It’s a do-it-yourself world now. That is largely due to YouTube. There are millions of how-to videos on YouTube that cover millions of subjects. There is DIY small bathroom remodeling, DIY rust repair, DIY kitchen floor tiling, DIY installation of astro turf, DIY privacy screens using PVC pipe, DIY school supply ideas, DIY Spiderman masks, and even DIY zombie apocalypse survival hacks. That is not to mention the videos that help you learn how to play guitar to videos that teach you how to get flatter abs.
Are All Projects DIY-Friendly?
Indeed, the drive to handle projects from changing your car’s oil to renovating your bathroom as a do-it-yourselfer is powerful. Doing something yourself comes with a sense of pride as a handyman, brings the independence of self-sufficiency, and often means a lighter blow to your wallet.
While the desire to do it yourself is laudable, there are simply some things that might be too hazardous, time-consuming, or complicated to do yourself. When it comes to the law and the idea of representing yourself in court, the old adage “the man who represents himself has a fool for a client,” definitely applies. In that vein, would you think it wise to try to change your own car’s transmission, or give yourself a filling for one of your teeth? Most likely not. (The sheer logistics of trying to give yourself dental work is a hurdle in and of itself).
Installing, removing, or repairing your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system falls into the category of things you do not want to do yourself. And that is okay, because there are professionals who receive training and get certified in HVAC work.
At Aztil Air Conditioning, all of our professionals are well-trained, certified, and ready to help you keep your HVAC system up and running efficiently. As a top local AC service provider in the Palm Beach area, we can handle any HVAC project. Give us a call so your AC system keeps humming along. Our number is 888-729-8452.
In this blog, we will talk about the reasons why air conditioning repairs are specifically not DIY-friendly projects. That being said, there are a few things that are in your control that you can do to help your air conditioning system run smoothly. We will talk about a few of those as well.
Why HVAC Repairs are Not DIY-Friendly
- Air Conditioning Repairs Can Be Dangerous
When it comes to working with machinery and electronics like those contained in an air conditioning system, what you do not know can actually hurt you. Air conditioning units, particularly central air conditioning units handle a large amount of electricity. If you do not know what you are doing with an AC system, then staying away from that amount of electricity is the better part of valor.
In addition, both heating and cooling units employ the use of chemicals, refrigerants, and other toxic liquids and materials. If you do not follow proper precautions, those chemicals could be life threatening. It is not something we normally think about, but when a person becomes certified in HVAC repair, they are trained on how to handle harmful chemicals, and what safety gear is required when dealing with them.
2. Fixing an Air Conditioning Unit Requires Special Tools
Those pieces of IKEA furniture are great because they allow you to use the screwdriver and hammer that have been sitting in your toolbox in the upper shelf in your closet for the last year. (Sometimes, of course, you also get to use the ubiquitous “allen wrench” that comes with the furniture set, to tighten up those chair legs and table joints).
With air conditioning repair, however, a screwdriver, hammer, or allen wrench won’t cut it. Specialized, professional tools are needed for specific air conditioner system components. Without those specialized tools, you may do more damage to the air conditioning unit than the reason for attempting a repair in the first place.
3. Seemingly Minor Issues Could Result in Bigger Problems
You may think that there is a small problem with your unit, and you may even try a quick fix. Perhaps you detect a slight rattle in your unit. You conclude that it is nothing that a little masking tape cannot fix. While the tape may stop the rattle, there may be bigger issues beneath the surface.
Oftentimes, a small problem is merely a symptom of a larger problem that could mean the demise of your air conditioning unit. So, when it comes to something like your central air conditioning unit, think “better safe than sorry,” and have an AC technician come out to take a look.
- Replacing Your Air Conditioner Can Be Tricky
Air conditioning units come in many sizes, at many price points, and certain units are built for homes of a certain square footage. If you do not know much about HVAC systems, then replacing your current air conditioning system can be particularly challenging. Without some experience, it is hard to know what your home needs in terms of size and capacity. It especially unfortunate if you choose to buy a unit that is expensive and far more than what your home needs.
Thus, at the very least, when looking to replace your HVAC system, consult with an HVAC specialist – like the professionals at Aztil Air Conditioning.
When DIY Is Appropriate
While it is never fun always saying “no, you cannot do something,” we at Aztil are happy to give you some thoughts on small HVAC maintenance tasks that you can do.
General maintenance and cleaning are vital for an efficient HVAC system. So, in that spirit, two tasks that you can regularly do for your HVAC system are as follows:
- Cleaning. Regularly check and clean your filters. Change them when necessary. Keeping an eye on your filters will maximize the quality of the air in your home. Also, clear away branches and leaves from your unit outside.
- Battery Check. If you do not have a carbon monoxide detector, go get one. If you have one, check the batteries. Having a working carbon monoxide detector ensures that you and your family are not exposed to harmful gases.
For more information, call us at Aztil Air Conditioning. We can be reached at 888-729-8452, or you can fill out our online contact form.
