DIY home maintenance can appeal to many homeowners throughout Portland, OR and the surrounding areas. With the allure of savings and immediate resolution, many people are ready to tackle many household problems on their own. However, not all home maintenance endeavors are created equal. When it comes to repairing your air conditioning unit, there are a lot more complex variables that require specific skills, education and resources to solve. Unlike a paint job or installing a new shelf, DIY air conditioning repair may not be a wise move.
The Potential Risks of DIY Air Conditioner Repair
Air conditioner units are complex systems, and they’re vital to maintaining a comfortable home environment during hot summer days. Naturally, if you run into an unfortunate breakdown, you want to solve the issue as soon as possible. There are several crucial reasons why trying to repair air conditioners is unwise for Portland homeowners.
Personal and Home Safety Hazards
Repairing air conditioners requires attention to a variety of safety concerns and hazards. Mishandling wires and other components can cause fires or electrocution, and refrigerant leaks can create toxic fumes that are dangerous to breathe. Moreover, these potential risks aren’t just confined to the time you spend attempting your repairs.
If your DIY attempt does manage to get your air conditioner back in working order, you may still be at risk of future hazards. Without the expert skill of a trained HVAC technician, there’s a higher chance that you will choose inferior materials or repair procedures. Not only can this lead to eventual breakdowns, but non-professional repair work can cause issues to pop up in the future. A lack of appropriate tools and safety equipment can also lead to the hazardous disposal of coolant and other materials.
Extending Repair Time
Despite the immediate access homeowners have to their air conditioners, DIY repair is not a time-saving solution. AC units feature many different parts, and identifying issues can take hours for even seasoned specialists. Once the issue is exposed, fixing it can also take considerable time.
Attempting to perform the appropriate inspections and repairs can lead to a substantial increase in your repair time, increasing the time you and your loved ones spend without air conditioning. Moreover, if you manage to create further problems with your self-repair efforts, this time window opens even further.
Increased Costs
When you hire a professional, they come with all the tools, resources and equipment necessary for the job. Many people undertake DIY projects because doing them on their own may cost less money than hiring someone. However, this is rarely the case with air conditioning repair. Not only will you have to buy all the repair equipment yourself, but if you purchase the wrong parts or components, you’ll have to spend extra cash to replace them.
Additionally, if you misdiagnose your AC problem or make a mistake during repairs, you will have to fork over the funds to correct the mistake. This not only further taxes your home improvement budget, but it also defeats the purpose of doing DIY repairs in the first place. Moreover, if your air conditioner is part of a full-home HVAC system, you could potentially cause damage to your heating system, further piling on the costs. Due to these complexities and risks, hiring a professional is usually far less expensive than attempting things on your own.
Warranty Violation
To maintain your manufacturer’s warranty, many homeowners require professional specialists to work on their AC maintenance and repairs. If you attempt self-repairs, it will likely nullify your warranty. This is not only problematic for the current problems your air conditioner is facing, but doing DIY repairs voids coverage for any future problems. This creates liabilities for your finances and the lifespan of your air conditioner unit.
Legal and Environmental Impact
HVAC systems require specific adherence to local and federal compliance to ensure safety and energy efficiency. Since improper waste management can lead to environmental hazards, you could be unintentionally violating legal mandates. Also, liability issues surrounding improper repairs and replacements can bring up further legal problems. Professionals know how to perform your repairs so that your home stays compliant with building code regulations.
What AC Repairs Can You Do on Your Own?
Despite the obvious risks associated with DIY repairs, that doesn’t mean that you can’t perform some air conditioner maintenance on your own. While repairs are best left in the hands of professionals, there are routine maintenance activities that all homeowners should perform to maximize the longevity and performance of their AC unit.
Filter Replacement
Changing your AC filters is a simple process that every homeowner should do themselves. While easy to do, keeping clean air filters does wonders for your air conditioner’s performance and longevity. By maintaining cleaner airflow, you prevent excessive dirt, debris and particles from clogging up your systems, helping everything work at its best. You’ll want to change your AC filters once every three months to maintain optimal airflow.
Removing Debris From Your Condenser Unit
Maintaining a clean environment for your outside condenser unit is another simple process that can help you keep your air conditioner in top shape. The fan blade in your unit needs to operate freely to keep your air conditioner running. Routine cleaning ensures that sticks, branches and other foreign matter don’t clog it up.
How to Keep Your AC Unit in Top Form
These are just two of the routine maintenance procedures that are recommended for optimal AC upkeep. While most homeowners can easily perform these tasks on their own, the benefits are immense. With this in mind, it’s still wise to leave the bulk of your air conditioner maintenance to professionals. Necessary procedures such as coil cleaning, checking refrigerant levels, airflow inspections, drain clog cleaning and inspecting electrical components require many of the same professional skills and equipment that repair services demand.
Luckily, you can consult a professional HVAC technician and create an ideal preventive maintenance plan. This not only ensures that your air conditioner receives all the specialized, routine care that you need, but these services safeguard your unit from further compromises down the road. Whether it’s fixing your AC unit or routine maintenance, connecting with a professional is the best route to go.
Trustworthy AC Repairs and Maintenance in Portland
Experiencing a breakdown in your AC unit can put a dent in any great summer season. With help from our reliable and trustworthy professionals, you don’t have to resort to dangerous or costly DIY repairs. At Specialty Heating & Cooling LLC, we’ve dedicated ourselves to helping homeowners all over Portland and the neighboring communities keep their AC units working throughout the warm weather seasons. With our AC repair and replacement services, we’ll get to the bottom of your issues and sort them out efficiently. We also offer heating and cooling maintenance services, and we’ll help you replace your old equipment when the time comes with our installation services. We provide indoor air quality services, assistance with mini-splits and water heater assistance as well. To get in touch with an expert HVAC technician, contact Specialty Heating & Cooling LLC today.