With technological advancement, we now have a large amount of information available at our fingertips. You can find instructions for just about anything in writing and multimedia. While this is pretty nifty, it’s not foolproof. The information gained from the internet isn’t always coming from a reliable source. Even when the data is credible, other variables make DIY HVAC repairs and maintenance a cause for concern. Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air would like to cover a few of those variables to help you better understand the dangers at hand.
What Dangers Does DIY HVAC Repairs & Maintenance Pose on Your Health and Your Home?
Air conditioners, furnaces, and additional heating and cooling equipment need a substantial amount of electrical power to conduct. Any missteps made during restoration attempts run an elevated risk of severe electrical shock. Additionally, you may end up damaging gas lines or injuring yourself with the many sharp HVAC components. I once cut myself on my AC unit, which was simply from attempting to move the air conditioner out of storage. Electrical fire is another considerable risk taken from DIY HVAC repairs and maintenance. Neglecting to connect wires properly can set your home ablaze, a clear and rapidly rising risk to your household and its occupants. Another danger to you and your environment is improper handling of an air conditioner’s refrigerant, a hazardous, tasteless, and odorless chemical called freon that significantly impacts your air and health. On top of that, refrigerant poisoning is another serious condition that should not be taken lightly.
What Are the Risks of Extended HVAC Repair/Maintenance?
Another risk during DIY HVAC maintenance/repairs is prolonged time to get the job done. It is commonly known that if you are going to do something, do it right the first time. Sure, practice makes perfect, but that does not apply to those untrained in the HVAC field tinkering with their HVAC unit. In this case, practice can mean disaster. The longer you go without a properly operating HVAC system, the longer you will live in discomfort with poor indoor air quality. Simultaneously, your utility bill will escalate from your system’s strenuous efforts to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
Can I Lose My Warranty From DIY HVAC Maintenance/Repairs?
100%, you can lose your warranty from attempting any HVAC repairs. Laboring on your heating and cooling system can cause you to void your warranty because most require a certified service technician to make repairs ensuring a low chance of damaging errors. Even if you’re a proud handyman/woman, it’s best to leave the HVAC repairs to those with the proper education and training. Some warranties may even require you to schedule annual maintenance appointments with a certified service technician, assuring that your system is operating correctly and that nothing needs mending. Professional involvement also proves that you’re caring for your system rather than delaying for the day it falls apart.
Professional air conditioning repair gets the job done in less than half the time it would take you while keeping you safe and your warranty intact. Please do yourself a favor and leave the repair and maintenance jobs to the experts; it is consistently the safer option. If you want to keep up with your HVAC maintenance, safer alternatives are available to you, such as changing your air filter, keeping your vents clean, and your unit free of debris and obstructions. Thank you for your time! Call Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air today at (937) 502-3842, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
