When It’s Time to Call an HVAC Technician as Opposed to DIY

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Air Conditioner Not Cooling - Tulsa, OK

If heating or cooling problems strike, should you call in a HVAC technician or rely on your own do-it-yourself skills? Changing the system air filter according to the manufacturer's recommendations and keeping the outdoor AC clear of weeds and other obstructions is definitely DIY. However, any other diagnosis and repair of furnaces or air conditioners is a job that’s best left to a qualified HVAC technician with the proper training, experience, and professional certification.

Read on to learn some reasons why “don’t do it yourself” is almost always the best recourse when heating or cooling issues arise.

It Can Be Dangerous

HVAC systems present serious potential hazards to the inexperienced nonprofessional, including:

• Furnaces use flammable, toxic natural gas and develop extremely high temperatures that may result in explosion or fire. The furnace combustion process also produces hazardous byproducts, including deadly carbon monoxide.

• Central air conditioners circulate toxic refrigerant under pressure. EPA certification is required to handle or use these substances. The powerful AC compressor and associated components utilize a high-voltage, hardwired electrical circuit that should not be accessed by persons without proper training.

Not Using an HVAC Technician Will Void the Warranty

The terms of HVAC manufacturers' warranties specify that repair work must be performed by certified HVAC contractors and technicians only. Doing it yourself will invalidate warranty coverage, and you will be responsible for any and all costs incurred as a result.

You’re Not Equipped

Diagnosing and repairing today’s HVAC units requires more than what’s in the typical homeowner’s toolbox. Advanced technology and precise, specialized tools are required to get the job done efficiently and safely.

It Will Cost You More

Another potential casualty of DIY work on HVAC equipment is the unit's energy-efficiency rating. Amateur adjustments or repairs on a furnace or AC may degrade efficiency and result in higher monthly electrical or gas bills for as long as the unit is installed.

For a qualified HVAC technician with recognized industry certification to resolve any issues with your heating and cooling components, contact the professionals at Air Assurance.

AC Estimates Tulsa, OK | Repair vs. Replace

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AC Estimates Tulsa, OK | Repair vs. Replace

A time will come when you'll have to choose between repairing and replacing your HVAC unit. Considering the importance and considerable cost of an HVAC system, you'll want to ensure you make the best decision for your house and for your family. So when should you repair or replace? Let's explore the crucial factors you should consider when it comes to repair or replace.

Age

HVAC systems generally last 10 to 15 years. If your furnace has lasted more than 15 years or your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, you should consider replacing them. An aging HVAC system will exhibit certain warning signs. The system may make unusual noises when starting up, your home may be damp or stuffy, or you may have to adjust the thermostat constantly to stay comfortable.

Need for Repairs

If you haven't incurred significant maintenance or repair costs since installing your HVAC unit, it may be better to repair it. However, consider replacing it if it keeps needing repairs. An excellent formula you can use is multiplying the system's age by the repair costs. If the result is more than $5,000, it's better to replace the unit.

How Long You'll Stay in Your House

If you're not planning to stay in your current house for long, the better option may be to repair your unit. A new unit's installation costs will most likely be higher than what you'd get back from the resulting increase in your home's sale price. However, it's best to replace your unit if it's very old, as that could hurt your home's sale price.

Your Current Unit's Efficiency

The older your current system is, the more inefficient it's likely to be when compared to modern units. Today's units have high efficiency ratings in addition to advanced features, such as variable-speed technology, that drastically increase your energy savings. Upgrading your older system allows you to take advantage of home-comfort advancements that deliver improved efficiency and maximize energy savings.

Still don't know whether to repair or replace? An HVAC technician can help you figure out an HVAC unit's lifetime cost analysis and return on investment to help you make a more informed decision. For all your HVAC repair or replace needs in the Broken Arrow area, contact the certified technicians at Air Assurance.