Do-it-yourself is a popular trend. DIY fans take on all kinds of home repair projects in an attempt to save money and gain a sense of accomplishment.
That’s fine — as long as we’re talking about jobs like painting, putting up shelves, or pouring a simple concrete slab. But when it comes to HVAC repair, turn to the experts. Your home’s heating and cooling is a delicately balanced system with plenty of potential for trouble if it’s mishandled. How so? Read on to find out.
The Dangers of DIY HVAC Repair
Here are some of the very real hazards involved in do-it-yourself HVAC repair. You’ll face the same risks if you hire an unlicensed HVAC contractor to take care of your heating and cooling system, no matter how fantastic a “bargain price” they quote you.
Mistakes Can Expose You To Danger
Repairing furnaces and air conditioners means working with complex, potentially hazardous components and processes. Natural gas (the most popular power source for furnaces in the GTA), ozone-depleting refrigerant (which, according to Ontario law, can only be handled by certified technicians), electrical wiring, ventilation, the risk of explosion or carbon monoxide leakage … oh my!
If you don’t know exactly what you’re doing, it’s easy to make a mistake. Yet the consequences could be dangerous, even deadly.
Special Tools and Parts Are Required
HVAC work requires a whole slew of expensive specialized tools and parts ready at hand. And laying out the cash for all this stuff just to do one or two DIY repairs is not cost-effective. Not to mention that modern HVAC technology is evolving so fast that equipment can quickly become outdated.
You Risk Voiding Your Warranty
Take a look at your appliance warranties. Most likely, they will remain valid only with proof that all furnace or air conditioning repair and maintenance work is done by a qualified HVAC professional. Is saving a few bucks with DIY really worth voiding your warranty?
Repair Could Take Too Long
Let’s face it; Vaughan’s climate can be harsh, summer or winter. No matter the season, you and your family don’t want to be without heating or cooling (as the case may be) for over a few hours at most. The problem is, as an amateur … er, that is … do-it-yourselfer, it’s likely to take you a lot more time to figure things out than a professional technician. And that’s even truer when HVAC replacement, rather than repair, is required.
You Might Not Restore The HVAC To 100% Efficiency
Okay, so maybe you will actually be able to complete the DIY fix and get your HVAC system running again. However, it might not work at 100 percent efficiency like it used to. As a result, it will end up costing you more cash for your monthly utility bills. “Cheap is expensive,” Grandma always said.
What You Should Do Yourself
If you’re itching to get your hands on your home’s heating and cooling system, never fear. There are several tasks that you can — and should — do yourself. Performing these easy, safe maintenance chores will keep your system running better and lessen the need for emergency professional repair.
Change Air Filters
A clean, clear filter is essential to allow proper airflow to your HVAC. Check your filter every 30 days. Is it clogged with dirt and fuzz? Take the filter out and change it (for a disposable filter) or clean and replace (for a reusable filter). Be sure to change the furnace filter at least once every 3 months.
When your house is equipped with a forced-air furnace and central air conditioning, they usually utilize a single filter. However, ductless air conditioning comes with its own reusable filters, which should be removed and wiped down every couple of weeks. Replace them only if damaged.
Clean The Debris From Your Outside AC Unit
Your AC’s outside condenser unit also needs a good, unimpeded flow of air. Clear away any debris, like leaves or twigs, which might be blocking it. MAINTENANCE TIP: Prune nearby trees and shrubbery to help keep your condenser clean. Avoid planting within 2 meters of the outdoor air conditioning unit.
Install or Upgrade Insulation
When your home is adequately insulated, you’ll save energy on heating and cooling while helping to maintain your HVAC system in top shape. If you already have insulation, good for you. Now inspect it to ensure that the insulation material is still clean, in good condition, and evenly distributed with no low spots.
Haven’t got around to insulating yet? There’s no time like the present. If you install insulation yourself, there’s plenty of margin for error, unlike most other HVAC work.
Husky Is Here To Help
Go ahead and DIY your basic heating and cooling maintenance. But for foolproof HVAC repair or replacement, rely on the trained professionals at Husky.
That’s what Galicia N. did. Read her Google Review of our efficient AC troubleshooting and repair:
I’m very satisfied with the service provided by Husky Heating and Air Conditioning. My central AC stopped working during a big storm. They were able to send someone a few days later, and they quickly troubleshot the issue and were able to repair my unit on the spot.