When your HVAC system starts acting up, you might be tempted to try and fix it yourself. Sure, attempting to do it yourself and keep a little extra cash in your pocket sounds appealing, but there are so many things that can go wrong when choosing to do a DIY HVAC repair. For this reason, your trusted service professionals at Madeira Heating & Air want to make sure that our valued customers are well informed about the dangers of DIY HVAC repairs and maintenance.
How Are DIY HVAC Repairs Dangerous?
Safety should always come first. If you are not a licensed service professional and are considering performing your own HVAC repair, it is important to be aware of the safety risks involved. There are various things that can go awry when taking HVAC repairs into your own hands. These include but are not limited to:
- House fires sparked by faulty or incorrect wiring
- Electrical shock or electrocution from coming into contact with the wrong wiring
- Fire or explosion from improper handling of natural gas or oil from the furnace
- Poisoning from carbon monoxide or gas fume inhalation
What Damage Can Happen to the System from Performing DIY HVAC Repairs?
Sometimes choosing to go the “cheaper route” will cost you more money in the end. While we understand the importance of saving money when you can, a DIY repair may result in additional damage to one component while attempting to repair another. At that point, you may end up with your entire HVAC system not functioning at all. In the long run, you will be dishing out more money to get everything back up and running again. This is why we stress how crucial it is for only a NATE-certified technician to perform work on your system. At Madeira Heating & Air, all our technicians are NATE-certified, properly trained, and equipped with the correct tools and parts to do the job safely and efficiently.
Will You Lose the Warranty with DIY HVAC Repairs?
Have you read the policy on your air conditioner and furnace’s warranty? If not, it would be a good idea to read it and become familiar with the equipment manufacturer’s terms and conditions. Most warranties state that if any DIY repair is done on a unit, it automatically voids the warranty due to the risks involved. So don’t forget to be vigilant and read the fine print; otherwise, you might have a voided warranty!
What Preventative HVAC Maintenance Can You Do?
Don’t worry; if you just enjoy tackling a project yourself, you can still do a few things as a homeowner to maintain your HVAC system. These fall along the lines of preventative maintenance but are tips & tricks every homeowner can take on.
- Check your thermostat battery- If you don’t remember the last time you changed your thermostat’s batteries, you should probably check them to see if they need to be replaced soon. The last thing you want is to come home to an overheated home because your thermostat batteries went out after a long day of work in the middle of the summer.
- Wipe dust and debris off your thermostat- Keep your thermostat clear of dust particles. It sounds simple, but it’s essential to keep your thermostat free from dust buildup and residue that can affect the ability to control your HVAC system’s settings.
- Test the heating and cooling settings- It’s not a bad idea to test your heating and cooling settings now and then. This will ensure everything is working correctly and your HVAC system is still responding to the thermostat when settings are changed.
- Replace the air filters regularly- Air filters should be changed every 1-2 months. It is common for homeowners to wait for air filters to be changed during their scheduled maintenance checks. However, we recommend you change them as suggested. Doing this yourself enables your system to continue running efficiently and prolong its lifespan.
Madeira Heating & Air would love to serve as your local and trusted HVAC service provider. No matter what your HVAC need or concern is, we are here to assist you and answer all of your questions. If you have an issue with your HVAC system, call us today, and we will gladly get you booked for our soonest available appointment. Call (513) 655-5125, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
