Homeowners have become more handy, educated, and self-sufficient over the past few decades. There’s practically no limit to the DIY videos and how-to guides you can find. But when it comes to heating repair, there’s little margin for error. You should never try to fix a furnace or heat pump yourself. Only a professional has the training and equipment to do so safely and effectively.

Here are 5 reasons not to try repairing heating appliances yourself:

1. It Can Be Very Dangerous

If you’ve never worked with heating elements, gas connections, or wiring, you could put you and your family in danger of:

• Carbon Monoxide Exposure: Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas released during fuel combustion or if a gas fitting or heat exchanger is damaged. Exposure can cause illness or death.
• Fire: Furnaces produce a lot of heat, use flammable fuel, and can develop wiring problems in which a single spark can ignite a fire. Don’t try to find or fix the problem if you smell natural gas. Get away and call for help.
• Electrocution: There are many electrical components in a furnace. While professionals know how to avoid the danger, and are equipped to handle electrical parts safely, most homeowners are unaware and unequipped to do so.

2. You Might Inadvertently Damage the Unit

Furnaces are complex systems. Unless you have a deep understanding of their inner workings, it’s hard to know what needs to be fixed. Using the wrong tool can cause more damage. You might also misinterpret the signs and work on a part that doesn’t need to be repaired. The outcome is likely to be worse and the added, albeit unintended damage can be even more expensive to repair than the initial problem.

3. Service by a Non-Professional Can Void the Warranty

HVAC warranties often stipulate that repairs must be done by a certified professional. When you need repairs, you won’t be charged for service if you meet the terms of the warranty. Simply opening the furnace on your own may void the manufacturer’s warranty, and the HVAC company will no longer honor the coverage you purchased. Plus, you’ll have to pay the full cost of repairs, labor, and potentially replacement.

4. It Might Not Be Effective

There’s a very low probability of DIY heater repair being successful. Without experience, you can’t know the work you do will remedy the problem. And you risk causing long-term issues that lead to ineffective/inefficient heating, a breakdown, or reduced operating life. At the very least, your home may continue losing heat, putting your pipes at risk of freezing and making your family uncomfortable.

5. A Technician Can Do It Faster

Why waste time if the odds of fixing the problem yourself are so low? With years of training and experience in heating repair, an HVAC has the right tools and equipment to diagnose and correct the problem fast. No matter what’s wrong with your furnace, they’ve seen it before. Established procedures mean they can ensure your heating system works flawlessly for several more years, then move on to the next job and do it again.

Contact Sky for Heating Repair in Portland

Our skilled heating technicians are available 24/7 to deal with unusual noises, odors, frequent cycling, poor airflow, rising energy costs, and a lack of heat. Using the latest diagnostic and repair tools, we can fix almost any problem, big or small. Our trucks are stocked with all the parts and equipment needed to complete repairs in one visit. Your system will also be fully inspected, and we’ll advise on whether to repair or replace it. Call (888) 927-3943 to schedule service and benefit from long-term solutions.