Can You DIY Your AC Service?
With continually rising costs, it’s easy to look at various expenses and try to find ways to save some money. Let’s discuss why you shouldn’t attempt all types of AC service on your own, along with the tasks that are perfectly fine to DIY.
Understanding Safety Concerns
Your air conditioner uses a high electrical charge, especially when the compressor runs. The high amps needed pose a significant risk to your safety if you don’t understand how to discharge the stored power before performing your AC repair. In fact, the charge is high enough to cause a serious, or even fatal, injury.
Warranty Considerations
Most air conditioners have terms that regulate factory warranty coverage. One typical stipulation is that a professional technician must perform any service on the unit, aside from a few minor tasks. Attempting to DIY your AC service may invalidate the warranty, leaving you paying for what may otherwise be a covered defect.
Considering Time and Cost
In many cases, attempting to perform AC service on your own may cost more than hiring a professional, especially if you are inexperienced. It might also take days to complete a task that a professional could do in a few hours.
What’s Okay To Do Yourself
There are two primary service tasks you can easily do to keep your air conditioner running optimally. First, you can maintain your air filter by replacing disposable filters in central handling systems or washing the filters in ductless units. Reusable filters need cleaning every 30 days, and one- or two-inch disposable filters need replacing every 30 to 90 days.
You can also do simple maintenance on your outdoor unit. Use a gentle stream of water from your garden hose to wash off pollen and dirt every two to three months. Also, keep an eye on weeds and grass to ensure they don’t grow up along the outside of the condensing unit.
CSL Climate Control Company brings almost 200 years of combined experience to residents around Wheeling. Our NATE-certified technicians provide HVAC maintenance, repair, and installation in addition to indoor air quality solutions. Call CSL Climate Control Company to schedule your AC service appointment with one of our experts today.
