Do It Yourself? Is A NO NO NO

by Chester

All repairs to HVAC equipment should be done by qualified technicians.

Do it yourselfers often make the situation worse and sometimes are seriously injured or even killed. Liquid refrigerants can cause frostbite and can blind you if you get it in your eyes. Inhalation of refrigerant vapors can cause respiratory problems or even death.

Some electrical components hold a charge even if the power has been disconnected. Most units operate on 230 or more volts, so there is a potential electrocution hazard.

You should be able to change or clean your own filters and wash off an outdoor coil (both actions are very important), but most repairs are not DIY. I have made quite a bit of money over the years correcting homeowner?s mistakes.

I am a retired HVAC technician, and currently teach refrigeration at a technical school.

Comments for Do It Yourself? Is A NO NO NO

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks
by: Dadan

Hey, Doreen

Glad you like the site. This site supposed to be one hrs a week works; it requires more time than we thought. Yes, we need to find someone to clean and improve this site grammar.

We apologize in advance if we couldn’t answer your question within 24 hrs or accidentally delete the question.

Your helper

Dadan
Rating
starstarstarstar 		So True
by: Doreen

Just wanted to say that I really enjoy this site; it's bookmarked as my 'go-to' air-conditioning informational resource.The format you use makes understanding the information provided very easy. The layout is simple and that is very appealing; who needs a fancy, distracting design when they're trying to get input on a/c issues? I also love how quickly your team answers questions, and the simplicity with which they answer. It's refreshing to have such a personalized free resource available online; thank you for sharing your cumulative experience to individuals like myself, who aren't attempting to DIY our units, but seeking that bit of extra information that explains why things aren't working quite up to par. While I love this site, I must also write that sometimes the language used makes it confusing to understand what is being conveyed. I've often wondered if this is an ESL-ran site, or one that has been translated otherwise, because the language is often so broken. That is the ONLY area of improvement I'd suggest-- just cleaning up the grammar a bit to make it more understandable. I LOVE THIS SITE! Thanks for ALL your help. Doreen, NJ
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Dishonest Tech
by: Dadan

Anyone with effort and a lot of time can fix and installation HVAC system. It is not a rocket science. It also not a rocket science to know that "$2500.00 per hour for their services" is a scam.

Lying and deceit personality traits will always appear in every field, not yet HVAC area. Some people is fortunate to recognize dishonest traits.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Not Rocket Science
by: Chester

$2500 per hour? A company charging this type of hourly rate would not be in business very long. $200 to $300 per hour may be the going rate on the east and west coasts, but here in the middle it will be more like $75 to $100 per hour.
The technician will be paid (depending on the company) somewhere between $30 and $50 per hour, including benefits. The company must equip a service vehicle and pay all the other overhead out the remaining amount.

I will admit there are a few HVAC techs that will try to rip off the customer, just as there are plumbers, electricians, grocers, auto mechanics and every other trade, but for the most part we are just honest people trying to make an honest living.

Small single truck operators in this area can make around $50,000 per year if they build a clientele. You must treat people right if you want to have enough regular customers to make a living. Rip off artists don’t last long.

HVAC is not rocket science, but since the average homeowner won’t even change their own filters technicians are necessary. It is an exceptional homeowner who can study up and repair their own HVAC equipment.


Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		overcharges
by: Anonymous

hvac installation and repair is not rocket science, any reasonably intelligent person can study online and become well versed in hvac. the current certified technicans think they have a license to steal from homeowners, sometimes charging as much as $2500.00 per hour for their services, common charges are $200 to $300 per hour, homeowner, what is your hourly rate.

take my advice, educate yourself on hvac technology and know when your're being ripped off.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		No DIY
by: Dadan

Hey, Chester

It is good to hear from experience technician and an instructor. I had thought a lot of that and to be honor. "Do It Yourself" homeowners scare me!

I wouldn't be able to sleep if there is DIY information on this site, sure as "how to add refrigerant or replace condenser fan motor." I know enough to know there is a lot of risk involve in fixing central ac unit.

Central air conditioner and refrigeration purposes is to provide value to homeowners, and to answer basic question from tech point of view. You had been answering a lot question lately and I know homeowners appreciated.

Sincerely,

Dadan

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Central Air Conditioning Unit FAQs .