As tempting as it may be to take on a do-it-yourself (DIY) project when something breaks around your house, AC repairs are best left to a professional HVAC technician. They have the expertise to know whether the problem is due to electrical lines, refrigerant lines, an issue with ductwork, or something else.

Most people have AC units in their houses. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air conditioners can be found in 75% of American homes. The same source also notes that units use approximately 6% of the electricity produced by the United States and cost homeowners nearly $29 billion a year. When your unit goes on the blink, remember these reasons why it's generally not recommended to attempt DIY AC repairs on your air conditioning system.

Safety Risks

Working with an AC system can be dangerous as it involves handling refrigerant chemicals and electrical components. If you are not properly trained and equipped, you could put yourself at risk of injury or even death.

Lack of Expertise

AC systems are complex pieces of machinery, and they require a certain level of expertise to diagnose and repair properly. If you are not an experienced HVAC technician, you may not have the knowledge or tools necessary to fix the problem correctly.

Damage to the AC System

If you make a mistake while trying to make AC repairs to your system, you could actually make the problem worse. There is even the potential to cause damage to the unit that will require even more costly repairs.

Voiding the Warranty

Manufacturers often void the warranty on an AC unit if it's been tampered with by anyone other than an authorized technician. Make sure you don't tamper with your unit while it's still protected by the manufacturer's warranty.

Time Consumption

The process of fixing an AC unit can take a good chunk of time. As an amateur, you might get frustrated and still need to call for professional help.

For all of these reasons, it's usually best to call a professional HVAC technician when you are having problems with your AC system. HVAC technicians are responsible for maintaining the temperature, humidity, and air quality of buildings by installing, maintaining, and repairing HVAC systems and equipment.

While some do-it-yourself projects can save you money on repairs, an issue with your AC unit may be too complex for the non-professional. Consider hiring a reputable HVAC technician like SBS-NC, LLC instead. We have the expertise, tools, and experience necessary to diagnose and repair the problem safely and correctly.