DIY, which stands for “Do It Yourself”, has become more and more popular over the years, especially with the rise of the internet. No matter what you’re looking to create, do, repair, or try out—whether that’s crochet stuffed animals, gardening hacks, or a recipe—chances are, you’ll be able to find a DIY guide online. It’s become somewhat of a hobby for a number of people, while it’s become a more budget-friendly choice for others who have repairs that need to be done in their household.
There are a very limited number of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning) tune-ups that are quite basic and safe enough to do even if you have no training. For example, you don’t need to have any special air-conditioning service training or certification before you go about switching out your air filter. However, HVAC service should generally be done by actual professionals. And no, this does not refer to a regular handyman that might just be self-taught who claims you’ll get great results at a “great discount.”
Let’s look at some of the reasons why DIY HVAC repairs should be avoided at all costs:
It’s crucial to get the exact parts needed
Depending on the HVAC system, sometimes, there can be difficulty in finding a part or piece of equipment that needs to be replaced. When you turn the work over to professionals, chances are, the company already has the part on hand, no matter how dated it is. If they don’t, they’d certainly know just where to get it.
There are legal requirements for handling cooling refrigerant
The United States has regulations up to the federal and state level for handling refrigerants as well as disposal. Aside from the extremely toxic health hazard it poses, chances are, you’re essentially committing a crime by attempting to do it yourself. On top of this, you might end up mixing two different coolants together, which can end up damaging your cooling system in a big way.
Your safety is at stake
According to The Wall Street Journal, servicing air-conditioning and heating units is actually one of the most dangerous jobs out there. To begin with, there are a plethora of hazardous toxins as well as chemicals necessary for your household’s units to run properly. This includes carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and refrigerant chemicals that could leak and end up compromising the air quality of your home in a single instant.
Air-conditioners, even the ones at a single horsepower, require high voltage electricity. Attempts to repair issues with wiring without proper training or tools can shock you to the point of death. Furnaces, on the other hand, are so hot that they could explode when maintenance is incorrect. Aside from the obvious possibility of massive injuries or death, it could also cause structural damage to your home.
Conclusion
DIY is a great method for many things, but HVAC repair is not one of them. There are multiple risks involved, like possibly mishandling coolants or getting fatal injuries. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you work with a certified company and has well-trained professionals.
In need of professional HVAC repair? Reach out to Elite Repair today! We are all about commitment to excellence in heating and cooling systems repair and maintenance.