Why DIY AC Service Is Not Advisable: Top Nine Reasons

Save yourself from the headaches of DIY projects by letting Air Unlimited provide professional AC services. Call (816) 286-7258 today!

With the rise of YouTube and TikTok, DIY repair is now a favorite pastime for many. When you’re successful with one repair, the feeling of getting it right is better experienced than imagined. It pushes you to try your hands on more technical stuff—which isn’t always a good idea.

DIY AC service is one of those projects you should leave to professionals. Are you in Olathe and nearby areas? The air conditioning service technicians in Olathe from Air Unlimited can save you time and money, while attempting the repair on your own can cost you more over time.

This article will cover the top reasons you shouldn’t complete AC service alone.

1. You Don’t Have the Equipment

As a DIY enthusiast, you probably have some screwdrivers, Allen keys, a saw, pliers, and other common hardware. However, you’ll need a lot more for AC service. A fully-stocked AC repair van will feature equipment like:

  • Level
  • Oil filter wrench
  • Vacuum pump
  • Multimeter
  • Gas welding machine
  • Core removal tool
  • Tube bender
  • Drill machine

How many of these do you have in your garage? Renting is an option, but the costs will quickly blow past the cost of hiring a professional AC repair company.

2. You May Void Your Warranty

The warranty conditions on some air conditioners mandate servicing only by certified technicians. As a result, DIY AC service can void a warranty worth thousands of dollars. That’s too much to risk for a repair you don’t feel totally confident in.

You can check your warranty terms and conditions to see what it says about this. If you can no longer find the warranty document, it’s best to avoid DIY repairs altogether.

3. Your Safety Is At Risk

There’s always a risk of electric shocks when you work on your AC yourself. Most units run on around 220 to 240 volts of current. Such high voltage can cause significant and debilitating injuries if your body comes in direct contact with loose wiring or charged parts during the repairs.

4. You Can’t Diagnose the Problem

Modern air conditioners are complex systems featuring several moving parts. Knowing how each of the parts works comes with training and experience. You can’t figure it all out by watching a few online tutorials.

It’s hard to diagnose the cause of the problem and get to its root with your non-existent experience. You may worsen the problem or create a new one while fumbling around the unit.

5. You Don’t Have the Parts

In the rare event that you diagnose the problem correctly, you’ll most likely need to order parts from a supplier. Depending on where you look, that could mean living without the AC unit for up to three days.

A qualified air conditioning repair professional will have all the key parts on hand. If your system needs particular parts, you can be certain about finding them on short notice. You won’t need to remain in discomfort for a long time.

6. You May Break the Law

The Clean Air Act has some regulations for AC components. It stipulates that only qualified people may handle substances like the refrigerant in your air conditioner. So, if you suspect a refrigerant leak and find a way to buy some to top off the unit, you may land in legal waters.

The US Environmental Protection Agency is strict about the handling of such substances. Only a professional certified to work on HVAC systems should attempt refrigerant-related repairs. The chemical components of the refrigerant are hazardous if mishandled.

7. It Can Take a Long Time

Assuming you know the problem with the air conditioner and can find a tutorial online for the DIY AC service, you can still spend too much time on a simple fix.

If a professional with adequate knowledge of AC systems can complete a project in thirty minutes, it will likely take you two hours or more. Going back and forth from the tutorial to the task at hand and the fact that you probably don’t have the right tools will make the process longer than necessary.

8. You Are at a Significant Disadvantage Due to Inexperience

Repairing an air conditioner is complex. You have to navigate electrical and environmental hazards as well as the ductwork. Similarly, you may be sweating it out on a repair without knowing about a recall or widespread issue for a particular model.

Qualified AC technicians understand these dynamics. They can save you time and money from your first phone call.

9. You Will Miss Out on Other Problems

DIY AC service often focuses on only one issue. The result is a breakdown shortly after completing a single repair.

A system with a burnt wire may also have a faulty compressor or air handler. Changing the wire successfully will only postpone the inevitable breakdown of the system. A professional can quickly diagnose these additional problems, helping you avoid costly replacements.

A simple tune-up costs less than $200, but it can save you hours of stress and prevent possible damage that may cost you thousands of dollars.

Hand Over Your Air Conditioning Problems to Air Unlimited Heating & Cooling

The prospect of saving money by completing a DIY repair is tempting. Would you still consider it if you could find an HVAC technician on short notice and at an affordable rate? Most people wouldn’t.  

At Air Unlimited Heating & Cooling, we make air conditioning repairs less daunting. You don’t need to know about the functions of an HVAC evaporator coil or other essential parts on short notice. Instead, trust the experts and enjoy peace of mind.

We arrive quickly and offer accurate estimates on all repairs. We don’t charge hidden fees, and you never have to pay for parts you don’t need.

Call Air Unlimited Heating & Cooling at (816) 286-7258 and avoid the risks of DIY AC service. Our team of experts covers Liberty, MO, Overland Park, KS, and nearby areas.