If your heating, ventilation, or air conditioning system breaks down, you may be tempted to attempt to repair it yourself. Because of the “Do-It-Yourself” movement, DIY repairs and maintenance are likely to appeal to you. However, before attempting any DIY repairs or maintenance on your own, there are a few things to consider. Our professionals at Circleville Heating & Cooling want to make sure you understand the dangers of doing HVAC work yourself. So that you can make informed decisions when it comes to your residential heating and cooling system and not waste money or hurt yourself or others.
What Are Physical Risks of DIY HVAC Repair and Maintenance?
There are several risks that come with DIY-ing your own repair and maintenance, including the danger of electrical shock or fire. Keep in mind that electricity powers your HVAC system, and it is linked to the electrical wiring throughout your home, which, if impaired, might result in electrical shocks or fires. On top of that, there are many hazardous chemicals used when dealing with your home’s heating and air conditioning system. Refrigerants, oil, and other combustible fuels are just a few examples of popular hazardous materials utilized by HVAC professionals regularly. Nonetheless, it is critical that you hire a professional to guarantee your safety and the overall efficiency of your HVAC system.
What Are Financial Risks of DIY HVAC Repair and Maintenance?
There are also several financial risks associated with your residential HVAC system. This includes worsening the damage that has already been done to your system, reducing its overall energy efficiency, and invalidating the manufacturer’s warranty. Another point to consider is that your HVAC system is linked with other components and parts throughout your home, such as ducts, vents, and thermostats. Because every component of your HVAC system interacts with one other, it may have a domino effect on the rest of the system if you damage one part or section. In the end, homeowners might wind up spending more time, money, and effort as a result.
Some manufacturers, like Lennox, suggest that you use only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. So, trying to MacGyver or jerry-rig components together without the necessary equipment will impact the system’s overall performance. Last but certainly not least, most warranties require that your HVAC equipment be serviced and maintained at least once a year by a certified HVAC professional. So if you’re not a qualified HVAC technician and attempt to repair your home’s HVAC system yourself, you risk voiding your warranty. With that being said, generally, DIY HVAC Repairs and Maintenance are not worth the risk!
What HVAC Repairs and Maintenance Can You DIY With Minimal Risk?
We’ve now gone through everything that homeowners shouldn’t do on their own when it comes to their HVAC equipment, but we’d also like to emphasize the upkeep and repair processes that homeowners may perform themselves on their residential HVAC system. To begin with, cleaning the outdoor air conditioner is one of the most basic maintenance procedures any homeowner can complete on their own. Unfortunately, because this unit is located outdoors, many individuals tend to overlook it. However, this piece of equipment is an essential component of your HVAC system and overall comfort that must be maintained regularly. Furthermore, changing your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system’s air filters is a simple task that homeowners can accomplish themselves. Our experts recommend replacing your air filters every 30 to 60 days; if you can’t remember when the last time you changed it, there is no time like the present.
At Circleville Heating & Cooling, an Ohio-based HVAC repair, maintenance, and installation company, our goal is to ensure our customers’ security of our customers, while making your home yours. We recognize that saving money on HVAC appliance maintenance or repairs may be advantageous. However, this blog article is intended to assist homeowners in determining what HVAC repairs and maintenance they can do themselves and when hiring a professional is required.
Do you want to know more about your home’s HVAC system, or do you want assistance with your spring maintenance and check-out? If that’s the case, contact us today at (740) 218-5323, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
