Has your HVAC system been giving you trouble lately? Maybe your AC unit has been turning off and on sporadically, or perhaps you’ve been hearing an unusual sound from your ductwork. Have you already googled it, trying to find the answer to what is going on? Whatever the issue is, Five Star Heating & Cooling Dayton is here to remind you that it is important to leave any repairs or maintenance to the professionals, especially when it comes to your home HVAC system. There are various things that can occur when a homeowner tries to take things into their own hands and fix an HVAC issue by doing it themself. So please, keep reading so that you are aware of the dangers DIY HVAC repairs and maintenance can bring.
How Does a DIY HVAC Repair Affect Your Manufacturer’s Warranty?
If you choose to do DIY repair on your air conditioner or furnace, you should know that doing so will most likely void the manufacturer’s warranty. Thus, it may not be worth it, to try and save a few bucks by repairing it yourself and losing the warranty altogether.
Do You Have the Appropriate Tools and Parts for a DIY HVAC Repair?
Another thing to think about when considering going the DIY route is that you may not have all the necessary tools and parts to complete the repair. Therefore, purchasing a pricey tool that you may never use again plus parts may not outweigh the pros of having a service professional do the job instead. In addition, most HVAC tools and parts can not just be purchased at any home improvement store. So you would have to wait for them to be ordered and delivered before enjoying the comfort of your HVAC system again.
What Will a DIY HVAC Repair Do to Your System’s Efficiency?
The most minor mistakes can lead to long-term damage that will decrease your HVAC system’s lifespan and overall efficiency. HVAC systems are composed of multiple components, so one problem area might start working again while another issue occurs elsewhere. You might just find yourself stuck in a never-ending cycle of trying to fix one problem after another. This, of course, will wear down your system, and you may start to notice a decrease in its effectiveness.
What Dangers Are Involved in DIY HVAC Repair?
There are quite a few potential hazards that can happen if you are not a licensed professional and decide to repair the issue yourself. With various hazardous substances and materials, everything must be handled appropriately; otherwise, you could end up in dangerous situations such as:
- Electrocution due to faulty wiring or mishandling of the wires during the DIY HVAC repair
- Poisoning due to inhaling carbon monoxide or natural gas
- Explosions or house fires due to wiring issues or caused by flammable substances like gas or oil from the furnace
What Can a Homeowner Do for Their HVAC System?
Perhaps you enjoy taking on projects and getting things done by yourself? If this is the case, there are a few things you can do that we believe would be safe as a homeowner to perform.
- Inspect Your Insulation- If you suspect that the insulation within your home could use a couple of extra layers, this is a DIY project you can definitely take on if you feel the need to do so. As a rule of thumb, insulation should be 10-14 inches in thickness, so you can perform a quick check to see if this is a project that should be completed in the foreseeable future.
- Wipe Your Thermostat- Don’t forget about your thermostat when doing your regular dusting! You want to keep your thermostat free of dust buildup and other residues so that the thermostat’s buttons continue to work smoothly.
- Change Your Air Filters- Our NATE-certified technicians suggest air filters be replaced every 1-2 months. Doing this enables your HVAC system to run at its highest capacity. Conveniently, air filters can be purchased at almost any home improvement store. Just remember to take note of the correct size you need!
There are several dangers and risks that are associated with DIY HVAC repairs and maintenance. We understand the burden and constant upkeep required of owning a home, but choosing to go the DIY route instead of hiring a licensed service professional can damage your home and equipment and cause harm to you and your family! Your Five Star Heating & Cooling Dayton experts want only the best for you! So, if a concern comes up with your HVAC system, let us handle the issue for you. Then, you can sit back and kick your feet up, knowing your home and family are left in good hands. Give us a chance and call us at (937) 708-8278, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
