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HVAC DIY vs. Hiring an HVAC Repair Company

Keeping your home and family comfortable in Michigan’s fluctuating temperatures, severe weather, and changing economy means you are researching HVAC options. The question is: When to DIY vs. when to hire an HVAC company for your Oakland County home? When you need HVAC repair near Commerce, Howell, or Ferndale, follow our guide to determine when you need to call a professional vs. when it’s okay to order furnace and AC repair parts on your own.

“Not sure what to do? If you have a specific question that’s not in this guide or are unsure how to start, call us. As a highly rated residential HVAC service provider that’s been in the area for over 26 years, we encourage homeowners to contact us when they need help–whether it’s an HVAC repair emergency or a basic maintenance check-in. We’re here for you, Michigan!”

Greg Matson
Owner

hvac comfort heating and cooling technition greg m

When DIY Might Be An Option

Some minor HVAC repair issues can be solved on your own. Explore these scenarios where DIY may be your family’s quickest and cheapest option.

  • Troubleshooting a furnace fan that keeps shutting off: Check your thermostat and air filter. You may need to simply replace these HVAC parts or replace the batteries on your smart thermostat.
  • Identifying and tightening loose connections: Inspect electrical connections and wiring within your HVAC unit for any signs of looseness or damage. Call an HVAC repair professional for help when you notice the electrical connections need tightening or repair. Your regular inspection can save money on emergency HVAC repair.
  • Upgrading a thermostat: Are you noticing a temperature difference from what you set on the thermostat to what your HVAC system is blowing? Replacing an old thermostat with a new, programmable model can improve HVAC reliability, efficiency, and comfort. Order this HVAC part at your local hardware store or search online for your desired model. Follow all instructions provided in the box for installation.
  • Installing a new air filter: Musty or dusty air filters can be improved with an air filter replacement. Regularly replacing your air filters (every ​90-120 days) is essential for maintaining good air quality and system efficiency. Order a furnace or AC filter at your local hardware store or online and follow our image guide below for replacement help.
Educational graphic showing three images of where an air filter is located inside of a furnace unit. The graphic text says: “Potential Air Filter Locations in your Furnace. Most furnace units have a labeled compartment and require you to unscrew, unclip, or loosen a latch to access the filter. Always check the equipment manual.” The text after shares graphics of people opening the furnace to access the filter. Image one shows an HVAC Comfort Inc employee opening the furnace and taking out the filter from the side of the unit. The text below says “Inside the side panel.” The second image shows someone’s hands taking out the air filter horizontally, with the text “Behind the front door.” The third and final image shows another set of hands taking out the filter horizontally but lower on furnace unit. The text says “Inside of the bottom. Need help? Call (248) 290-9411”).
Educational graphic showing three images of where an air filter is located inside of home. The graphic text says: “Potential Air Filter Locations in your Home. Most furnace units connected to a central system will have the air filter in a large air vent (or air grille). You must unscrew, unclip, or loosen a latch to access the filter. Always check the equipment manual.” The text after shares graphics of people opening the air vents (or grilles) on ceilings, walls, and in the crawl space. Image one shows an person opening the air grille on the ceiling and taking the filter out. The text below says “On the ceiling.” The second images shows an air vent on the wall toward the ceiling inside of a small room. The text says “In a utility room or closet.” The third and final image shows a White Lake, Michigan, home’s crawl space with an air pointing to the air filter tray.The final line of text says “Need help? Call (248) 290-9411”).

If you’re able to perform these HVAC DIY steps, you will improve how your heating and cooling system functions. All furnace parts and HVAC equipment can be purchased at your local hardware store or online. If any of these issues are recurring, even after an air filter replacement or thermostat upgrade, contact an HVAC company for help.

When to Hire HVAC Repair Professionals

You should contact a professional HVAC company for anything outside of basic heating and cooling maintenance. Here are scenarios where calling a trained technician for HVAC repair will be your best option.

  • Solving a refrigerant leak in HVAC coils and refrigerant lines: Refrigerant is a hazardous chemical that can cause serious health problems if mishandled. Call experts at your local HVAC repair company to take care of this specialized task.
  • Correcting electrical problems: If you’re unfamiliar with your home’s electrical wiring and your HVAC system, contact the pros at HVAC Comfort Inc. In all of our HVAC inspections, we test the electrical connections and resolve problems that may be impacting your home’s heat and air conditioning. It’s not uncommon to have electrical issues rooting from a tripped breaker, a blown fuse, or even a faulty thermostat.
  • Resolving a gas leak and ensuring long-term safety: Gas leaks from a cracked heat exchanger, loose connection, or damaged lines are extremely dangerous and should only be handled by licensed professionals. If you smell or are alerted about a gas leak, leave the home immediately and call your gas provider.
  • Inspecting and fixing ductwork problems: If you notice holes in your ductwork, loose connections, or air blockages, contact an HVAC company to order and replace the parts. Leaky or damaged ductwork can significantly reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency and lead to higher energy bills.
  • When a furnace or AC part needs to be replaced: Replacing an air filter or installing a new thermostat is a simple DIY task. Trying your skills at another furnace and AC part may be tempting, but doing this yourself leaves room for potential problems. The team at HVAC Comfort Inc brings specialized tools and expertise to all HVAC part replacement service calls. Our training and access to factory knowledge ensure that your furnace or AC part will be installed correctly for optimal performance and longevity. Contact us for blower motor replacement, AC capacitor replacement, ignitor replacement, and more.

Working with a company for HVAC repair near Oakland and Livingston County is a smart investment for your biggest investment–your home. Trained and certified professionals, like those on the HVAC Comfort Inc team, will ensure proper furnace part replacement, AC repair part installation, and energy bill efficiency for the seasons to come.

Person with hvac repair bag near them on the floor

Work with HVAC Comfort Inc Near Brighton, Milford, and Ferndale

Doing it yourself always seems like a great option, but working with the pros at HVAC Comfort Inc for complex heating and cooling problems may be more time and cost-effective. Our team is factory-trained on Coleman and Mitsubishi systems, and we’re ready to handle any HVAC repair challenge you throw our way. Count on us to source furnace and AC replacement parts and handle everything from installation to clean up.

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Written By: HVAC Comfort Team