What Could Go Wrong In A DIY HVAC Install?
Think installing a new heating or cooling system is an easy weekend project? Think again. There's a reason most people leave these types of projects to professionals. Here's a list of all of the things that could go wrong if you try to do it yourself.
Building Code Violations
Building codes vary by state and even city or county. In addition, you may have a homeowners' or condo association that adds rules on top of your local laws.
Depending on where you are, you may need to request a permit for any type of HVAC work. This gives the local government a chance to review your plans to make sure they're up to code and to possibly schedule a safety inspection.
Even if you don't need a permit, you might need to meet codes such as minimum vent size, noise restrictions on outdoor units, placement of window units, or other restrictions. A trained professional in your area will be familiar with all of these requirements, while if you do it yourself, you may risk being fined for something you weren't aware of.
Wrong-Sizing Your Unit
When you install an air conditioner, it's important to get its sized just right. An undersized unit won't cool enough, but an over-sized unit will leave your home humid and cause uneven temperatures because it won't stay on long enough to push air throughout your home.
Most air conditioners have a recommended number of square feet on the box, but a trained HVAC professional will know how to adjust this for things like your sun exposure and how well your home is insulated.
Overloading Your Wiring
You know from your electric bill how much electricity an air conditioner uses. But did you know that it's outright dangerous to put most air conditioning units on a standard electrical outlet?
Just like all of your other appliances have their own special circuit, your air conditioner needs one too. Even if you use a small window, portable, or ductless air conditioning unit, you probably don't want to use a standard outlet. You'll likely find that turning on your TV, toaster, or other small appliance while your air conditioner is running will trip your circuit breaker. This isn't just an inconvenience but could be a fire hazard as well.
Further, if you already have an air conditioner in place, your wiring may still need an upgrade if your new air conditioner is more powerful or if your wiring is just old. Before you do anything, ask a trained electrician how to keep your home safe.