Thanks to information on the internet and in YouTube videos, it is possible to do just about anything around your home. Many home DIY-ers are now doing things that once required a professional contractor. From laying new floors and building decks to installing new windows, there are many things that homeowners can do with the right tools, information, and skillset. While numerous things can be completed without any worries, some projects still need to be completed by a professional. Annual preventive maintenance for HVAC should be completed by a qualified technician.
Most HVAC manufacturers recommend having regular maintenance performed on your cooling equipment every spring and for your heating system each fall. Your HVAC system should last around 15 to 20 years without major damage or failures. With preventive maintenance and proper care, however, you could extend the life of your equipment beyond the expected lifespan. While homeowners should change air filters regularly, maintain vents and airways, and keep bushes and other debris away from outside units, regular HVAC maintenance should be performed by a technician.
Professional HVAC technicians have years of experience, specialty tools, and the knowledge to safely tune up your equipment each year. While opting to do the work yourself could save some money, the risks of injury or damaging your equipment aren’t worth saving the $200 that service could cost. Let’s take a closer look at the importance of preventive maintenance by a qualified HVAC professional.
Safety
Perhaps one of the main reasons why you should allow a qualified HVAC technician to perform your routine maintenance is safety. Your HVAC system incorporates numerous hazards that could prove to be dangerous for a person without the proper knowledge and skills. HVAC equipment integrates components that utilize flammable pressurized gases, toxic materials, and high electrical voltage. Safety guidelines and industry standards mandate that certified HVAC technicians with experience and training perform the majority of work on HVAC equipment. This includes preventive maintenance service. Without the right training, you could suffer permanent injury or even death as a result of accidents.
Heating and air conditioning maintenance is very routine for qualified technicians. For the average homeowner, however, preventive maintenance could prove to be dangerous. HVAC professionals are considered among one of the 25 most dangerous jobs in the United States. As a result, a professional should complete preventive HVAC maintenance and all other work.
Proper Tools
As discussed, heating and cooling systems can be complex. Servicing and maintaining HVAC units typically requires specialized tools and equipment. More than just screwdrivers and pliers, HVAC technicians use several specialty tools to properly service equipment. HVAC troubleshooting, service, and repair require tools that can cost thousands of dollars. Given the complexities and integrated technology of many HVAC systems today, most homeowners do not have the right tools or equipment to perform their own maintenance correctly. Using the wrong tools could create potential problems that can lead to the need for costly repairs.
Warranty Service
From your flat screen television to your new car, most major purchases come with a warranty. Similarly, your HVAC equipment also comes with a warranty that has specific exclusions and requirements. Usually, these warranties protect against defects and failures. Additionally, regular preventive HVAC maintenance performed by a qualified technician is also a requirement for a warranty to remain in effect. If you attempt to perform annual maintenance yourself, you could unintentionally void your HVAC warranty. Be sure to have a certified HVAC professional perform all of your regular maintenance to ensure that your warranty continues to provide protection and peace of mind.
Many homeowners try to save time and money by performing many projects and tasks themselves. In many cases, a combination of skills and knowledge can lead to successful DIY projects. However, to ensure that work is done safely and correctly, only certified technicians should perform HVAC maintenance.
