Safety: The dangers of DIY HVAC fixes

dangers of DIY HVAC

Getting home repairs done is a real pain. It can be both expensive and time-consuming, as well as inconvenient (or even dangerous) if something breaks down. You might even have to take time off work to wait for a repair technician to come to your home. 

We know how tempting this can make it to try to fix the problem yourself. There are plenty of instructional YouTube videos these days! Why not throw one on and take matters into your own hands? 

Sure, there might be some repairs you’re capable of tackling on your own, like a slow draining sink or leaky faucet. But when it comes to other things, it’s really best to leave it to the professionals. 

Consider your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system: this highly complex system can pose a serious risk to your safety if it isn’t working properly or if it’s been repaired with an inadequate DIY fix. 

If you’ve got an issue with your HVAC system, call in the professionals. Whyte Ridge HVAC Furnace & Air Conditioning offers reliable, timely service that you can count on to get your system back to optimal and safe functioning. We won’t try to upsell you or stick you with hidden fees – our skilled technicians are committed to providing punctual service that’s focused on fixing your heating and air conditioning woes.

Not yet convinced to call in the experts if you’re faced with an HVAC breakdown? You might want to keep reading about the potential threats you’ll face when trying a DIY solution:

Electrocution

Your HVAC system relies on electricity to run. This means that it’s intricately connected to your electrical system. Electricity is powerful and dangerous, and you don’t want to be messing with it. If you aren’t an expert, it’s easy to shock yourself accidentally, which could lead to serious injuries.

Fire or explosions

Believe it or not, explosions are a real risk. Depending on your home’s HVAC system, it may or may not be connected to a gas line. Mishandling natural gases that are found in home furnaces can have any number of scary consequences. At best, improper care could cause you to pass out from inhalation. And at worst, your home, and homes around you, could blow up. So take your safety, your family’s safety, and your neighbours’ safety into account and only let the experts touch your gas-powered HVAC system.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Speaking of passing out, you’re likely aware of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, since it’s recommended that all homes have a carbon monoxide detector. This odourless gas can cause vomiting, dizziness, and even death. An improperly vented HVAC system is a surefire way to increase your risk of exposure, which can be dangerous to you and your pets. It’s best to let the professionals handle it.

Warranty void

You’re not alone if you don’t read the fine print on everything. But chances are, if you were to go and look at the fine print on your furnace, you would find a clause about furnace service. Most warranties become void if your HVAC system isn’t serviced by a professional. This could also apply to future breakdowns if you’ve tinkered with it yourself in the past.

Longer and more expensive service

Let’s say you read all of this and still decide to try to service your own furnace. It may not have resulted in a horrible injury. But you might break something, or start the project only to realize that you’re not able to finish it on your own. This could cause extra delays in having it repaired, and additional costs if you need to replace the parts you’ve damaged. Getting a call in right away to your HVAC specialist will ensure prompt service and a faster repair.

Decreased system efficiency and safety

It might be possible for you to solve an HVAC problem on your own, but even if you do so (like in an emergency situation),  you should still have an expert come out and take a look at your HVAC system. This will give you some peace of mind that it’s functioning correctly and safely. There could be minor problems that you missed, and you don’t want to incur extra costs or damage in the longer run. 

Next time you’re faced with an HVAC situation, avoid the temptation to DIY a solution. Having your system professionally serviced is a good investment in your family’s safety and comfort. The good news is that if you rely on a professional HVAC service like Whyte Ridge, solving heating and cooling problems will be easy and quick … which is more than we can say for watching YouTube instructionals.