and expertise needed to pump it the air conditioning system or heat pump.
#4) Difficulty Diagnosing Problems
Another reason to avoid repairing your own HVAC system is that it’s difficult to accurately diagnose problems. You may think the air conditioning system just needs refrigerant, for example. Upon charging the air conditioning system, it may blow cold air for a while, only to revert back to blowing warm air. HVAC technicians know how to diagnose problems, and they have the tools and expertise needed to fix them.
#5) Safety Concerns
There are safety concerns with do-it-yourself HVAC repairs. HVAC systems contain harmful chemicals, one of which is refrigerant. There are also electrical hazards associated with do-it-yourself repairs. Most HVAC parts are powered by electricity. If the power isn’t cut off, repairing them could jeopardize your safety. For these reasons, it’s recommended that you contact an HVAC technician for HVAC repairs.
