Do you have a problematic or underperforming air conditioning system? Don’t take matters into your own hands. Call JC Mechanical at 720-372-0944 for professional solutions.
DIY projects are deeply satisfying. That warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from getting to the root of a problem and fixing it on your is hard to replicate. This is especially true if you ended up saving a few hundred dollars in the process. However, the experience isn’t always positive.
DIY AC repair is one of those where the real-life experience is nothing like what you see on social media tutorials. As Denver’s reliable air conditioner repair professionals, we’ve had to step in countless times to bail out formerly enthusiastic DIYers who get stuck trying to repair their air conditioners.
So, before you pick up the screwdriver to tackle that problem with your air conditioner, here are nine reasons why DIY AC repair is not a good idea.
1. There’s a Significant Risk of Electric Shock
It’s common knowledge that mishandling electrical equipment can cause injury and may even be fatal.
Still, it’s easy to make mistakes that can lead to electric shocks during DIY AC repair. First, you may forget to turn off the mains supply or unplug the system before starting the repair.
Even when you do turn off the electricity, you can mishandle parts of the air conditioner that store electricity, such as the capacitor. It doesn’t matter if you’ve safely repaired your microwave or your computer screen before, there is always a risk of something going wrong.
2. You May Mishandle Dangerous Chemicals
Your air conditioner heavily relies on the refrigerant coursing through its copper coils. Doing any repair work around these coils is dangerous, and inhaling refrigerants can cause a myriad of health issues.
There’s also the risk of burning your skin with the hot refrigerant if you attempt the repairs when the air conditioner hasn’t sufficiently cooled down.
Therefore, you should never attempt to stop a refrigerant leak or top off the refrigerant on your own.
Perhaps more importantly, you should keep in mind that only technicians who hold a certification from the US Environmental Protection Agency can legally work with or dispose of refrigerant.
The penalty for flouting the rules can reach tens of thousands of dollars. Imagine trying to save a few hundred dollars by attempting DIY AC repair, only to get on the hook for over $30,000.
3. You Can Slip and Fall
The parts of air conditioners are often stored in hard-to-reach places like the attic or other areas that will require the use of ladders or maneuvering through tight spaces. As a result, there’s the risk that you’ll slip and fall, especially when you try to carry the heavy parts of air conditioners without any help.
4. You Don’t Have the Right Tools for the Job
Many air conditioner problems require the use of special tools to find the cause of the problem and fix it. You most likely do not have all of these tools in your garage, and you can’t wing the repair and fix the problem without them.
Also, buying special HVAC equipment for one-off repairs isn’t financially prudent; it’s a lot cheaper just to call an HVAC technician.
5. DIY Repair Can Create New Problems
Air conditioners feature many parts that must work in tandem to deliver the summer temperatures you desire. When you attempt DIY repairs, there’s a high probability that you mishandle a part that can cause severe malfunction and system-wide failure.
We often get people complaining of strange noises or lack of proper airflow following these repairs.
The risk of creating new problems is high because the parts of your air conditioner will almost certainly look different compared to the one in your tutorial video. Even when they are similar, you may still have issues differentiating between a part that needs repair and one that needs replacing.
As a result, you’ll leave the air conditioner in a worse condition than it was before you opened it up for repairs. Why spend all that time studying and researching air conditioner parts only to end up making things worse?
6. DIY AC Repair Can Void Your Warranty
New air conditioners come with a long-term warranty for manufacturer defects. Some of the warranty terms also cover repairs and replacement for certain parts at no cost to you. However, you’ll lose these warranties if you undertake DIY AC repair or maintenance.
So, before you perform any repairs on your own, be sure to check that you’re no longer within the warranty window. Otherwise, you stand to miss out on discounted or free repairs when your air conditioner breaks down.
7. DIY AC Repair Can Be More Expensive
Most people choose DIY repair to save money. However, as many of them find out later, you can end up spending more money than the repairs should have cost originally. You lose money if you accidentally damage another component while trying to fix another or end up lowering your system’s energy efficiency.
You’ll also lose more money if a poor repair job causes refrigerant leaks, water leaks, mold growth, etc. Significant damage may also cause you to replace your air conditioner faster than normal. So, although bringing in an expert to do the job may look like an unnecessary expense, it’s important to look beyond the initial cost.
8. You’ll Spend A Lot More Time
Professional AC repair technicians have thousands of hours of training and real-world experience. Therefore, they are more capable of quickly identifying the problems with your air conditioner. They can also work out the most efficient way to restore the system to excellent condition.
While you’re still figuring out what different parts mean and what goes where, a professional can arrive, diagnose, fix your air conditioner’s problems, and go home. As a result, you’re likely to endure the summer heat for longer if you attempt repairs on your own.
9. You Can Lose Valuable Time
Wouldn’t you rather spend your free time relaxing with your family, catching some shut eyes, or enjoying your hobbies instead of spending it on DIY AC repair? Handing over the job to a professional allows you more time to do the things you love.
There’s also the chance you won’t get enough free time to take on the repair. This means enduring uncomfortable weather conditions longer than necessary or using the air conditioner while it’s clearly faulty, leading to more wear.
When Is DIY AC Repair a Good Idea?
DIY AC repair is a good idea only when you face minor problems, and you are up for dealing with them.
Some occasions where you can try fixing your air conditioner on your own include changing your thermostat batteries, cleaning and replacing your dirty air filter, resetting the thermostat, and more.
As a rule of thumb, if you feel like the repair job is too complicated, then it probably is. In that case, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals.
Trust Your Local AC Repair Team Today
When your air conditioner breaks down, you want to work with a professional company you can trust for fast solutions. That’s where we can help. We have 30+ years of experience fixing all types of air conditioner problems.
We also provide custom AC maintenance services to help homeowners and businesses stay ahead of potential issues. Let’s help you avoid the risks of DIY AC repair.
Call the JC Mechanical team today at 720-372-0944 for fast AC repairs in Denver, CO.
Author Bio:
Jimmie Ciccone
Owner of JC Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning. A small family-owned company with over 30 years of experience dedicated to providing the best service possible to our customers. They guarantee 100% customer satisfaction, and if you aren’t satisfied, then you don’t pay them a dime.
