Anytime your HVAC is on the fritz it can be frustrating, uncomfortable and potentially dangerous – especially in the middle of a Texas summer. It is becoming more and more common for homeowners to turn to do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions that they find on YouTube.
While DIY solutions can potentially save homeowners money, more often they find themselves in an uncomfortable position for a couple of days rather than having the issue addressed by a professional.
Most companies now offer 24/7 emergency repairs, significantly reducing downtime. When it comes to Midlothian HVAC repair, homeowners turn to the Dial One Johnson team. General maintenance or emergency call, our team of licensed plumbers are ready to assist with your Midlothian HVAC repair.
5 Reasons DIY HVAC Repair is a Bad Idea
Taking a DIY approach is perfectly fine for a number of smaller tasks in your home, but dealing with an HVAC system is a much larger undertaking. For that reason, we have compiled the top 5 reasons you should always have HVAC repairs done by a trained professional.
1. Federal Regulations
It may come as a surprise, but certain aspects of HVAC repair require EPA certification. Most notably, this comes into play if the repair involves the use of refrigerant. Without the proper license, you will not be able to buy the refrigerant, much less handle the repair.
These regulations are put in place for a variety of reasons. Mishandling refrigerants can cause serious damage to the environment. Not to mention that when improperly used in an HVAC unit it can actually destroy the unit. When looking for an HVAC company to work with, ask for their credentials to ensure that they will be able to address the issue.
2. Warranty
AC replacement regularly ranks among the most expensive home repair investments that homeowners may encounter, with the average cost between $5,000-$10,000. So it makes sense that you would want to protect your investment. If you didn’t read the fine print, you might be in for a shock if you do your own repairs to your HVAC system.
This is in large part to the fact that DIY repairs to your heating and air conditioning system will void your warranty. Stipulations are put in place within the warranty to protect both the homeowner and the manufacturer, while also helping to maximize the life of the unit. Most manufacturers state that your HVAC system should last 15-20 years with regular maintenance.
3. Incorrect Diagnostics
Let’s face it, YouTube is pretty amazing and has fundamentally changed home repair. Where YouTube is lacking, however, is in the diagnostic phase of the repair. HVAC systems are incredibly complex with a number of parts that can fail. Without proper training, you are essentially searching in the dark trying to find something that works.
In the time that it takes you to scour the internet trying to find something that matches your problem, you can just as easily schedule a technician to come to your home for an emergency HVAC repair. You may feel that completing the repair yourself will save you money, but one big mistake and you may end up needing an HVAC replacement.
4. Preventative Maintenance
Let’s say that you do happen to find a way to address the issue. There is a good chance that you will only be focused on the issue at hand. Trained professionals can properly diagnose the issue, as well as any other potential issues with your system. Experience is one area that the internet falls short, even with the endless amount of content available to homeowners.
For budget-conscious homeowners, this will help prevent a future emergency call and keep your family comfortable and cool. It’s important to schedule preventative HVAC maintenance at least twice a year to ensure your system lasts for a long time.
5. Electrical and Fire Hazard
This one might seem pretty obvious, but it is certainly worth mentioning. Your HVAC is connected to your home’s electrical system and has enough power to severely injure or cause death if improperly handled.
If the thought of an electrical injury isn’t enough to deter you, perhaps creating a potential fire hazard will be enough. This is especially true when work is conducted on your home’s furnace. Crossed wires, improper replacement parts and other faulty maintenance can set the stage for a potential fire hazard.
Safe DIY HVAC Options
The word repair should automatically trigger a thought to work with a professional for all of your HVAC needs. That said, there are some key actions that homeowners can take to help keep the heating and air conditioning running like a top.
The best thing that you can do for your HVAC is to allow it to breathe. First, make sure that you are regularly changing the air filter. Schedules can vary from home to home. Pets and your local climate may cause your filter to get dirty more quickly. Inspect the filter every month and change it accordingly to improve indoor air quality.
Also, make sure that there is nothing that would block airflow from entering your system. Keep grass trimmed in the area, and never place objects on top, or in front, of the intake vent or outside unit.
Finding Midlothian HVAC Repair
Although taking on an HVAC repair can be tempting, resist the urge at all costs. YouTube and elbow grease simply cannot replace proper training and experience. Instead, work with a licensed heating and air conditioning team to get your home back up and running.
For all things HVAC, Midlothian homeowners turn to the Dial One Johnson team. Locally owned and operated, we have been helping Ellis County residents for over 50 years. Whether you are in need of maintenance or are experiencing an HVAC crisis, rest assured that our team of professionally trained plumbers will get the job done right.
Give Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating a call at 469-240-5618 or visit our website to schedule an appointment today.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.