When it comes to home maintenance and repairs, hiring professional labor is often regarded as one of the more costly parts of a homeowner’s budget. That’s why many people decide to do the handiwork themselves to save some cash.
Besides the financial benefits you get from performing DIY maintenance services and repairs to your home, there is also the satisfaction that comes along. Whether it is painting the walls or cleaning the gutters, DIY projects are always an adventure.
A type of project many homeowners decide to tackle is maintaining and repairing HVAC systems. Although this is something that should be left to the professionals, there are a few things you can try to do yourself with proper preparation and knowledge.
Here is a list of five things you should know if you decide to maintain or repair your HVAC system on your own.
HVAC maintenance requires specialized equipment
Because HVAC systems are one of the most complex house appliances, they require specialized equipment to be maintained, repaired, and installed properly. So, if you choose to engage in any of these tasks yourself, you need to gather the right tools and supplies to identify and rectify any issues.
For example, engineered fasteners are probably one of the most important tools you need when maintaining or repairing HVAC systems. The purpose of these fasteners is to hold the components of the heating and cooling unit together so they don’t fall out. There are several types of fasteners for HVAC applications, each with its own purpose.
Repairs can be dangerous
Another thing you should be aware of when engaging in DIY HVAC projects is that the repairs can be dangerous. After all, HVAC systems are highly technical appliances that use high voltages of electricity and if you make one wrong move, you are going to get seriously hurt. Unless you possess basic knowledge of electricity and know the ins and outs of such power, you should definitely avoid doing the repairs yourself.
Besides this, this house appliance also uses various chemicals which you are probably not familiar with. These chemicals can cause further damage and deadly injuries if you don’t follow proper precautions.
DIY HVAC repairs and maintenance can void your warranty
When you buy an HVAC system, it typically comes with a warranty. The main purpose of the warranty is that if some parts fail to work when the HVAC system has been maintained and used properly, it will cover the costs for any repairs or replacement of those parts.
So, if you decide to do any repairs to your heating and cooling unit, you are running the risk of voiding the warranty. This means that the warranty won’t be able to cover any fixing you do.
Besides this, there is also the possibility of facing legal issues as carrying out DIY HVAC projects may be illegal in your country.
Reduction of HVAC efficacy
No matter how familiar you may be with HVAC systems, fixing and maintaining them can be quite tricky. This means that if you fail to repair something properly or make an unprofessional diagnosis regarding a certain HVAC part, your unit’s efficacy may be reduced. Not only will your appliance stop working as it should, but these mistakes can also lead to higher monthly operational costs.
Therefore, if you want to keep your HVAC system running for years to come, it is important that you first acquire adequate knowledge and gather the right tools to be able to do any repairs yourself.
Possible health issues
In addition to increasing the chance of suffering severe injuries, engaging in DIY HVAC maintenance and repair can lead to further health problems for you and your family. The truth is these house appliances contain various substances, such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, which can be harmful to your overall well-being.
If you make one single, careless mistake, these hazardous gasses could be released into the air, decreasing your indoor air quality and risking the health of your entire family. These consequences can leave lasting effects and cause respiratory diseases due to inhalation of unclean air.
Final thoughts
Although there are some DIY HVAC projects you can tackle yourself, there are others that require the expertise, knowledge, and skills of professional HVAC contractors. In order to be able to maintain or repair such heating and cooling systems, you need to have the right tools and be aware of the risks that come along.
For more information, refer to our post and read about the most important things you need to do when carrying out HVAC projects on your own.
