Your HVAC system is a key part of your household’s comfort, and is something we all rely on heavily during the summer months. All the parts and components have been specifically designed to maintain optimal temperatures in your household no matter what the weather is like outside.
However, like all mechanical systems, HVAC systems require regular maintenance to function efficiently and effectively. It also helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, regulate humidity levels, and filter out air pollutants.
The experienced staff at American Home Water and Air know better than anyone how important regular maintenance is to the health of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home. While some homeowners may be tempted to perform DIY HVAC maintenance, it’s not recommended for several reasons that we will discuss below.
Lack of Training and Expertise
HVAC systems are complex systems with various components and electrical components. If you’re not a trained HVAC technician, you may not understand how these components work and how to diagnose and fix problems. Attempting to perform maintenance or repairs without proper training can lead to further damage to your system, which can be costly to fix.
Moreover, HVAC systems use refrigerants and electricity, which can be dangerous if not handled correctly. Technicians undergo training to safely handle these hazardous materials and understand the risks involved. Attempting to perform maintenance without proper training can lead to accidents, such as electrocution, which can be fatal.
Potential for Further Damage
HVAC components are built to work together as a system. Attempting to perform maintenance or repairs on any part of the system without understanding how it may impact the remaining components can lead to extensive damage. For instance, cleaning your air filter without checking your ductwork for built-up dust and debris in your ducts can cause your system to work harder and potentially damage your system’s blower motor.
Similarly, over-tightening a bolt or screw can lead to damage to the surrounding components, which can lead to further damage down the line. Something that may seem like a simple fix to you may involve parts that you don’t fully understand. In some instances, it can be catastrophic to your system. Something as simple as tightening a screw too much can prevent an important mechanism from moving properly and impact the entire system negatively.
Voided Warranties
Most HVAC systems come with a warranty that covers the cost of repairs or replacement if the system fails due to a manufacturing defect. However, attempting to perform DIY maintenance or repairs can void your warranty. Manufacturers require that only trained technicians perform maintenance and repairs to ensure the system is correctly serviced.
If you attempt DIY maintenance and cause damage to your system, you’ll be responsible for the cost of repairs, which can be costly. Moreover, attempting to fix the problem on your own can lead to additional problems, which can void the warranty and leave you without coverage. In the end, you could well end up faced with replacing your entire system at your own expense.
Safety Risks
As mentioned earlier, HVAC systems use refrigerants and electricity, which can be dangerous if not handled correctly. Refrigerants are hazardous chemicals that can cause respiratory problems and skin irritation if inhaled or touched. Moreover, if refrigerant leaks into the air, it can be harmful to the environment.
Similarly, electricity can be deadly if not handled correctly. HVAC technicians undergo training to safely handle electrical systems and understand the risks involved. Attempting to perform DIY maintenance without proper training can lead to electrical shock, which can be fatal if it occurs at high enough voltages or is sustained for too long a period such as when someone is seized by a current and can’t disconnect.
Costly Repairs
Finally, attempting to perform DIY HVAC maintenance can lead to costly repairs down the road. If you cause damage to your system, you’ll need to call in a trained technician to fix the problem. Moreover, attempting to fix a small problem can lead to more significant issues down the line, which can be costly to fix.
In contrast, scheduling regular HVAC maintenance with a trained technician can prevent small problems from turning into significant issues. Technicians can diagnose and fix problems before they cause damage to your system, which can save you money in the long run. They are trained to understand the entire system and how each component interacts with the rest of the system.
Though DIY HVAC maintenance may seem like a cost-effective solution, it’s not recommended for the reasons above. Lack of training and expertise, potential for further damage, voided warranties, safety risks, and costly repairs are all potential risks that you must consider before attempting to do your own HVAC maintenance but if you ask the experts, they will tell you it is never a good idea to take such a complex, expensive system into your own hands without the proper knowledge. You could very well end up doing irreparable harm to your HVAC equipment. Even worse, you could do serious or even fatal harm to yourself.
Always seek out a licensed and insured HVAC technician to take care of any issues you have with your system rather than attempting to repair it on your own.
