Dangers of DIY AC Repair
It’s the middle of July, and all of a sudden, your air conditioner stops blowing out cold air. So you decide to save a few dollars and search for some do-it-yourself air conditioner repair videos. It can’t be that hard to fix, right? Wrong.
Air conditioning systems have mechanical parts, spinning blades, electrical wiring and circuits that only certified mechanics should attempt to repair. Anything beyond replacing your system’s air filter (which you should do regularly) should be left to the professionals.
By attempting DIY repairs to your AC unit, you risk causing damage to your system, and it could be dangerous for you as well as everyone else in your home, especially if refrigerant leaks into the system or onto your property. Today, we will go over some reasons why you should nix the idea of DIY air conditioner repairs and leave it to the pros.
AC Units Are Complex
Your AC unit has a considerable amount of wiring, electrical components, mechanical parts, toxic refrigerant, and many more components that must be cared for properly for your unit to function correctly. The sheer amount of technical knowledge required to repair an AC unit requires extensive, dedicated training and stringent safety precautions to be put in place. .
Your HVAC technician has years of experience under their belt. They have undergone specialized training and certification programs to gain the necessary knowledge to safely resolve any issues they may come across. They will also have access to the special tools and equipment needed to work on your AC unit safely .
In attempting DIY AC repairs, you could unintentionally cause permanent damage to your unit. When this happens, you may have to replace your entire unit rather than paying far less and being without AC for a shorter period of time for what could have been a simple professional repair. Hiring a professional is far more cost-effective in the long run.
Safety Issues
DIY AC repairs can pose safety issues as well. Your AC unit uses very high voltage , so one obvious concern is electrocution. Not only that, but you also risk overloading electrical components. If this happens, that component can overheat, which is a potential fire hazard.
Not only could your safety be in jeopardy while performing DIY repairs on your unit, but you also risk endangering others as well. Improperly completed repairs increase the chance of a carbon monoxide leak (which can be extremely dangerous or even fatal if left unattended in the home). In addition, substandard repairs can lead to air quality issues that could result in other health issues in the home as well.
In the United States, almost 57% of homes use natural gas. If your unit runs on natural gas, and is improperly handled, it can cause a fire or even an explosion.
Refrigerant Handling May Be Illegal Where You Live
Some refrigerants used in AC units can deplete the ozone when released into the atmosphere. The EPA has regulations regarding the service, repair, and disposal of refrigerants and the equipment that uses them. Only certified professionals are authorized to handle these substances. And to purchase refrigerants, you must have an EPA 608 Certification.
Another thing to consider is that if your AC unit has a leak, depending on the refrigerant used in your unit, that leak may need to be reported to the EPA as well. Your certified technician will know what reports need to be submitted and ensure that they are submitted correctly.
Inefficient Performance
Improperly completed repairs can also affect the efficiency of your unit. When your unit doesn’t perform at the manufacturer’s standards due to poor maintenance or repairs, you will find that the operating costs increase over the life of your unit, potentially costing you far more than a repair would in the long run.
Your Warranty Could Be Voided
When you get your new air conditioner unit installed, it will likely come with a warranty. Your warranty will protect you should your unit need to be repaired or replaced by covering the required repairs with little or no cost to you during the warranty period.
Typically, one of the terms of the warranty is that a qualified HVAC contractor has performed past maintenance and repairs. Therefore, if you attempt to make repairs yourself, you risk voiding the warranty and having to pay for repairs that could have otherwise been covered.
Trust Your AC Repairs to On Time Home Services!
Whether you need a new system, need emergency repairs, or want to book repairs on your existing HVAC system from the Bakersfield AC repair professionals, turn to the experts at On Time Home Services.
Our trained HVAC technicians will troubleshoot issues with your air conditioning, install a replacement, or recommend an energy-efficient system for your new construction.
We have extensive training and expertise in all stages of installation, repair, and maintenance of most major HVAC manufacturers. We’ll inspect your current unit to help you determine if it can work more efficiently, or whether a replacement is truly necessary.
Get in touch with our team today to schedule a consultation!
