When your air conditioner breaks down, you might feel tempted to take things into your own hands. After all, a simple Google search will provide countless instructions for any DIY AC repair of your choosing. Why not save money on repair costs and cut out the middleman?
Burlington’s skilled AC repair technician at Leith Heating & Cooling urges you to reconsider your stance unless you have professional HVAC experience. DIY repairs often come with short and long-term consequences that will make you regret your decision. You’ll find out why you should call us instead.
Why You Shouldn’t Do DIY AC Repairs
Professional repair services are rarely as simple as finding a disconnected wire or loose screw and making a quick fix. A technician must carefully inspect your HVAC equipment since many problems arise from numerous small concerns. Then, they can order parts as needed and address small fixes in the meantime.
When you work with a trusted, qualified HVAC company, you protect your safety, home, and comfort, making the repair costs worthwhile.
Concern for Your Safety
Performing air conditioner repairs exposes you to numerous safety risks. Electrocution is one primary concern to consider before diving into a DIY repair task. Technicians follow particular protocols like cutting the electrical supply and wearing personal protective equipment to protect themselves from electrical shock.
Plus, HVAC systems rely on refrigerants to transfer heat into or out of the building. Refrigerant leaks can make you sick and threaten your life after constant exposure.
No Training, Equipment, or Parts
You need more than what the average household toolbox contains to go about AC troubleshooting and repair. HVAC companies have connections with reputable part suppliers and equip their technicians with advanced technology for testing HVAC performance. Do you keep perfectly calibrated manometers and draft gauges readily available?
If not, you’re missing two of the numerous evaluation tools a technician employs. Plus, even when you can access particular tools and parts, you might run into component shortages that put your DIY project on hold indefinitely. Manufacturers often prioritize wholesalers who purchase large quantities of supplies over an independent buyer who needs just one given part.
Warranty Nullification
Your HVAC equipment likely came with a warranty upon installation. Warranties typically last five to 10 years, depending on the manufacturer’s generosity. It might also come with a workmanship warranty from the HVAC company that installed the unit.
You must meet specific requirements to honor and use both warranties. A manufacturer’s warranty often requires that the property owner consistently maintain their unit through a professional, accredited service provider. That means you can nullify your warranty with a DIY AC repair attempt.
A nullified warranty won’t cover future repairs or part replacements. Even if you succeed at your first DIY attempt, you might encounter future ones that you cannot tackle. Thus, you’ll pay full price for these repair services.
Poor Repair Jobs
Even small HVAC repairs can be fiddly work. You have to handle small, delicate components with precision and care. If you have a trustworthy component contact delivering to Burlington, Illinois, you must know part numbers and specific information about your system to access the right component.
Plus, you might need more than one simple fix. Often, air conditioning units incur multiple instances of equipment damage as they age. So, your DIY AC repair might solve one problem but leave others to worsen. You might eventually get stuck on a blisteringly hot summer day with a nonfunctional unit, forcing you to contact an emergency repair service anyway.
What You Can Do to Maintain Your Air Conditioner in Burlington, Illinois
While you should absolutely leave most repairs to experienced technicians, you do still have some power over your HVAC system’s performance and lifespan. You will avoid big problems when you regularly attend to the smaller details. Some examples of DIY maintenance include:
- Air filter changes: Replace the air filters every three months at a minimum. Use the recommended MERV rating to keep your HVAC system from working too hard or collecting dust in its interior.
- Tidying indoor and outdoor units: Your indoor unit might be in the basement or attic. If you use these spaces for storage, keep your belongings away from the unit. You should also remove dead grass, leaves, and other organic debris from your outdoor unit’s grills.
- Self-inspections: You won’t know about hidden problems unless you consistently check on your system’s units. Familiarize yourself with what looks and sounds normal so you can contact a technician as needed or identify maintenance tasks you can handle.
- Thermostat care: Update your thermostat every five to 10 years and replace the batteries as needed. Ideally, you should set the temperature to 78 degrees Fahrenheit or higher during the summer.
- Insulation management: Insulation plays a significant role in keeping your HVAC system from working overtime. Identify and plug drafts, use curtains, and replace your insulation material as your insulation contractor recommends.
- Vent and duct cleanings: Duct networks often suffer neglect. It’s easy to move a piece of furniture or place a laundry load in front of the vent openings. Check the vents periodically for obstructions that inhibit airflow, and remove and clean the grates when they look dusty.
- Giving your HVAC system a break: Every appliance could use a break, especially those that work hard year-round. Set your thermostat to a higher temperature than normal when you leave the house for work, errands, or vacation. You’ll give your HVAC system a much-needed and well-deserved rest while lowering your utility bills.
Don’t forget annual maintenance services from professional providers like Leith Heating & Cooling! While doing your part to enhance system performance goes a long way, your technician can identify small issues before they snowball into expensive concerns during a yearly visit.
Keep Cool With Leith Heating & Cooling in Burlington, Illinois
Choose professional help from Leith Heating & Cooling over a sketchy DIY AC repair. Call us to schedule AC maintenance, repairs, and replacements in Burlington, Illinois. Our skilled technicians can quickly identify the problem and conjure a safe, reliable solution. Learn more today.