However tempting it may be to tinker around with your air conditioner to fix a problem, you should avoid it. An air conditioner is a complex unit with many moving parts. They need careful handling, and some are even dangerous to handle without the right knowledge and tools. Bottom line: DIY air conditioner repair is risky and best left to HVAC professionals.
With over 70 years of experience performing air conditioner repair and servicing in the greater St. Louis area, Galmiche & Sons can keep your unit working smoothly. Our heating and air conditioning professionals are quick to respond to your needs and provide reliable advice on AC repairs and replacements. We are proud to receive the continued patronage of St. Louis homes and businesses.
DIY Air Conditioner Repair Requires the Right Certifications
Even if you are a DIY person, you should think twice about troubleshooting and repairing your AC. Without the right tools, you may end up breaking things and even risk making the problem worse. There is a reason HVAC technicians have to pass programs and achieve certifications before they can start servicing heating and cooling equipment.
You may correctly deduce what the problem is and even feel confident to perform a DIY AC repair after watching a YouTube video. But you should let a professional step in anyway, particularly if the work involves the following:
- Opening your AC unit: Here is the thing about DIY AC repair: an air conditioner is a confusing mass of wires, parts, and refrigerant. Sure, you may be able to tell the condenser coils apart from the expansion valve but are you familiar with the inner workings of the unit? In all likelihood, no. If you aren’t sure going in, the chances of damaging a coil fin, hose, or belt are pretty high, ultimately adding to your repair bill.
- Fixing a refrigerant leak: If your AC is blowing warm air, evaporator coils have ice crystals, or outdoor unit is making a hissing or bubbling sound, you may be dealing with a refrigerant leak. Patching the leak and refilling with refrigerant requires the right tools and knowledge. If the refrigerant comes in contact with your skin, it can cause frostbite. Inhaling it can cause severe irritation to your eyes and rashes near your nose and mouth. Because of these potential risks and dangers, fixing an AC refrigerant leak should be left to the professionals.
More on Why Fixing Your AC on Your Own is Unadvisable:
- May void your warranty: Some warranties require certified HVAC technicians to undertake AC servicing. A DIY air conditioner repair job can automatically invalidate your warranty.
- Pose a safety hazard: Opening up and fixing a 220 or 240 Volt air conditioner is a scary proposition. The possibility of an electric shock or fire should deter you from DIY AC repair.
- May have legal implications: Only certified technicians can handle and dispose of AC refrigerant. Attempting to remove your AC’s refrigerant can put you in a legal tangle.
Skip DIY Air Conditioner Repair & Leave the Tricky Stuff to HVAC Professionals
Rarely do DIY air conditioner repairs end well. With Galmiche & Sons, speedy AC repair is only a phone call away. Our heating and air conditioning technicians have several years of experience carrying out simple and complex HVAC maintenance and repairs across all AC makes and models for residential and commercial clients throughout the St. Louis area. Let us have a look at your AC – call us or get a quick quote online now.
