When To Forgo DIY and Get an AC Contractor
Any Season HVAC • June 14, 2023
Are you a homeowner who enjoys DIY services? Know when to tackle air conditioning problems yourself or call a professional contractor. Otherwise, you might mess up and create more problems. Learn about some cases in which to call a professional contractor.
The average homeowner does not have a refrigerant pressure gauge, vacuum pump, or electronic leak detector. These are examples of tools and equipment you may need to diagnose and fix AC malfunctions. You might not even know the necessary tools until you begin the service.
You may get away with improvisation sometimes, but in most cases, you need the right tools for a good job. Let the contractor handle the job unless you are ready to buy the equipment.
Electrical AC parts can be quite complex and sensitive to tinkering; they usually require professional expertise. Examples include the capacitor that stores charge to start and run the AC, the relays that switch different AC parts, and the pressure switch that controls the refrigerant charge. A simple mishap here can interfere with your AC's efficiency.
An experienced AC contractor will usually diagnose and fix your AC problem faster than you can. Remember, the contractor has the right tools, training, and experience—they have likely several solved similar problems like yours. Thus, avoid DIY if you want your AC running as soon as possible.
Say your AC breaks down on a hot summer day, and you don't know the problem. Instead of using time with a DIY diagnosis, call an emergency contractor for a solution so your house can be comfortable again.
Ideally, call an AC contractor immediately after you realize DIY service will not suffice. However, sometimes you might think you can fix your AC only to realize the problem is more complicated once you start the job. Stop whatever you are doing and call a technician if you get to that point—don't waste more time doing what you don't know.
An AC problem that keeps reoccurring needs a professional touch. A recurrent problem might mean you haven't solved or diagnosed the problem properly. For example, an AC coil might freeze due to poor airflow, low refrigerant, or a restricted air filter. If you thaw the coil and replace the air filter, the coil will refreeze if the problem is low refrigerant.
Some AC malfunctions will require you to replace a part. For example, an electrical fault can damage and necessitate a compressor replacement. Avoid DIY replacement and use a contractor for the service. A contractor will buy the right part, fix it properly, and give you a warranty for their work. Don't risk such an expensive part with DIY service; you might have to redo the work.
Lastly, also consider professional service if a third party, such as an insurance company, home warranty company, or AC company, pays for the service. Say your AC suffered lighting damage, and your insurance policy covers the repair. Let a professional do the job so you don't complicate your relationship with the insurance company.
If your AC is still under warranty, consider professional service even if your warranty or insurance coverage doesn't cover the damage. Depending on the problem, DIY service may void your warranty or affect your insurance coverage. Contact Any Season Heating & Air Conditioning for all your AC services. We have over 25 years of experience in the HVAC industry and promise you affordable and dependable services.
You Lack the Necessary Equipment
The average homeowner does not have a refrigerant pressure gauge, vacuum pump, or electronic leak detector. These are examples of tools and equipment you may need to diagnose and fix AC malfunctions. You might not even know the necessary tools until you begin the service.
You may get away with improvisation sometimes, but in most cases, you need the right tools for a good job. Let the contractor handle the job unless you are ready to buy the equipment.
The Service Involves Electrical Issues
Electrical AC parts can be quite complex and sensitive to tinkering; they usually require professional expertise. Examples include the capacitor that stores charge to start and run the AC, the relays that switch different AC parts, and the pressure switch that controls the refrigerant charge. A simple mishap here can interfere with your AC's efficiency.
You Want an Instant Solution
An experienced AC contractor will usually diagnose and fix your AC problem faster than you can. Remember, the contractor has the right tools, training, and experience—they have likely several solved similar problems like yours. Thus, avoid DIY if you want your AC running as soon as possible.
Say your AC breaks down on a hot summer day, and you don't know the problem. Instead of using time with a DIY diagnosis, call an emergency contractor for a solution so your house can be comfortable again.
You Have Worked on It for a Long Time
Ideally, call an AC contractor immediately after you realize DIY service will not suffice. However, sometimes you might think you can fix your AC only to realize the problem is more complicated once you start the job. Stop whatever you are doing and call a technician if you get to that point—don't waste more time doing what you don't know.
The Problem Keeps Reoccurring
An AC problem that keeps reoccurring needs a professional touch. A recurrent problem might mean you haven't solved or diagnosed the problem properly. For example, an AC coil might freeze due to poor airflow, low refrigerant, or a restricted air filter. If you thaw the coil and replace the air filter, the coil will refreeze if the problem is low refrigerant.
The Solution Involves an Expensive Part Replacement
Some AC malfunctions will require you to replace a part. For example, an electrical fault can damage and necessitate a compressor replacement. Avoid DIY replacement and use a contractor for the service. A contractor will buy the right part, fix it properly, and give you a warranty for their work. Don't risk such an expensive part with DIY service; you might have to redo the work.
The Warranty or Insurance Pays for the Service
Lastly, also consider professional service if a third party, such as an insurance company, home warranty company, or AC company, pays for the service. Say your AC suffered lighting damage, and your insurance policy covers the repair. Let a professional do the job so you don't complicate your relationship with the insurance company.
If your AC is still under warranty, consider professional service even if your warranty or insurance coverage doesn't cover the damage. Depending on the problem, DIY service may void your warranty or affect your insurance coverage. Contact Any Season Heating & Air Conditioning for all your AC services. We have over 25 years of experience in the HVAC industry and promise you affordable and dependable services.
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Prepare Your Furnace For Winter!
Winter is approaching soon and you know what that means - high heating bills. While staying warm is essential during the chilly months, it doesn't have to come at the cost of skyrocketing utility bills. With a few simple strategies and maintenance tips, you can keep your home cozy without breaking the bank. Our professional technicians at Any Season HVAC have over 25 years of experience and have picked up on many tips on how to save money during the cold winters! 1. Regular Furnace Maintenance One of the most critical steps to ensure your furnace operates efficiently and economically is to schedule regular maintenance. An annual check-up by a professional technician can identify and address any issues, such as clogged filters or worn-out parts, before they lead to higher energy consumption and costly repairs. 2. Replace Air Filters A clean air filter is essential for efficient furnace operation. Dirty or clogged filters restrict airflow, causing your furnace to work harder and use more energy to maintain your desired temperature. Check and replace your furnace filters regularly, typically every one to three months, depending on the filter type and usage. If they’re running less, you’ll be saving much more money. 3. Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat Investing in a programmable thermostat can significantly reduce your heating costs. These smart devices allow you to set different temperatures for various times of the day, automatically lowering the heat when you're away or sleeping and raising it when you're home and awake. This can result in substantial energy savings over time. 4. Seal Air Leaks Drafts and air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings can let cold air in and warm air out, making your furnace work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Inspect your home for any gaps and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. Additionally, consider adding insulation to your attic and walls to further improve energy efficiency. 5. Utilize Zone Heating Instead of heating your entire home uniformly, consider using zone heating. This involves heating only the rooms you use most frequently, like the living room and bedrooms, while keeping unused areas cooler. Space heaters or ductless mini-split systems can help you achieve this and reduce your overall heating costs. 6. Maximize Natural Sunlight During the day, open curtains and blinds to let natural sunlight in. Sunlight can naturally warm your home, reducing the need for your furnace to work overtime. Just remember to close them at night to retain as much heat as possible. 7. Lower the Thermostat at Night Lowering your thermostat a few degrees when you go to sleep can lead to substantial savings. You can compensate by using extra blankets or wearing warmer pajamas. A programmable thermostat makes it easy to automate this temperature adjustment. 8. Keep Furniture and Drapes Away from Vents Ensure that furniture, rugs, and drapes do not obstruct heating vents or radiators. Blocking these sources of heat can reduce their efficiency and force your furnace to work harder. Not only that, but it is also a fire hazard to have objects close to hot vents. Lowering your heating bills during the winter doesn't mean sacrificing comfort. By implementing these tips and making a few adjustments to your heating habits, you can stay cozy while saving on energy costs. Remember that a well-maintained furnace and a well-insulated home are your allies in achieving both warmth and savings. Take these steps, and you'll not only enjoy a comfortable winter but also a lighter load on your wallet. Our experts at Any Season Heating & Air Conditioning can help give you advice on which system to go with to help save you money. Heating and cooling gets expensive during winter and summer so do what you can to avoid those bills. Contact us today to get more info on your furnace. We serve all of the Chicagoland area in towns such as Mokena , Palos Park , Palos Heights , Frankfort , Lockport , and more!
