But there are some projects that you should never try to tackle on your own. Chief among them? HVAC repair, which we strongly advise you always leave up to certified professionals like us. HVAC professionals receive years of training and certifications and must constantly stay up to date on changes in technology. It’s just too much for the everyday homeowner to expect to tackle on their own.

While we know it may be tempting to open up that furnace or peer into the ducts yourself, HVAC repair is dangerous – and it can be incredibly costly if anything goes wrong. Here are three reasons why DIY HVAC repair is a non-starter:

1.) The High Voltage Electicity

HVAC techs and electricians are equipped to take all the safety precautions necessary to work with high voltage systems – are you? Whatever money you may save by skipping a call to an HVAC pro may be easily offset by the damage a sparking, burning wire does to your home – or to you!

2.) The Dangerous Chemicals

HVAC pros know how to safely and efficiently work with the cooling chemicals that go into your air conditioning unit; in fact, it’s legally required that they attain EPA certification to deal with those refrigerants in the first place, including taking care of their safe disposal.

So not only is handling those chemicals on your own illegal, it could be lethal to yourself and everyone in the building. Don’t try it.

3.) The Complexity

HVAC systems are complex and multi-faceted, running through different rooms in your house and requiring lots of specialized equipment and tools (and buying these tools can easily run you more than the cost of a service visit).

Don’t sacrifice a quick DIY fix for the trained skill of a professional. Meddling can easily make things worse for your system – it’s easy to install an incorrect part or caused damage to some vital components with improper handling.

And don’t forget: A truly professional technician won’t just take a look at your current problem. Instead, they’ll be able to easily notice any malfunctioning parts or problem spots, helping you avoid disaster before it strikes.

.. So What Can I Do? 

With all of that said, there are a few things you should take responsibility for as a homeowner or business owner, including regularly scheduling HVAC service appointments, regularly changing your air filter, and keeping an eye on the batteries in your thermostats. Taking proper care of your system can mean a smooth job for your certified HVAC professional – and a more comfortable home or office – down the line.

Still have questions about your HVAC system? Looking to schedule an inspection or maintenance visit? Combat is here to help! If you’re in the Dallas area, drop us a line for all of your HVAC and plumbing needs!