Ah, the joys of DIY—there’s nothing quite like the feeling of tackling home improvement projects on your own. But when it comes to your air conditioner, some DIY “fixes” can turn into costly disasters. Let’s dive into some common attempts to repair or maintain air conditioners which often end up in a call to the pros.
DIY Disaster 1- The Pressure Washer Peril
Many homeowners know that keeping an air conditioner clean can improve its efficiency. However, reaching for a pressure washer or a strong jet stream from your garden hose to spray out the unit can lead to unexpected trouble. The intense pressure can bend the delicate fins of the AC, obstructing airflow and reducing the system’s efficiency. Even worse, if you direct the stream too forcefully, you could cause serious damage to the fins. Remember, bent fins mean your unit has to work harder, leading to increased energy costs and reduced lifespan.
DIY Disaster 2- Small Repairs, Big Problems
It’s tempting to think a small or inexpensive part is easy to replace, but air conditioners are more complex than they appear. Most DIY enthusiasts lack the proper tools and knowledge for these tasks. Using the wrong tools can lead to loose connections, potentially burning out wires or even the component itself.
Something as simple as choosing the wrong sized wire nut can lead to loose wire connections, potentially causing component failure. Always remember to turn off the unit completely before poking around inside—it’s a safety must!
DIY Disaster 3- Lawn Care Woes
Keeping your lawn neat around your AC unit is important, but a stray weed-eater can become a sworn enemy. 
Getting too close to the unit with a weed-eater can slice through wires and damage fins, which not only harms the efficiency of your air conditioner but can also lead to an expensive repair bill. It’s best to manually trim the grass around your unit or use a guard to protect it from flying debris.
When to Call the Professionals
Although it’s great to feel the empowerment of fixing things yourself, air conditioning systems require a delicate touch and a deep understanding of the system’s mechanics. For the longevity of your unit and the safety of your home, it might be wise to leave more than just the basic cleaning to the professionals. Not only will this prevent those DIY disasters, but it also ensures your unit runs efficiently for years to come.
Don’t let a weekend warrior moment lead to a Monday meltdown. When in doubt, call LCS, your professional HVAC technicians, who can safely and effectively make repairs and keep your cool air flowing efficiently. After all, sometimes the best DIY is DI-Don’t!
