When deciding whether to tackle a project yourself or hire a professional, it’s essential to consider various factors beyond just the initial equipment cost. We discuss this topic in great detail in our DIY or Pro Install Series on Youtube and podcasts, which helped to inform this checklist.
his comprehensive checklist provides a detailed comparison to help you weigh the pros and cons of DIY versus professional installation, ensuring you make an informed decision that aligns with your priorities.
Whatever you decide, we wish you all the best!
Cost and Financial Considerations
1. Equipment Cost vs. Total Cost:
DIY: Buying equipment online appears to be cheaper upfront.
Pro: Factor in additional costs for specialized tools, supplies, time and financial risk.
2. Time Investment (Your Labor Value):
DIY: Several days of work and research add up to real learning experience in terms of your own effort.
Pro: Professionals offer faster and more efficient installation, saving your personal time.
3. Rebates and Incentives:
DIY: The rebate process has a significant learning curve, requiring research, paperwork, meeting deadlines, follow-ups and long wait periods.
Pro: Professionals typically handle the entire rebate process, maximizing your eligible savings with minimal effort on your part.
Risks and Environmental Impact
4. Risk Factor:
DIY: If something goes wrong, you might end up calling a pro anyway, negating initial savings and potentially incurring more costs.
Pro: All installation risks are typically absorbed by the company, including insurance for any issues.
5. Environmental Aspect (Refrigerant Handling):
DIY: Potential for accidental refrigerant release is significant, which is harmful to the environment, like your entire annual auto emissions released.
Pro: Professionals are trained in environmentally responsible refrigerant handling.
Quality and Performance
6. Quality of Final Installation:
DIY: The system may work, but it might not look or perform as well as a professionally installed job.
Pro: A professional job ensures a polished look and optimal performance, leading to greater efficiency.
7. Long-Term Efficiency:
DIY: A DIY install might be less energy-efficient over the long haul.
Pro: Professional installations are often more efficient, leading to long-term energy savings that can offset the initial cost.
Support, Warranty, and Compliance
8. Brand and Warranty Support:
DIY: Some contractors may not service a budget brand you installed yourself, leaving you without support if something fails.
Pro: Professional installations often come with comprehensive brand and warranty support.
9. Permits and Code Compliance:
DIY: Homeowners may not be aware of local building codes or permit requirements.
Pro: Professionals handle all necessary permits and ensure compliance with building codes.
10. Warranty and Insurance Coverage:
DIY: Limited to equipment warranty, without coverage for installation errors.
Pro: Professional work is typically insured and guaranteed, offering additional peace of mind.
11. Support Network:
DIY: You are solely responsible for troubleshooting and repairs.
Pro: A support network is available for future issues, troubleshooting, and repairs.
Expertise and Safety
12. Personal Experience and Learning Curve:
DIY: You will learn a lot, but this often highlights the value of pro-level work.
Pro: Benefits from the experience of professionals who have completed numerous installations.
13. Learning Curve for Specialized Tools:
DIY: Each specialized HVAC tool has a learning curve that adds time and complexity.
Pro: Professionals possess an arsenal of specialized tools and the expertise to use them efficiently.
14. Safety Aspect:
DIY: Dealing with electrical work, refrigerant, and possible structural changes involves significant safety considerations.
Pro: Professionals are trained to handle electrical and refrigerant safety issues.
Long-Term Value and Peace of Mind
15. Home Resale Value:
DIY: May negatively affect the resale value of your home if not installed professionally.
Pro: A professionally installed HVAC system can add value to your home.
16. The Headache Factor:
DIY: The stress and frustration of troubleshooting can be considerable without experience.
Pro: Minimizes stress and frustration, allowing you to avoid potential headaches.
17. Peace of Mind:
DIY: Uncertainty about long-term reliability and potential future issues.
Pro: Knowing the job is done right provides significant peace of mind and reduces unexpected issues.
Summary: Making Your Decision
Ultimately, the choice between DIY and professional installation hinges on your priorities. DIY offers a sense of accomplishment and potential upfront savings, but it comes with significant risks, a steep learning curve, and potential long-term issues.
Professional installation, while a larger initial investment, provides expertise, efficiency, safety, comprehensive support, and lasting peace of mind. Consider this checklist carefully to align your decision with your specific needs and desired outcomes.
But most of all, keep going!
