A common question we get from homeowners is, “Can’t I just do repairs on my furnace myself? It’ll cost me less, right?”
No, and no. But don’t worry, we’ll give you a bit more of an explanation than simply that! Attempting furnace repairs on your own can lead not only to injury but also operational problems for the heating system. On top of that, it can end up costing you more than just calling a pro would have in the first place, since you’ll probably have to call us when your repair doesn’t last or something happens to the system because it wasn’t properly cared for.
What You Can Do
Of course, we don’t want to just focus on what you can’t do … that’s frustrating to hear, right? Sometimes you can help your furnace out as the repair issue may not be a repair issue at all but rather a small tweak that needs to be made.
For instance, are you feeling low airflow coming from the vents, or even low heat? Restricted airflow may be to blame, and you can likely solve it by changing the air filter. Your furnace’s air filter is in place to protect the system from dirt, dust, and other debris getting inside. But when it gets too clogged up, it can certainly cause problems.
Another possibility is that the thermostat was accidentally set to “on” instead of “auto,” which means the fan will continuously run even if the heater isn’t heating. Be sure to check your thermostat settings before getting too worried about furnace repair needs.
But let’s say you’ve checked these things and it’s clear the furnace itself is the problem. Anything that requires opening the furnace cabinet and/or using tools must be left to the pros.
Why You Should Trust the Pros!
The biggest reason we discourage DIY furnace repairs is that they could potentially be dangerous. This is particularly true when talking about gas-powered systems, which are the most common type found in homes throughout our area. In most jurisdictions, it’s against the law for someone without proper licensing to attempt to repair an appliance connected to a main gas line. A poorly done repair job can mean toxic gases entering your home and potentially your neighbor’s homes.
Electric furnaces aren’t an exception when it comes to potential hazards. Tampering with heating elements or other electric components in a furnace can result in electrocution and potentially even electrical fires.
There are also less hazardous reasons you should leave furnace repairs to the professionals. Take, for instance, a furnace that’s struggling without apparent cause. You can open up the system and fix something, but the something you’re fixing may only be a symptom of a bigger problem. When you trust one of our professionals for the job, they can get to the exact root of the issue and properly diagnose it. From there, they can make adequate repairs that will keep your furnace safe and functional.
For quality furnace repairs in Norman, OK, contact our team. At Comfort Incorporated, we keep your family safe, healthy and comfortable—call today, service today!
