Is DIY Heat Pump Repair a Good Approach in Bozeman, MT?

Your heat pump has shut down on you, so you call a pro to inquire about repairs. After hearing what it’ll cost, you decide to roll up your sleeves and attempt do-it-yourself heat pump repair. You’re sure you can handle it; you’ve watched a few YouTube videos, after all.

Some things, though, really are best left to the professionals, and that includes heat pump repair. Learn why you’re better off calling a heat pump repair professional in Bozeman, MT.

Why Do-It-Yourself Heat Pump Repair Is a Bad Idea

Long story short, DIY heat pump repair is a mistake that you’ll more than likely regret. Here’s why.

A High Risk of Shocking Mistakes

Do you know how to handle electricity without seriously injuring yourself? If you’re reading this, we’re going to bet not.

Heat pumps are sophisticated systems that include plenty of high-powered electrical components. Touch the wrong part or disconnect something improperly, and you could fry not only the heat pump but also yourself. Electric shocks can cause nasty burns, breathing problems, cardiac issues, and death.

There’s also the matter of handling your heat pump’s refrigerant. “Refrigerant” sounds benign, however, it’s anything but. It can contain chemicals such as chlorine, bromine, and fluorine that can be dangerous if touched or inhaled. Technicians must be licensed to handle it, which pretty clearly illustrates the dangers you’re facing if you choose DIY heat pump repair.

You Could Make the Problem Worse

One of the main reasons why homeowners in Bozeman opt for do-it-yourself heat pump repair is the potential cost savings. They balk at the potential $500+ repair bill and think, “Why pay a professional when I could do the same thing for a fraction of the cost?”

Once you start working on your heat pump, though, you’ll quickly realize that hiring a pro would have been worth every penny. Heat pumps are complicated, and not even the best video tutorials will prepare you for what you’ll find inside your system.

It’s far too easy to make a mistake, like taking the unit apart and putting pieces back where they don’t belong or connecting wires in a way that short-circuits the entire unit. Should that happen, you’ll end up calling an expert anyway, and the cost of repairs to fix your mistakes will be even higher.

You May Void Your Warranty

You probably haven’t read the fine print of your heat pump’s warranty, but it probably says something like, “All repairs must be made by an authorized technician.” You, most likely, are not an “authorized technician.”

That means if you go ahead with your DIY repair adventure, and something goes wrong (it probably will), the manufacturer most likely won’t cover repairs under the warranty. If you had called the pros in the first place, you may have only been on the hook for labor costs. Now you’re stuck paying for everything else, too.

It’s Time-Consuming

That YouTube video claimed you could fix your heat pump in under an hour. You eagerly got to work in the morning, but then one hour turned into five, and now the sun’s starting to set. Before you know it, your whole Saturday is gone, and you might still be struggling with repairs tomorrow, too.

You don’t really want to give up your weekend for heat pump repairs, do you? Better to call the experts and take it easy instead.

Heat Pump Troubleshooting That You Can DIY and When To Call the Pros in Bozeman

Now, all that said, there are a few simple do-it-yourself heat pump repair tasks you can do without worry. One of these is an air filter replacement. Replacing the air filter doesn’t involve taking apart the unit, so it’s an easy fix for DIYers. Thermostat calibration is fairly stress-free as well.

If you suspect a major problem, like a refrigerant leak, fan motor issue, or compressor failure, stop what you’re doing and hire a good HVAC technician.

Signs it’s time to call us include:

• Your heat pump will not heat or cool your home.
• The heat pump runs constantly.
• Your heat pump makes scary screeching or rattling sounds.
• You notice burning, rotting, or chemical smells around the unit.

Don’t Risk Do-It-Yourself Heat Pump Repair, Call Our Experts in Bozeman!

Whether you need a simple condenser coil cleaning or your heat pump is leaking refrigerant, our pros at Premier Systems are here to help. We also offer heat pump installation if your old unit is past its prime. Give us a call to book heat pump repair services today.