Inflation continues to drive up the cost of living and, with things getting more expensive as a result, a do-it-yourself approach to home repairs has become commonplace. The traffic for repair videos on the Internet providing walk-through guidance has shot up, despite the fact that the quality of the instruction is many times questionable. That said, there’s a repair video for just about everything in multiple versions today.
Just Because It’s On YouTube Doesn’t Make It Doable
Can I repair an AC myself? It’s really more of a question about should you try to do so at all.
While there are some very talented homeowner repair amateurs in every town and state, not every repair and fix-it thing should be done without professional training or help. Regular HVAC technicians only receive certification training on the very equipment they service, they work with it every day. So, the level of skill and experience of a technician far exceeds that of an occasional DIY adventurer, especially in the area of critical but subtle details.That includes knowing what specific tools to use, how much material, which parts will fit right and, most importantly, how to troubleshoot issues not covered in DIY videos or guides but commonly come up.
Air Conditioning Units are Risky
While they don’t include flammable concerns that a furnace would have, an AC unit does have sensitive equipment and materials involved. Probably the most risky aspect involves the contained Freon in the system, which is the element that allows the AC to cool air down as the air flow passes through the unit and into the home. This chemical is installed via pressure, and it stays in the system through a contained channel network. Any leak will lose the Freon and make the AC worthless.
For the first-time repair person, AC systems present an incredible challenge to understand, much less change. Additionally, AC units require a sizable electrical connection, which also needs to be given proper care and distance. Since it is directly wired to the house grid, an AC unit’s wiring can easily electrocute an amateur repairer not familiar with what to avoid contact with.
Electrocuting yourself and causing a fire can easily happen meddling with wires through guesswork because AC units tend to have 220 to 240 volts of current when operating and turned on. That kind of a connection is more than enough to put a person in the hospital with an accidental contact. Again, a professional approach avoids these problems completely.
Mechanical Damage is Highly Likely on DIY Attempts
Experience and familiarity make a big difference in the outcome of an AC repair. Without having had repeated training on how parts work and how an AC assembly should be performed, a DIY attempt can easily result in the unit being damaged inadvertently. That then can turn a small repair into a big one, or even a full replacement with a fatally damaged unit.
Alternatively, bringing in a trained technician for a review, evaluation and repair usually doesn’t cost a large fee, and the option can easily prevent far more serious mistakes otherwise occurring.
Avoiding Chemical Exposure Risk
Again, AC units utilize chemicals that in concentration can be harmful. The different gasses and chemicals used can be deadly if inhaled or worked with improperly.
Warranty Elimination
Finally, a DIY approach to an AC that is still covered by a protection warranty will invalidate that protection. Manufacturers are very specific that repair on their units needs to be handled by a trained technician. Where it is found that a homeowner or similar jury-rigged their way into the unit and then damaged it, the manufacturer will deny any related damage claim. The same could happen with homeowner’s insurance protection as well when the details are discovered.
Nothing stops a homeowner from maintaining an AC, changing an air filter, having it serviced regularly, and keeping it clean. All of these things help the AC work better and last longer. However, once it gets into the part of taking things out and assembly, it’s best to call professional help.
