When your furnace breaks down, thoughts of saving money cloud your judgment. Is it better to choose a professional technician or attempt to fix it yourself? Be careful when selecting the fix-it-yourself road. DIY methods are costly and risky, with no guarantee of solving the problem. You will also break the law and void your warranties and insurance.
Health, Home, and Personal Injury Risk
A gas furnace contains gases that could jeopardize your health when inhaled. Gas furnaces can also explode when you tamper with the wrong parts.
An electric furnace may have loose wires that could cause personal injury when touched or mishandled. That could lead to burns, shock, nerve damage, and injury to yourself and other family members. The home could also face fire damage, depending on the severity of the situation.
Specific things that can happen when you choose to attempt a DIY fix over hiring a professional technician are:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Natural gas or propane poisoning
- Electrocution or electrical shock
- Burns
- Explosions
- Fires
- Lacerations and cuts
Lack of Equipment
After reading one book or watching a few videos on home HVAC repair, it’s easy to get overconfident. However, an inexperienced person does not have the tools or parts to repair the furnace correctly. A furnace contains specialty parts. Using the correct tools is necessary to avoid accidents. DIY users waste money buying replacement parts and tools without the knowledge to use them. A knowledgeable technician has the correct parts and tools precisely for your unit, and they have the years of experience needed to get the job done right.
Voided Warranties and Insurance
Many manufacturers’ warranties explicitly state that any DIY fix voids the agreement. They may ask for proof that a professional repaired the furnace and contact them for verification before they address your claim. No warranty will cover DIY repairs or DIY installation; all repairs and installations that are necessary as a result of a DIY HVAC fix are your responsibility. DIY also nullifies furnace coverage on homeowner’s insurance and home warranties, so it’s truly best to leave installation and repairs to the professionals at Of Course! Heating and Cooling.
City, State, and Federal Code Violations
Furnaces attached to the house with or without duct vents must pass city and state building codes. A DIY fix will not typically pass inspection. A permit for furnace installation is mandatory before you can begin, or any repairs or installations will be illegal. The installation must also pass a building code inspection, which it won’t if you don’t have a permit. A professional technician is the only person who can get the correct permits and repair or install a furnace to satisfy building codes.
One part that is illegal to fix is the refrigerant. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deems licensed technicians the only professionals who can handle refrigerants because these materials pose environmental and health risks. Improper repair or installation through DIY methods is extremely hazardous.
A Misdiagnosis
Even if you didn’t hurt yourself or cause damage to your furnace or home by choosing the DIY route, there’s a chance that you misdiagnosed the problem. You may think that you fixed the problem only to notice the same issue popping back up. It takes longer to repair because you are guessing where the problem is and continuing to get it wrong. However, a professional has the technology and knowledge to find and fix the root problem.
Why Calling Us Is Better Than DIY Repair
Reading web articles and watching social media videos does not equate to years of expertise. At Of Course! Heating and Cooling, our furnace technicians have the knowledge, technology, and experience to install and repair all furnace types. We will solve your dilemma and test the furnace until it runs smoothly, avoiding a misdiagnosis. Our handiwork will not jeopardize you, your family, or your home. We will preserve your warranties, meet building code standards, and get permits.
Our service doesn’t stop at furnace repair and installation. We offer heating maintenance and AC installation, repair, and maintenance. We also know our way around heat pumps and mini-splits. Keep us in mind for indoor air quality services, our maintenance program, our financing plan, and promotional offers. Contact Of Course! Heating and Cooling for more information on our services in the Calimesa, CA area.
Today!
