When you need a new air conditioner, lean on a professional HVAC company like Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Call us today!
Summers in Tulsa, Oklahoma, can be hot and humid, so staying comfortable indoors is only possible with access to perfectly chilled air. Air conditioners carry an average lifespan of around 15 years, but a replacement will come around eventually.
With the rise of the guides and tutorials on the web, should you consider replacing your own system to save costs? No. And there are several reasons why you should not install ACs yourself.
Read on as Tulsa’s AC installation experts, Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, explain more about the dangers and complications that often accompany DIY AC installations.
A Lack of Expertise Risks Mistakes and Cooling Issues
No amount of internet research makes up for the years of hands-on training that professional HVAC technicians undergo to perform air conditioning services. You shouldn’t install ACs yourself if you value your safety and want an air conditioner that works flawlessly.
Air conditioning systems come in many styles, types, brands, sizes, capacities, and outputs, and purchasing the wrong unit and incorrectly installing it can cause significant problems. You also have to consider other factors, like ensuring the home has sufficient ductwork for a central unit or getting the permits to install the system.
Handling the job as a DIY project also means you will spend more time researching steps, acquiring materials, and attempting the installation. A professional HVAC company can finish the job quickly and correctly. With an experienced team, the technicians will handle all the details and complete the HVAC system installation without issues.
Installing or Repairing an Air Conditioner Yourself Could Render the Warranty Void
Installing an AC unit yourself might void your warranty agreement. Manufacturers often include warranties for quality assurance on their products. But these free or discounted repairs for a predetermined time won’t help you spend less out-of-pocket if you jeopardize the terms.
A manufacturer will typically only uphold the warranty for professional installations and repairs. Without that warranty, you will be responsible for all the costs that follow, including replacing the unit if your installation has damaged it beyond repair.
Handling Complications With the New Cooling System Takes Some Experience and Expertise
Installing an air conditioner requires more than purchasing the unit and plugging it in. You have to consider several factors before you can begin the installation, including the following:
- What’s the proper air conditioner size for your home’s square footage?
- What kind of product quality do you want to get?
- Will the unit cover the total cooling needs for the home?
- What’s your budget for installation and monthly energy expenses?
- How will you approach the removal and disposal of the old unit?
Many things can go wrong during an air conditioning installation. Without the right experience, tools, and know-how, incorrectly installing the system could mean higher-than-necessary energy use, strain on the components, and skyrocketing utility bills. You could end up paying more to repair the cooling system’s faulty installation than just hiring a professional to install it.
An installation that goes wrong leads to many issues. Some of the common ones include uneven cooling, energy inefficiency, and a less comfortable interior. So, rather than install ACs yourself, it is better to rely on a licensed HVAC service with ample experience installing and replacing all types of cooling units.
Incorrect Installation Will Always Lead to Equipment Damage
Dealing with an inefficient air conditioner isn’t the only problem stemming from inaccurate installations; you could also damage the equipment. Air conditioners might look strong, but they house complex networks of delicate components. Incorrect handling will easily loosen or break these parts, forcing the system to compensate for the faulty component, overwork, and even fail.
It’s risky to attempt an installation without expert help because if you accidentally break or dislodge something in the air conditioning unit, you might notice. Besides a poorly performing air conditioner, you could also run the risk of safety issues, fire hazards, and early replacement costs. Conversely, an experienced technician like those at Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing will know how to correctly handle the HVAC equipment, instantly identify faulty components, and replace them.
Water, Electricity, and Chemicals Together Mean Safety Issues
One way homeowners underestimate this process is by missing the potential health hazards that come with refrigerant exposure. Refrigerant is a chemical that changes from liquid to gas during the heat transfer process. It helps remove warmth from the indoor air and disperse it outdoors by flowing through several coils and lines in its gas and liquid forms.
However, refrigerant is also toxic, so installing a new AC requires safely handling refrigerant. Doing so incorrectly could expose you to serious health risks, such as:
- Vision loss
- Throat pain
- Breathing problems
- Skin irritation
- Throat swelling
Despite the necessity and usefulness of refrigerant, it will pose a danger to you and your household if it leaks from the unit. It is also harmful to the environment. Fortunately, licensed HVAC technicians know how to safely handle and dispose of refrigerant.
Another safety issue that comes from AC installations is potential injuries. Most air conditioning units are heavy and hard to move. Incorrectly lifting or shifting these heavy objects can bring dire consequences, including straining your back muscles to move the equipment instead of using the strength and stability within your legs. Professionals will use supportive equipment to avoid painful sprains, strains, and other injuries on the job.
Property owners must also consider the electrical aspects of air conditioner installation. Any electrical work without training and knowledge is incredibly dangerous, including working with electrical wires, switches, outlets, and connections without taking the proper precautions. If you want to avoid electrical shocks, potential electrocution, or electrical fires, it’s best to entrust the complex air conditioning installation process to someone who has the credentials to do it safely.
Badly Installed Appliances and Workmanship Will Reduce Your Home’s Market Value
Even if you do manage to install your air conditioner without a licensed technician, you might risk lowering your home’s value when it comes time to sell it. One reason is the constant need for repairs and reinstallations, which is typical for homes where people install systems themselves instead of hiring a qualified HVAC company. If potential buyers see they have to spend money on a badly installed climate control system and excessive energy consumption, you can expect lower offers, if you get any at all.
Homebuyers typically prefer to purchase properties with fully functional HVAC systems that adhere to all local building codes and safety standards. So, while you might think it saves money on AC installation costs to install the system yourself, you might pay much more for it when you find yourself with a dismal return on investment.
Connect With Tulsa’s Top HVAC Company for AC Installation Today!
When skilled technicians handle an installation, they pick up on potential problems and create effective, innovative solutions to minimize the risk of discomfort and system inefficiency. No HVAC task is too much for our experts at Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, whether it’s recharging old air conditioners or installing new units. We’re a Tulsa, OK-based HVAC and plumbing company with years of experience delivering the quality that local residents expect from a top-rated service.
Would you like access to comprehensive services using industry-leading products, tools, and methods? Don’t install ACs yourself-call Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing at 918.276.7151 today to book an installation appointment in Oklahoma.