Sudden heat pump breakdowns can be especially distressing in the wintertime. The difficulty and inconvenience they bring in their wake may tempt you to try and repair the system on your own. Here are three important reasons why homeowners in Asheville, NC, should not try to fix their heat pumps.
1. Electrocution
Heat pumps are electrically powered. That being the case, it’s likely that any significant repair job will involve working with, connecting, disconnecting, or reconnecting at least some electrical wires. If you try to do this on your own without the proper knowledge, you’ll put yourself at significant risk of electrocution.
2. Refrigerant Leaks
Heat pumps use refrigerant to perform heat transfer. If you disassemble or attempt to fix most heat pump parts on your own, you’ll run the risk of triggering a refrigerant leak. This becomes overwhelmingly likely when the specific repair that you attempt is to refill your heat pump’s refrigerant supply.
Refrigerant is toxic. If you ingest it in any way, you’ll put yourself in significant danger. If your heat pump has any sort of refrigerant-related problems, just call a professional service tech.
3. Voiding the Manufacturer’s Warranty
Like other HVAC systems, heat pumps come with special warranties that you might take advantage of if any trouble occurs. Some warranties may cover the cost of parts and labor for repairs, while others may also cover reinstallations.
However, these manufacturer warranties come with conditions attached that require responsible practices. You may have to submit proof of annual maintenance to keep your warranty valid. Attempting DIY heat pump repairs will almost certainly void it.
No matter what’s wrong with your heat pump, you shouldn’t try to fix it on your own. Instead, just call us at Gentry Service Group for the finest heat pump and other heating and cooling services in the area.
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