DIY Furnace Repairs: When It’s Safe to DIY and When to Call a Professional

The very necessity of functioning well befits a furnace to maintain the warmth in your home during the cold months. Most of the time, a slight maintenance touch can prevent most problems, and that is not to say that furnace-related issues have not been cropping up. To some extent, you can do some minor repairs yourself and save time and money, but most should be left to the professionals who know how to avoid safety hazards and major damages. It saves costs and makes your furnace function smoothly and safely. 

How Your Furnace Works

If you have a simple understanding of the parts of your furnace, it will certainly help you attempt to do some repairs on it. The thermostat signals the furnace to kick in when the temperature of the house falls below the required setting. The burners ignite the fuel to produce heat, which is transferred to the air pushed in by the blower motor through ducts and vents into your home by the heat exchanger. The air filter prevents dirt and tiny particles from entering the system so that it runs smoothly. In general, good maintenance practices such as cleaning filters and checking for airflow blockages go along way in preventing many common furnace problems.

Safe DIY Furnace Repairs

Some minor furnace repairs can be carried out by homeowners without the need for an expert. Air filter replacement is one of these simple maintenance tasks. An air filter that is clogged obstructs airflow which then forces the furnace to work harder and become inefficient. It works miracles for your system’s efficiency and life when you check and change it in the one to three-month range. 

In case your furnace shuts down unexpectedly, resetting it could prove effective. Many furnaces have a reset button for restarting the system. If the furnace shuts down after pressing the reset button again and again, there lies a completely different problem and a service call would be more or less in order. 

Another common fix is cleaning the vents and ducts. Blocked vents restrict airflow, causing your home to heat unevenly. Vacuuming out the vents and clearing blocked pathways will help the warmth distribute more evenly. 

Another thing that can cause a furnace to fail is the thermostat. If the thermostat is unresponsive, reseting can include checking settings and replacing batteries. Also, ensure smart thermostats are connected to the Internet and have the latest updates. This alone can save you from connectivity issues.

When to Call a Professional

Though some furnace problems may be addressed with simple troubleshooting, other issues pose a risk to your safety if not fixed properly and thus would require expert intervention. If you ever smell gas near the furnace, it indicates a dangerous gas leak. Immediately vacate the house and call the gas company or licensed HVAC technician https://superiorhvacservice.ca/sarnia/. Never attempt to fix a leak by yourself.

Another case involving electrical systems could put DIY repairs in jeopardy. If your furnace does not turn on or you experience flickering lights when the system is running, an electrical problem needs to be professionally diagnosed. In case of any major injury or fire hazards, never work on electrical components without proper acquaintance.

Uncommon noises or smells coming from the unit signal big, costly problems. The banging, grinding, or squealing you sometimes hear may reflect some internal mechanical failures, such as a loose belt or a failing blower motor. Burning and musty odors can point towards possible wiring issues or mold growth. Such problems will require proper diagnosis and repairs from a technician.

Frequent cycling is when the furnace runs longer and shuts down too early. In such cases, thermostat malfunction, dirty filters, or more serious issues with the system may be involved. If you have checked the filter and the thermostat already and the problem persists, the next step is to call a professional.

Cracked heat exchangers are one of the most serious faults that can develop in a furnace. The heat exchanger’s job is to separate combustion gases from the air that is circulated into your home. If cracked, carbon monoxide can enter your home, and that is a serious health risk. So if you ever feel or suspect any heat exchanger problems, turn off the furnace right away and call an HVAC technician.

Safety Tips for Homeowners

Whenever you attempt any DIY furnace repairs, your first priority should be your safety. The power and gas supply must be switched off before you embark on any works on your furnace. Proper tools and protective gear should be employed, and repairs should strictly be limited to what is within your level of expertise. Installing a carbon monoxide detector is an extra safety precaution that will alert you to possible gas leaks. If at any time you are uncertain about a relief, call in an expert. In every case, it is worth doing to avoid any chance of your furnace getting damaged, or any chance of your family being put in danger.

Final Thoughts

Knowing when to attempt furnace repairs yourself and when to call in the pros can save you untold time, money, and stress. Usually, simple, easy-to-do maintenance procedures like changing the filters, resetting the furnace, and checking the thermostat do not require professional assistance. Gas leak, electric issues, irregular cycling, strange noises, and cracked heat exchangers are areas calling for professional intervention for safety and correct functioning. Staying in the know and practicing safety is the way to ensure that, throughout the winter months, your furnace remains highly functional in heating your house. If there are substantial issues with your furnace, an inspection by a qualified HVAC technician should be scheduled.