Do you feel like your air conditioner isn't working as well as it should? You may be tempted to try and fix the issue yourself, but there are some air conditioning repair tasks that are best left to the professionals.

Knowing which parts of your air conditioner you shouldn't take apart can save you from a costly AC repair bill down the line. This post highlights just a few of these sensitive components and why an experienced technician should handle them.

Refrigerant Line

The refrigerant line is a critical component of the air conditioning system and requires specialized knowledge to deal with properly. It is basically a special pipe that carries refrigerant between the air conditioner's compressor and its evaporator. If it leaks, it can cause irreversible damage to your air conditioner.

If you were to open this line, it could cause air to mix with the refrigerant and create air pockets that reduce the air conditioner's efficiency. You also risk damaging the air conditioner's compressor if air gets in the line. You might even accidentally release dangerous gases into your home, especially since freon—a chemical compound used in air conditioning refrigerant—is toxic.

Compressor

The compressor is responsible for compressing refrigerant gas and supplying it to other air conditioning components. It looks like a metal can with a large motor attached to it, and you definitely don't want to open it yourself.

The air conditioner uses a special oil to lubricate the compressor, and if air gets into this system, it can damage the internal components. You should also be wary of the wiring and electrical components inside, as they can easily malfunction if not handled by an experienced air conditioning technician.

Keep in mind that compressors can be expensive to replace, so it's better not to take a chance at doing the repair yourself.

Expansion Valve

The expansion valve regulates the flow of refrigerant in the air conditioner and can be difficult to work with. It works in tandem with the air conditioner's evaporator to cool the air, and its internal components can be easily damaged if it's opened.

The valve resembles a small metal canister and is generally inside the air conditioner's evaporator. You need to first remove the evaporator to get to it. But this is also a difficult task that requires specialized knowledge. The wrong move can create a cascade of issues that aren't immediately visible, so it's better to leave this repair to a professional AC technician.

In conclusion, these are the main air conditioning components that should never be taken apart by an inexperienced homeowner. If these parts appear to need repair or replacement, it is best to contact a technician who can safely handle the job. A qualified AC repair specialist can help fix issues with these components to help you avoid costly repairs in the future.  

For more info about AC repair, contact a local professional.