Homeowners may be capable of performing basic furnace maintenance themselves, such as switching on their pilot light and changing air filters. But for more complex heating repairs, such as replacing the blower motor belt or inspecting for signs of wear and tear on the drive system, seek professional help.
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Consider the safety issues
Furnace repairs can be complex and dangerous. Inexperienced DIY repair attempts could cause more damage, more expensive repairs, or compromise the health of you and your family.
Certain furnace repairs require professional expertise or tools that only experts have access to; attempts may result in carbon monoxide poisoning or fire hazards if certain parts fail during repair attempts.
Certain DIY furnace maintenance practices are easy and quick to do at home, such as changing the air filter regularly, inspecting or testing electrical connections regularly, and cleaning carbon monoxide detectors.
By performing these tasks, you can help maximize the lifespan and performance of your furnace while prolonging its lifespan.
Keep the area surrounding your furnace tidy to protect its efficiency, particularly in dust-prone spots. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to a regular vacuum over its surfaces, ducts, and pipes. Furthermore, carbon monoxide detectors must be tested twice annually to detect potentially hazardous levels of carbon monoxide gas in your home.
Homeowners sometimes attempt DIY furnace repair using YouTube or other online resources; however, these videos can often be misleading and leave out important information.
If your furnace exhibits signs of electrical trouble, such as frequent circuit breaker trips or an ineffective blower fan, seek professional assistance immediately.
Think about cost
Furnace repairs and replacement parts can be quite expensive, especially if attempted DIY style. DIY heating repairs could potentially void your warranty; professional heating technicians will help ensure it remains valid when providing maintenance service.
If your furnace keeps cycling on and off frequently, this could indicate the burner or gas valve requires repair – usually costing $200 to $500 depending on wear-and-tear or lack of regular maintenance. Or it could simply be caused by an imperfect flame sensor or circuit board.
Another common DIY repair involves replacing the blower motor. This can range from $135 to $325 depending on your furnace’s make and model and usually involves following all safety protocols when working with electrical components.
If your furnace keeps cycling on and off frequently, a new flame sensor could be in order. As its temperature fluctuates, its signal to the gas valve (GV) decreases. To address this issue, unplug and clean your flame sensor using an emery cloth; replacement costs should cost between ten to $20.
Some DIY repair projects should never be attempted, including any electrical or severe plumbing problems that require professional help to address.
Doing it yourself could prove hazardous. To avoid costly repair bills this winter and save yourself some money over time, consider signing up for a home maintenance plan with professional technicians conducting regular HVAC inspections and maintenance to prevent costly repairs from arising in future years.
Warranty issues
As much as we admire homeowners’ DIY spirit, furnace repair should always be left to trained professionals. Furnaces are complex systems involving high temperatures, electricity, gas lines, ductwork, and sheet metal work – as well as special tools such as welding. A single mistake could cause major damage and incur costly repairs.
Warranty coverage may be voided if you tamper with equipment yourself instead of having an authorized professional do it for you.
Doing repairs yourself could cost more money in the end rather than saving.
For instance, trying to solve problems that cause the unit to overheat and shut off could cause permanent damage to heat exchangers or blower motors if attempted correctly, while hiring an expert repair service would allow them to identify what caused it and devise the best strategy for fixing it.
Many furnace issues are minor, such as having your thermostat incorrectly set when it should be set on “Continuous Fan” or caused by a fuse that has tripped or been broken in their home breaker panel.
Homeowners should inspect their furnace switch to make sure it’s on (rather than “Off”) before taking further steps like checking their flame sensor is clean before replacing or cleaning it according to your furnace service manual’s directions.
Time
Professional HVAC technicians are adept at handling these complex pieces of equipment safely. They know exactly how to manage the wiring and components effectively and safely.
While DIY projects may feel rewarding, they can cost you money and time. Instead of staring at your furnace for hours on a complex repair, get a professional to fix it quickly for you.
