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.
Learn how smart thermostats boost winter heating efficiency, save energy, and reduce costs while keeping your home warm all season long.
Wondering if your homeowners insurance covers furnace or AC damage? Discover when you can file a claim—and what situations likely aren’t covered.
Learn the top 10 A/C maintenance tips to ensure your air conditioner operates efficiently throughout the summer.
Learn how proper duct sealing keeps your home cooler, saves you money, and improves your air conditioning system’s performance.
Learn helpful tips to keep your home’s air conditioning system running smoothly throughout the summer.
Learn five important facts about the emergency air conditioning repair process to help you make informed decisions.
Learn seven common signs you need to replace your AC unit and how to increase its lifespan.
Learn eight important spring maintenance tips to ensure your HVAC system is fully prepared for the summer heat.
Any Season Heating & Air Conditioning Specializes in Emergency Furnace Repair
What To Expect During Your Furnace Replacement
