Don’t Attempt These AC Repairs! AC Solutions Best Left To The Pros
No air conditioning can be a nightmare. Even spending an hour with no AC can have a person frustrated and uncomfortable in their own home. Some AC repairs homeowners can do on their own. However, certain repairs should only be left to the professionals. Attempting these repairs can not only damage your AC unit but can also be dangerous.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the AC repairs that you should avoid doing yourself—and those jobs you should call the pros for help on.
Compressor Replacement
One of the most critical components of a central AC system is the compressor, You might even call it the heart of the air conditioner. The cooling system won’t work if the compressor fails. Replacing a compressor requires specialized tools and training. Attempting to replace a compressor yourself can be dangerous and may damage your AC unit beyond repair. Leave this repair to the pros.
Thermostat Issues
Your thermostat is the hub of your entire central cooling and heating. Without the thermostat, the systems wouldn’t know when to turn on or off. When anything happens to the thermostat, it will affect the operation of your cooling system. Have you noticed that your AC turns on and off frequently? Is it short cycling? Does the AC not respond to your requests for colder air? These can all be attributed to a faulty thermostat. But is this something you should replace on your own? The answer is maybe. Replacing a thermostat with the same one isn’t all that difficult. It will take just a few minutes to disconnect the wires and plug in the new unit. When you want to change to an entirely different thermostat is when there can be complications.
Thinking about upgrading to a SMART thermostat for greater energy efficiency? If so, a professional can definitely take care of this task in a shorter amount of time. They can even walk you through how to use the new addition to your home. Compare the cost of installation versus how much you will save. Given thermostat installation labor isn’t that expensive, it might be worth it for a professional to assist you.
Refrigerant Leak Repair
If your AC unit is not cooling as it should, you may have a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is a chemical that cools the air in your AC unit. In a residential setting, there are two main types, R-22 (Freon) and R-410A (Puron). Fixing a refrigerant leak requires specialized equipment and training. Attempting to fix a refrigerant leak yourself can be dangerous and may damage your AC unit beyond repair. Leave this repair to the pros.
Electrical Repairs
Got a problem with your AC unit not turning on? More than likely, a problem with the electrical components is to blame. Attempting to fix electrical problems yourself can be dangerous. There is a serious risk of electrical shock, and it can even expose your home to a fire hazard. It’s best to leave electrical repairs to the pros with the training and experience to safely and properly fix the issue.
Ductwork Repair or Replacement
If your AC unit is not cooling your home as it should, you may have a leak somewhere within the ductwork. Ductwork repair or replacement, let alone finding a leak, requires specialized tools and training. Attempting to fix ductwork yourself can be dangerous and may damage your AC unit beyond repair. Leave this repair to the pros.
Air Filter Replacement
Saving money through DIY jobs is something many homeowners enjoy doing. When it comes to the cooling system, the best option for homeowners to try and do is to replace the air filter. This is often an easy job that most with just a little mechanical ability can complete. However, the more complex the system, the more of a challenge it can be to replace the filter. If you’re unsure how to change the filter, even after a few Youtube videos, give your local HVAC contractor a call.
DIY Isn’t Always Bad
We’re all for saving money. It’s something every homeowner should strive to do. After all, homes should be an investment and not a money pit. Doing certain jobs yourself is a great way to take pride in your home and have a sense of pride that you completed a task. The next time you have a professional in your home, like Express Tech Air in Manassas, for HVAC services, ask what you can do as a homeowner to protect the system. If you’d like to change the air filter on your own, ask where it’s at and how to do it. You can even ask the technician what air filter your system takes.
The Biggest Hurdle For Homeowners
It might seem like some of the repairs listed could be something you can do. However, one of the hardest parts of repairs is diagnosing the problem. When it comes to AC issues, it isn’t so cut and dry what the issue might be. You might think it’s an electrical problem, but in reality, it’s something minor, like the thermostat. Another issue could be frozen-over coils. This could seem a lot like a failing part, but it could also be a refrigerant leak. A certified HVAC technician can quickly identify the source of the problem and recommend repairs.
What could happen is the homeowner tries to fix one thing, and it isn’t even the problem. Not only does this take time and money, but it also causes stress. Putting to work the years of experience your HVAC technician has is not only wise, but it is the fastest way to resolve home comfort problems.
Final Thought
While there are some AC repairs that homeowners can do on their own, there are certain repairs that should only be left to the professionals. Attempting these repairs can not only damage your AC unit but can also be dangerous. Refrigerant leak repair, electrical repairs, compressor replacement, ductwork repair or replacement, and more complex air filter replacement should be left to the pros. By doing so, you’ll save yourself time, money, and potential dangers like fire, electrical shocks, and severely damaging your AC.