When it comes to taking care of your A/C unit, hiring a professional is always your best option. While there are tutorials out there for nearly every project and repair you could think of, DIY A/C repairs can be an extremely costly mistake. Professional HVAC technicians, like Christensen Heating & Cooling, are licensed, certified, and insured to work on HVAC units of all sizes, brands, and years which means they have the knowledge and experience necessary to find the issue and get it repaired quickly, without bigger issues arising.
Listed below are the top 7 reasons to avoid DIY A/C repairs as a homeowner.
1. Lack of Experience and Expertise
A/C units are complicated systems. From electrical work to diagnosing the issue, it takes a professional HVAC technician to make proper repairs to A/C and heating units. Without the proper training, it is likely you will spend more time and money diagnosing the issue than actually making the repair. HVAC technicians are trained to diagnose issues quickly and accurately. As the saying goes, time is money and when you decide to DIY your A/C repair, you will likely spend more time and money than if you had just called your local HVAC tech to make the repair from the beginning. To avoid most common HVAC problems, it’s always best to rely on a trained professional to ensure the job is done right the first time.
2. Voiding the HVAC System's Warranty
While you never want to have issues with a new A/C unit, it happens more often than you would realize. If your HVAC unit is still under factory warranty and you decide to make repairs on your own, you will unfortunately void your warranty as you are not a certified and licensed HVAC technician. This can be a COSTLY mistake. Instead of taking that risk, it is always best to call a professional HVAC company in your region to diagnose the issue – if the unit is still under warranty, you will likely be reimbursed for the repair.
3. Electrical Issues Are No Joke
Unless you are a certified electrician and understand the dangers of working on electrical work, repairing your A/C unit on your own can be extremely dangerous. HVAC Systems are powerful units with high voltage electrical power, one wrong move and you are not only risking your life but you could cause irreparable damage to your HVAC unit as a whole. If your A/C unit has any type of electrical issue, it is best to leave it to the professionals to diagnose and repair. DIY A/C repair involving electrical work is too dangerous to mess with.
4. Tools Matter
Most homeowners have a standard set of tools laying around their garage for small repairs here and there. A few power tools that work for hanging things or putting together furniture, but these standard tool sets will not work when it comes to repairing your HVAC unit the correct way. Having the right set of tools to diagnose and repair your A/C unit is imperative. HVAC technicians invest in tools that are required for proper A/C and heater repairs. Unless you have these tools on hand and know how to properly use them, DIY A/C repair is not something you should attempt. HVAC units are constantly changing with new technology for better efficiency, which means the tools used to repair and diagnose issues are also always changing. Don’t risk damaging your HVAC unit even further by attempting to make repairs yourself with the wrong set of tools.
5. Reduced Efficiency
Professional HVAC technicians are trained to make repairs so that your A/C unit is working at optimal capacity at all times. There are specific ways to make repairs that help with efficiency. When you decide to DIY A/C repairs, you risk losing some of that efficiency which will inevitably increase your monthly electric bill. The increased bill each month will likely turn out to be more than the repair itself would have been had you called a professional HVAC company from the beginning.
6. Compromised Safety
Two out of the top three causes of house fires are heating equipment and electrical fires – this could happen to you if you choose to DIY A/C repairs instead of calling a professional. Making repairs yourself to your HVAC unit comes with hazards that have the potential to be extreme and life-threatening. From high electrical voltage, toxic fumes, and flammable gas, the risks you take from repairing your HVAC unit on your own are extremely dangerous. It is best to leave HVAC repairs and maintenance to the professionals.
7. More Time and Money
As we mentioned earlier, time is money. When you are not a professional A/C tech, the time you will spend researching about your unit, potential issues that could arise, potential issues that already exist, and how to make the actual repairs, the time already spent will be more than the time it would have taken a professional to diagnosis the issue and make the repair. Because you are not a professional A/C technician, you will likely go with the trial and error method, where you will be tinkering with various components of the unit to see if you can almost magically make the repair. Also, without a proper diagnosis from a professional, you risk breaking something else in the process of making your “repair” which will undoubtedly cost you even more money. We always suggest leaving AC repairs to the professionals.
Call Christensen Heating and Cooling for HVAC Repairs
Christensen Heating and Cooling was founded in 2009 by Soren Christensen. As a family owned-and-operated business, we know the importance of providing high-quality, dependable services that customers can always rely on. We strive to put our clients’ best interest at the heart of every task we complete. When it comes to HVAC repairs, installation, and maintenance services, you won’t find a better team. With a talented staff who is always eager to learn more, do more, and be the best the industry has to offer, we guarantee our services far surpass that of our competitors. Contact us today to experience the difference!
We service both residential and commercial properties. When you need us, simply call at 916-884-5118 and we’ll be with you. Now’s your chance to learn why our customers have given us five stars on Google and Yelp!