If you’re considering taking on some DIY HVAC maintenance or repairs, first consider this: The heating and cooling system in your home was designed, manufactured, and installed to be serviced only by trained professionals, certified to do this specialized work. That’s why most manufacturer’s warranties specify that regular maintenance and repairs must be made by qualified HVAC technicians only. Evidence of DIY HVAC maintenance or repairs may void the warranty, placing the expense of amateur repair or replacement entirely on the homeowner.

The bottom line: When it comes to DIY HVAC work, the average homeowner skilled in light carpentry, painting, and other home-repair tasks simply isn’t qualified to deal with complex heating and cooling issues safely and competently. Before attempting DIY HVAC maintenance and repairs, think twice and consider the following safety-related issues.

Electrical Hazards

The compressor and other electrical components of a central air conditioner operate on 220-volt AC electricity. This high voltage is twice the standard rating of most electrical components inside the house and requires specific safety procedures and equipment when working around or near it.

Freon™ Dangers

Freon™ is a toxic refrigerant circulating under pressure in an air-conditioning system. Exposure to refrigerant by contact or inhalation is hazardous to your health. Refrigerant utilized today requires special certification to purchase and utilize. Attempting DIY HVAC maintenance on air conditioners could involve potentially dangerous exposure to freon if the person performing the work is not properly trained and certified.

Furnace Risks

The burner flame in a typical residential gas furnace exceeds 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Furnace combustion generates not only dangerous heat but also toxic carbon monoxide gas, which can be fatal if inhaled. Trying to do your own maintenance or repairs not only risks the safety of the untrained person doing the work, it also endangers occupants of the house who may be exposed to deadly carbon monoxide, not to mention the chance that it creates a fire hazard from an improperly maintained furnace.

Before attempting potentially dangerous DIY HVAC maintenance or repairs, talk to the certified professionals at Jackson & Sons.