DIY HVAC Repair – Is it Worth it?
Many people experience HVAC issues, both when they try to heat their homes in the winter as well as when they attempt to cool them in the summer. You may live in a cold climate like Yonkers, New York where your heat pump can freeze, or your HVAC system may be suffering from a host of other issues. If these problems are not addressed immediately, this can result in severe damage, which may ultimately require you to replace the entire HVAC unit. In addition, even if the problem is a small one, it will likely cause your utility bills to go up if not treated.
Therefore, besides for the few troubleshooting techniques mentioned below which you can do on your own, it’s always a good idea to contact an experienced HVAC technician. A professional will be able to identify the problem and fix it quickly, returning your home to the desired temperature and lowering your utility bills. In addition, dealing with a large electrical appliance, especially one that uses coolant and has fan blades, can be dangerous. Most repairs will likely involve wiring, tubing, and the replacement of small, moving parts. If you are not a trained professional there are very few things you can do to solve the problem. For these reasons it’s advised to leave you HVAC repairs to a professional.
A/C Doesn’t Cool
If your HVAC system is not cooling your home, it may be the result of a clog caused by debris. To examine your unit, turn it off and disconnect its power circuit. Clear away any debris or leaves from the outdoor condenser and make sure there are no bushes or branches blocking the airflow. Next, remove the grill, being cautious not to pull out any loose wires. Clean the fins of the fan with a soft brush, and use a small hose to spray away debris. Reassemble the unit and turn it on. Alternatively, your unit’s filter may be causing the problem and might need to be cleaned or replaced. During the summer, be sure to inspect the filter monthly so as not to cause your system unneeded stress and raise energy costs.
HVAC is Leaking Water
If you’ve noticed a pool of water below your HVAC unit, this could be a sign that either something is blocking the water’s flow or the pump is not working. Check if any of the tubes are leaking, and if so, replace them. These are usually PVC or metal pipes running along the front of the HVAC unit.
If none of the above techniques solves your problem or you have additional problems, you’ll need to hire a professional HVAC service. The issue may also need the attention of an experienced electrician, though that decision should be left up to the HVAC professional. In any event, even though doing it yourself can seem inexpensive, in reality, when it comes to HVAC repair, it won’t be. One pull on the wrong wire or a mishandling of a sensitive part can render your system useless. Therefore, always contact a professional and enjoy knowing that your HVAC system is repaired and fully-functional.
