Can I Service the AC Myself?

“Can I service the AC myself?†If you own an AC unit, you might’ve asked this question at least once. Whether you are on a budget or you simply want to take on the job yourself, it is important to know if servicing an AC unit is something you can do or if it’s best left to the professionals. In this guide, you will find the answer to that question. 

Can I Service the AC Myself?

Yes, you can. However, it is not recommended. There is a reason why there are experts and professionals when it comes to air conditioning services – it is a more complex job than it seems. 

Your AC unit requires regular maintenance and care to ensure that it is working properly. This is something that is best left to experts and professionals. You can do basic maintenance tasks such as checking and cleaning the air filter. This is the most basic step for cleaning and maintenance, but a technician can do more than just clean the air filter.

An air conditioning unit is made up of numerous internal components. These components and parts each perform an important function. If any of these components or parts are missing or not functioning as they should, then the rest of the system will not work properly. 

If you do not have the proper training and experience to diagnose and fix AC units, then you won’t be able to service the AC as well as professionals can. The AC unit is a complex refrigeration system. If you think that cleaning the air filter is easy, there are more complex parts to this system that you are not aware of, unlike the professionals. 

This also explains why there are specialized technicians that can handle the job – these are professionals who have spent years of their lives studying and training about AC units and other refrigeration systems. You cannot expect the same results when you do it yourself versus hiring a professional. 

Reasons to Let a Professional Service Your AC

Servicing your own AC unit might seem like an opportunity to save money. In fact, a quick Google search will show you “simple†steps that you can follow to fix your unit without a professional technician. If you think this is a wise “hack†that can save you money, it is actually not advisable.

Here are some of the reasons why you might want to think twice before you service your own AC unit:

• If your AC unit is new, it might still be covered by a warranty. Opting not to hire a certified technician and cleaning the unit on your own could void that warranty. A DIY service, therefore, is not worth your time or money.
• If you choose to service your own AC, you could risk causing damage to the unit. There are several internal components such as coils and other electronic parts that you are not familiar with, whereas an experienced technician knows exactly where these components go. If you are not careful, you could end up with a bigger issue or worse, cause irreparable damage to the unit. 
• A professional HVAC technician is equipped with the right tools for the job. You probably lack the necessary tools and equipment to service your AC unit yourself. 
• A professional HVAC technician can get the job done faster and more efficiently than you think you can. Plus, technicians are available round-the-clock, so they can come to service your unit any time you experience emergency issues. 
• A professional HVAC technician is experienced and trained at servicing an AC unit. They have spent years doing this, so they know how to properly diagnose any problem in your unit and have the right fix for it. Tackling the job yourself won’t guarantee that you will be able to fix the issue, making it a waste of your time and energy. 

The Bottom Line

If you are on a tight budget, you might be prompted to look at other ways to save money. Servicing your own AC unit should not be one of them. When your AC goes down, or you think it’s due for cleaning, it might be tempting to fix it yourself. However, it could end up costing you more money in the long run.

Work with a professional HVAC technician instead. They will be able to give you a proper diagnosis and fix the issue in no time to make it hassle-free for you and to extend the life of your AC unit.