Understanding the Hidden Risks of Amateur HVAC Repairs

You may have saved a few hundred dollars in the past by fixing something minor such as a leaky toilet or a light switch that went on the fritz. However, even if you are relatively handy around the home, that doesn’t qualify you to tackle more complex repairs.

While it’s easy to find “expert” information about pretty much any topic on the Internet, this well-meaning advice can do more harm than good. A series of homemade YouTube tutorials on HVAC repair can never substitute for the extensive training and experience a licensed HVAC technician has, and you could make the problem worse by using the wrong techniques. Here are our top 10 reasons why you should never attempt a do-it-yourself HVAC repair, and rely on the friendly pros at Maichle’s instead.

Reason #1: HVAC Technicians Are Licensed

HVAC systems are specialized and have many moving parts that must all work smoothly together for your home to remain comfortable all year long. Often, they cycle nearly continuously to bring your home to the optimal temperature. Licensed HVAC technicians specialize in diagnosing and solving problems associated with multiple leading makes and models, and they have the experience to do the job right the first time. They also have the know-how to make sure they do the repair or installation up to code.

Reason #2: HVAC Repairs Require Personal Protective Equipment

Undertaking an HVAC repair on your own may also put yourself or your family at risk of experiencing an accident or injury. Among other hazards, HVAC systems rely on high-voltage electricity to operate. If you lack the experience and equipment to handle this safely, it’s no exaggeration to say you could cause sparking, burning wires, and other kinds of damage. In the worst-case scenario, you could even end up needing a trip to the emergency room. It’s likely the cost of your medical bills would far outweigh whatever amount you hoped you’d save by trying to fix your HVAC problem yourself.

Reason #3: HVAC Repair Requires Special Tools

Even if you’ve treated your local hardware store like the proverbial candy store and spent extra cash on fancy tools any chance you got, you probably don’t have all the equipment you’d need to do the job right. HVAC technicians arrive on the job with a truck full of specialized parts that are often far beyond what you’d be able to buy at the hardware store. They also know what tool to use for each component of the job. Using the wrong tool for the task is a recipe for disaster. Don’t jeopardize the function of your entire HVAC system by assuming you can repair it with the tools you have in your workshop or garage.

Reason #4: HVAC Professionals Offer Guarantees

If you attempt to fix a faulty heating or A/C unit on your own and something goes awry, you are often stuck paying an even more expensive bill than you’d have on your hands if you had called a professional company in the first place. So much for saving a few bucks, right? Maichle’s professional HVAC technicians offer guarantees on the equipment we use, as well as the work itself, which gives you even greater peace of mind that you are getting the best value for your money.

Reason #5: Troubleshooting Can Be Challenging

Repairing an HVAC system involves more than just fixing a problem. You also need to perform a thorough inspection to correctly identify the issue. That task is often easier said than done, considering all the components you will need to inspect. Even if you’re mechanically inclined, troubleshooting an HVAC system isn’t always as straightforward as you might assume. Different HVAC manufacturers have varying specifics, and you can’t expect all appliances to work exactly the same way. Most laypeople lack the detailed training required to spot problems that need immediate attention, and they usually don’t know the most efficient way to fix them. Only a professional HVAC technician can troubleshoot problems and address them properly.

Reason #6: You Might Lose Your Service Warranties

Most major HVAC manufacturers provide warranties on their equipment. However, you can easily void these warranties by trying to perform a repair yourself and using the wrong parts or otherwise damaging your system. If you cancel out your service warranty, you should be prepared to pay the full price for any professional repairs you need in the future.

Reason #7: HVAC Units Are Complex

Every component in an HVAC unit is interconnected. One damaged part may cause a cascade of failures, resulting in bigger problems and costlier repairs. If you haven’t had extensive training on how to handle your HVAC unit and any possible problems that could arise from fiddling around in it, you run the risk of damaging the system itself. One wrong movement of a coil or part could offset the entire machine, causing it to either work less efficiently or ruin the system altogether.

Reason #8: HVAC Units Involve Harsh Chemicals

Another thing you must keep in mind when you are repairing your HVAC unit or water heater is that you may have to handle dangerous chemicals. For instance, an HVAC system uses a toxic refrigerant to produce cooling effects. Besides handling this chemical safely, you also have to know how to dispose of it safely. This poisonous chemical can cause severe health problems or even death when inhaled and contribute significantly to environmental pollution when improperly disposed of. Even qualified technicians must obtain EPA certification before they are legally allowed to handle cooling mechanisms.

Reason #9: HVAC Technicians Can Save You Money and Time

What if you need to replace your air conditioner or heater? Without the knowledge of a trained technician, it can be hard to determine the accurate size and capacity of an HVAC unit for your home. A variety of factors come into play in this calculation and making that decision on your own will lead to overspending on a unit ill-fitted for your home.

Reason #10: DIY Hacks Might Make It Harder to Sell Your Home

When the time comes to sell your home, you want to put it on the market with the confidence that you’ll get a good return on your investment. Being a responsible homeowner and keeping up with necessary maintenance tasks is one way to ensure you get top dollar for your home when you are trying to sell. On the other hand, if you have performed a series of botched DIY HVAC repairs, a professional home inspection will bring those problems to light, making it more difficult for you to sell your home at your ideal asking price.

When It’s Time to Call the Pros, You Need a Team You Can Trust

The world is full of myths, misconceptions and outright misleading advice, which is why you’re better off taking anything you hear with a grain of salt – especially when the source of the information is not a professional HVAC repair technician.

Don’t end up injured, out of pocket for the cost of tools and in need of a licensed HVAC professional. Make the right decision for your family’s comfort and call the experienced team at Maichle’s. We have been providing excellent service to the tri-state area since 1984, and we have handled a variety of repair, replacement and ongoing maintenance needs for our customers in our 35 years in the industry. Why gamble with DIY HVAC repair when affordable, reliable and trustworthy service is within your reach? Contact us today for fast, friendly solutions to your HVAC headaches.