When it’s working well, you may not fully realize just how complex a piece of equipment your home’s air conditioner truly is. As such, though a DIY approach to an air conditioning repair might seem initially tempting when issues arise, you’re likely to do more harm than good.
In particular, below are some of the hidden risks you should think about if you’re thinking about taking on an air conditioner repair on your own:
Electrical Hazards
Electrical work always carries risks, but these are even more apparent when attempting to perform DIY air conditioning repairs. That is in large part due to the fact that your AC runs on a dedicated circuit at a higher voltage than the majority of your home; you risk electrical shocks if you haven’t properly isolated the circuit beforehand.
Any changes you make can also increase the risk of electrical faults in your system and even electrical fires. As such, if you don’t have the necessary knowledge and tools, it’s best to avoid such serious electrical work and leave things to a reputable HVAC repair company.
Refrigerant Loss
Your AC system relies on a gas, called refrigerant, to transfer heat out from within your home. There is a certain amount of refrigerant inside your system, called the refrigerant charge, but leaks can allow it to escape, reducing the unit’s efficiency and performance. If levels get too low, your system won’t work at all.
If you’re messing with your AC’s components and connections, you risk discharging refrigerant, which can be hazardous. It is heavier than air and can accumulate instead of dispersing. Its release also has an environmental impact, which is why AC systems require specialized disposal.
Coil Damage
For the proper heat transfer to take place, the refrigerant in your AC system must circulate through the evaporator and condenser coils. The process also relies on a high surface area, so those coils are covered in thin fins, typically made of aluminum.
As these fins are very delicate, DIY air conditioning repairs can lead to serious damage. Applying even minor pressure will bend them out of shape, causing them to bunch together and reduce their surface area.
AC repairs and maintenance, even when they involve something as minor as cleaning coils, are best left to professionals who can handle the task without risking or causing lasting damage.
Voiding Your Warranty
If your AC is still under warranty, DIY repairs could be a big mistake. Your warranty terms likely include a prohibition on DIY repairs, instead requiring that any issues be properly handled by a professional HVAC technician. Trying to fix minor issues on your own could leave you stranded without a warranty if you face major AC concerns later on.
Stick With Professional AC Repair Instead
There’s no need to risk lasting damage to your AC system; instead, leave it to a trusted HVAC repair company, like Complete Climate Services. Our team will quickly get to the bottom of the issue at hand and provide lasting air conditioning repairs. Get a free estimate on your AC needs today!
