Decision-Making Charts
DIY vs Professional Decision Matrix
| Repair Factor | DIY Appropriate | Professional Required | Consider Both | |---------------|----------------|---------------------|---------------| | Electrical voltage | <50V control circuits | >120V power circuits | 120V with experience | | Gas involvement | External connections only | Internal gas components | Gas appliance cleaning | | Tool requirements | Common hand tools | Specialized equipment | Rental tool availability | | Skill complexity | Basic mechanical | Advanced diagnosis | Intermediate with support | | Safety risks | Minimal with precautions | High voltage/gas/refrigerant | Manageable with proper equipment | | Time required | <4 hours | >8 hours | 4-8 hours with flexibility | | Warranty status | Out of warranty | Under warranty | Check warranty terms | | Parts cost | <$100 | >$300 | $100-300 consider complexity |
Cost-Benefit Decision Framework
| Cost Factor | DIY Advantage | Professional Advantage | Break-Even Point | |-------------|---------------|----------------------|------------------| | Parts cost | Wholesale/retail pricing | Markup 25-50% | High-cost parts favor DIY | | Labor cost | Time investment only | $50-150/hour | Complex repairs favor professional | | Tool cost | Reusable investment | Included in service | Frequent use justifies purchase | | Diagnostic cost | Time investment | $75-120 fee | Simple problems favor DIY | | Warranty value | None provided | 30-90 days typical | High-value repairs favor professional | | Failure risk | Personal responsibility | Professional liability | High-risk repairs favor professional |
Safety Risk Categories
| Risk Level | Hazard Types | DIY Suitability | Required Precautions | |------------|-------------|-----------------|---------------------| | Low | Mechanical, low voltage | Generally appropriate | Basic safety equipment | | Moderate | 120V electrical, minor gas | With proper knowledge | Enhanced safety equipment | | High | 240V electrical, internal gas | Experienced DIYers only | Professional-grade safety | | Extreme | Refrigerant, structural | Professional required | Not suitable for DIY |