Did a recent home improvement show or viral YouTube video inspire you to channel your inner handyman? If so, you’re not alone — approximately 81% of homeowners decided to tackle at least one DIY project in 2021.

While there’s nothing wrong with dusting off your tool belt and taking on a few do-it-yourself projects around the house, some tasks are best left to the professionals, including HVAC repair services. So before you attempt to save the day and become a hero by repairing your HVAC system, it’s important to understand the dangers of DIY repairs and why they should be avoided.

 

DIY Statistics You Need to Know
In 2020 alone, there were a total of 24,534 DIY-related injuries that required admission to the hospital, along with tens of thousands of additional injuries that didn’t require a trip to the emergency room. In total, there were 127,486 DIY lacerations, over 35,000 fractures, and more than 11,000 punctures.

While a variety of accidents caused these incidents, falls were the most common source of DIY injury. Are you second-guessing climbing into the attic to access your HVAC system yet? You may already be doing a Google search for “HVAC repairs near me,” but it’s still important to read on and learn more about the risks involved.

 

What Makes DIY HVAC Repair Dangerous?
DIY HVAC repairs are especially dangerous for a few critical reasons:

  •  The Repairs Require Specialized Equipment
    A professional HVAC repair service provider from a company like Paraco HVAC has the knowledge, skills, and equipment to perform the repairs. While you can purchase these specialized tools, doing so isn’t cheap, negating any savings you might enjoy by tackling your HVAC repair yourself.
  • It Involves Electricity
    Any DIY projects that involve high-voltage equipment like HVAC systems can be particularly dangerous. Sure, you could turn off the breaker to your HVAC system, but what happens if you select the wrong switch? Even if you turn off the power to your unit while you’re working on it, there’s a chance you could get some wires crossed during the repair. This could lead to a house fire, equipment malfunction, or other safety concerns.
  • Face Your Fear of Heights
    In many homes, HVAC components are located in the attic, and accessing them requires you to work at elevation for prolonged periods, which is problematic if you fear heights and have clammy hands just thinking about climbing to the highest rung on a ladder.

Remember that falls are the number one cause of DIY injuries. The longer you’re in a precarious position, the greater your chances of spending time in the ER and regretting your attempt to be Bob Vila for the day.

 

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional HVAC Repair Service
Hiring a professional HVAC repair service may be humbling, but it’ll offer a high level of convenience and can avoid injuries. By doing so, you can:

  • Fix the Problem on the First Attempt
    When you turn to a professional who knows how to repair HVAC systems, you can rest assured that the problem will get fixed correctly without any complications or delays. This will reduce your risk of encountering future headaches with your HVAC system. Hiring a professional will also help you avoid accidentally making the problem worse during your DIY experiment.
  • Avoid Injuries
    The most obvious reason to call a professional is that it will keep you safe. Professional HVAC technicians have been thoroughly trained in safety protocols to reduce their risk of on-the-job injury. As such, they’re better equipped to work on your HVAC system to ensure everyone remains safe.
  • Your HVAC System Is Operating at Peak Efficiency
    In addition to making necessary repairs to your HVAC system, a professional will ensure that it’s operating at peak efficiency. Keeping your home’s equipment in top shape is just one way to reduce energy consumption and decrease your utility bill without taking extreme measures.

Few things in life are as rewarding as performing DIY tasks around the house and saving a few bucks on professional services. Fortunately, you can continue to look forward to fixing the fence in your backyard or restaining your deck while leaving more complex HVAC projects to the experts.

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