Before You DIY, Dial Ideal
Ideal Partners applauds the roll-up-your-sleeves, do-it-yourself types, but there are some real dangers to attempting DIY HVAC repairs. Here are some of the dangers of HVAC repairs and some situations where you’re going to want to call the professionals at Ideal Partners.
Voided Warranties
For starters, read the fine print on any of the HVAC appliances in your home. Most of them have a clause that states that any attempt at DIY repairs will automatically void the warranty on the appliance. Even if you can fix the appliance, the repairs may eventually fail and then what? Once the manufacturer catches wind of your DIY repair, you could be paying for all that damage out of your pocket. If you are wondering whether the project you have in mind will void your HVAC warranties, you should give the pros at Ideal Partners a call.
Personal Safety
There are also many chemicals at play when dealing with HVAC equipment, and they can cause irreparable damage to your personal health. Carbon monoxide and natural gas exposure is a real concern in HVAC repair that only professionals will be equipped to oversee. There is also a flame risk, especially when dealing with heating appliances (i.e. a furnace).
HVAC Damage
Last, but definitely not least, you can end up making the problem worse if you don’t know what you’re doing. Let’s say you believe that you fix a tear in your ductwork, but, that tear opens a week after your patchwork was applied. That can lead to contaminants like insulation and dust entering your home’s AC vents. It can also cause those contaminants to enter your AC unit and cause more damage to the unit over time. Saving money in the short term can end up costing you much more in the long run.
Here’s Something You CAN Do
That’s not to say we don’t think DIYers can save a buck here or there by doing it themselves. One of the easiest maintenance tasks a homeowner can do is to regularly check and replace air filters. This will prolong the life of the AC unit and it’s typically easy to do. Follow the instructions on each filter to know how long they should last before needing replacement. You can also spend a little time making sure that your thermostat is properly programmed for optimal efficiency.
So think twice before crawling up into your attic to attempt a repair on something you suspect is broken. Give the experts at Ideal Partners a call first. Use the form on our website to receive a free estimate.