Do you enjoy partaking in a good DIY project? Perhaps you like tackling things on your own when something comes up? With information so readily available on the internet, knowledge is readily within reach of our fingertips. However, today your Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling experts want to stress how important it is to use a trusted licensed heating and cooling professional for any repairs or maintenance your HVAC system may need. Although it may be tempting to handle things yourself, there are many dangers and risks associated with performing DIY HVAC repairs and maintenance.
What Safety Risks Are Involved with Doing a DIY HVAC Repair?
It is important to use a licensed service professional for HVAC repairs. Because numerous components make up your system, various safety hazards can occur and be detrimental to the safety of you and your family. These are (but are not limited to):
- Poison through carbon monoxide and natural gas inhalation
- Explosions or house fires because of bad wiring or also caused by flammable substances such as gas or oil from the furnace
- Electrocution as a result of faulty wiring
How Can Fixing it Yourself Affect Your HVAC System?
If you are not a trained professional, it is possible that attempting an HVAC repair on your own can lead to other issues. With many different HVAC components, there is a high risk of other problems occurring in other areas. Ultimately, if the repair is not handled correctly, this could place additional stress on your HVAC system and reduce its overall performance and efficiency.
Will You Lose Your Manufacturer’s Warranty?
Most manufacturers state in their policy that any DIY projects or maintenance performed on your HVAC system will automatically result in a voided warranty. So before you dive into fixing the issue yourself, it would be in your best interest to read the fine print on your warranty in order to make an informed decision.
Are There Projects & Basic Maintenance You Can Perform Yourself?
Many homeowners genuinely enjoy tackling jobs or household projects themselves. If this resonates with you, don’t worry; there are still a few things you can do to keep your HVAC system running at its best capacity!
- Change the Air Filters- We recommend that homeowners change their air filters every 1-2 months. You don’t have to wait for your next seasonal tune-up & safety check to have your air filters checked or replaced. Most home improvement stores carry air filters for your HVAC system. So this is an easy enough task to stay on top of, and it will aid in increasing your system’s efficiency and lifespan.
- Clean the Thermostat- Have you ever encountered dust buildup in an inconvenient place like a computer keyboard, car console, etc.? If so, you know how frustrating it can be to get it clean. Well, the same goes for your thermostat. You want the thermostat keys and buttons to function correctly with no issue so you can change your thermostat settings with ease. Therefore, it is good to wipe down your thermostat frequently to keep it clear of dust particles and buildup.
- Check Your Insulation- It is suggested that insulation with a home should be 10-14 inches thick. Anything less will not keep the air inside your home at the rate it should. Without a properly insulated home, you will be paying more for energy costs due to the air constantly escaping. You can check to see if your attic and crawl space could use a little more insulation. And if you feel there is a need to add more, this is most definitely a project you can safely take on.
If you have any concerns about your HVAC system, be sure to have a licensed service professional such Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling check out your HVAC system. All of our technicians are NATE-certified, and we guarantee to help find a resolution that works best for you, your home, and your family. You can reach us at (513) 540-1716 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
