Reasons to Leave HVAC Repairs to the Professionals

Replacing the filters of your air ducts is something you can do on your own. However, when you experience problems with your air conditioner, it’s best to leave the repair to the experts. Unless you are an HVAC professional, a DIY repair may do more harm than good.

Here are some of the reasons why you should avoid doing it yourself.

• It could damage the equipment. Instead of fixing a simple problem, you may damage the unit and cause more trouble. If you are unfamiliar with its parts and the right solution to fix the issue, let the experts do the job. They have the experience, training, and knowledge to find the fault effectively and give the proper fix.
• It could risk your safety. Several things could go wrong because of your inexperience with HVAC repair. Besides damaging the unit, you and your family could be at risk. Since you are working with an appliance connected to electricity, there is a possibility of electrocution if not careful. There’s also the risk of explosion or fire, which could hurt you and damage your property. In addition, carbon monoxide may leak, which can be fatal if inhaled. HVAC professionals are adequately trained to safely conduct an inspection and repair the system, thus preventing safety problems.
• It could cost you more. Some homeowners fix their HVAC problems on their own to save money from hiring professional services. However, you may end up spending more due to the damage you may incur with improper handling of the unit. Instead of paying a small amount for a simple repair, your expenses could double if the problem gets worse.
• It could void the warranty. Most furnace and air conditioner manufacturers void the unit’s warranty if serviced by a non-professional. Read the terms of the warranty to determine if the manufacturer requires professional servicing.
• It could cause more prolonged discomfort. Your home would not be comfortable without a properly working HVAC system. Trying to fix the problem yourself could delay solving it, which could otherwise be repaired quickly by a professional.
• You may not have the right tools. Professional HVAC service providers have the right tools and equipment to perform quick, effective, and accurate repairs.

Below are common HVAC problems that require a professional’s attention. If you see any of these signs with your system, get immediate help to prevent the issue from getting worse.

• Motor suddenly stops working. There are various reasons why the motor may stop running, such as electrical issues, poor airflow, and dirt build-up. A reliable and expert HVAC service provider like McNallyHVAC will thoroughly check the system, determine the real cause of the issue, and then provide the correct fix. It can be dangerous to work on this concern without the right training and skills, especially if it involves electrical components.
• The system is not heating or cooling. An efficiently running HVAC system will keep your home cool or warm, providing comfort to the entire family. It defeats the HVAC’s purpose if it cannot cool or warm the space. If this happens, check first if the thermostat is set correctly. If it is and your system still cannot reach the desired temperature, it’s time to call the experts.
• Bad smell from the unit or vents. There are different smells that your system or vents may emit, and they can be signs of various issues. An electrical smell could be due to overheating. Turn the system off and check if the filters are clogged. If they are not blocked, there might be an electrical problem, which you need to leave to the experts. An oily smell suggests an oil leak, while a gas smell may indicate a gas leak. Both issues must be left to the professionals. The musty and moldy smell coming from the vents could be a sign of mold growth in the ducts. You also need to hire a professional HVAC company to clean the ducts thoroughly.
• Leaks in the HVAC system. A simple leak can be a sign of a much bigger issue. Plus, it’s also challenging to determine its cause, especially if you are not trained and do not have the right tools. However, an experienced HVAC service provider can quickly find the source of the leaks and provide the best solution to fix the problem.
• Abnormal increase in energy bill. A problem with your HVAC system could cause it to work harder than usual, which means that it will use more energy, thereby contributing to a sudden increase in your electric bill. If the cost of your power is higher than normal, a malfunctioning HVAC could be the culprit. Let the experts check it right away to get the necessary solution to make it run efficiently again.
• It short cycles. Short cycling means that the HVAC system turns on and off more often than usual. It cycles to heat or cool the air when it doesn’t meet the desired temperature. Frequent cycling can damage the compressor, which is an essential component in the system. If you do not fix the issue right away, it could cause severe damage to the compressor, leading to the premature replacement of the unit.
• The evaporator coil is frozen. The evaporator coil is the component responsible for the evaporating refrigerant, releasing hot air from the indoor out. It could freeze if dirt builds up, and it could get damaged if not taken care of immediately. Get expert service right away once you see ice building up in the evaporator coil.

• It makes unusual noises. It’s normal for the HVAC unit to make subtle sounds during operation. However, if you hear unusual noises, these could be signs of problems, so it’s best to get your system serviced. Some of these noises are banging, buzzing, and popping sounds.

If you see any signs of issues with your HVAC system, no matter how small, get the help of a professional service provider for a fast and effective fix.