Is It Safe to Attempt a DIY Furnace Repair?

Attempting a DIY furnace repair should be avoided at all costs. If your furnace breaks down in the middle of winter, this is surely an emergency. However, trying to fix the unit without the proper experience or tools will do more harm than good. 

There are many reasons it’s dangerous to tinker with your furnace. Here’s why your safest bet is to contact a furnace repair professional:

• Potential Gas Leak
• Shock or Electrocution
• You Could Worsen the Problem
• You May Void the Warranty
• You Can Lose Home Insurance Coverage
• Furnace Repair Requires Special Tools

• Potential Gas Leak: A furnace malfunction may be caused by a gas leak (if you have a gas-powered system). Natural gas is highly flammable, so you risk triggering a fire or explosion. If there’s a combustion problem, carbon monoxide (CO) gas can leak. Although odorless and colorless, CO can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, shortness of breath, chest pain, seizures, and death.
• Shock or Electrocution: Working around any electrical component or connection can expose you to high voltages. Faulty wiring is also a hazard. An electrical mishap can cause more damage to the furnace, a fire, or a strong electrical shock. If the shock is strong enough, you could be electrocuted.
• You Could Worsen the Problem: You may be confident a furnace repair may be simple but unknowingly make the problem worse. The reason may be you missed the underlying issue, didn’t make tight enough a connection, or made an error that caused more damage to the unit. Repairing your furnace can end up being more expensive. At the very least, it’ll probably run less efficiently, causing your energy bill to increase.
• You May Void the Warranty: Furnace manufacturers often include strict terms in their warranties. You can void the warranty if you attempt repairs without the proper knowledge or training. It usually explicitly states a licensed professional must perform repairs. If anything goes wrong, you’ll have to cover all the repair costs yourself. 
• You Can Lose Home Insurance Coverage: The repercussions of attempting to fix a furnace yourself aren’t limited to your warranty. Many home insurance policies cover furnaces, but they don’t cover DIY mishaps. While common causes of furnace damage may be covered, your mistakes won’t be; the insurer won’t pay for future repairs and may terminate your policy.
• Furnace Repair Requires Special Tools: An HVAC contractor has a toolkit full of supplies that include specialized pliers, wrenches, and screwdrivers, as well as gauges, multimeters, and infrared thermometers. Learning to properly use these tools requires extensive training. Plus, they are costly, so it’s unwise to invest in tools you’ll hardly ever use and that could cause more damage due to misuse.

• Can I Do Anything While Waiting for a Furnace Repair?
• What Furnace Repairs Are the Most Common?
• How Do I Get Warm When the Furnace Doesn’t Work?
• Should I Relight the Pilot Light If It Goes Out?

Can I Do Anything While Waiting for a Furnace Repair?

You can check for a clogged filter to replace, a circuit breaker to reset, or a thermostat that may not be set to heating mode. A professional must address any other issue. Many homeowners feel helpless while waiting for a heating contractor. If you’re looking to make things easier for your furnace, check for any drafts around windows and doors. You can seal them with caulk or weatherstripping so your furnace will be more efficient once it’s repaired. 

What Furnace Repairs Are the Most Common?

Common repairs include addressing old filters, faulty starting mechanisms, damaged blower components, failed limit switches, and malfunctioning heat exchangers. Thermostat repair is also common with heating systems. HVAC contractors also often deal with odors, gas leaks, and strange noises. They’re equipped to handle mechanical and electrical issues with your heating unit.

How Do I Get Warm When the Furnace Doesn’t Work?

Some homeowners attempt DIY furnace repair out of desperation. However, there are other ways to keep your home warm. You can turn on the fireplace if you have one or run a portable space heater. Heating pads can also be effective. Or, you can layer your clothing or use more blankets. When the heat goes out, the situation is just temporary; a professional will get your furnace working again.

Should I Relight the Pilot Light If It Goes Out?

If you have an older furnace with a pilot light, you can relight it once or twice. Don’t keep relighting the flame if it won’t stay lit or turns yellow. There may be an ignition or combustion malfunction, and you could be at risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Call for help.

Call Sky Heating & Air Conditioning for Furnace Repair

Our licensed and experienced technicians can fix a furnace that’s short-cycling, making strange noises, releasing foul odors, or not warming up your home. They can also address the causes of poor airflow, rising energy costs, and decreased indoor air quality. Available for 24/7 emergency furnace repair, they get your heating system working again on the first visit. Call (503) 647-4330 to request immediate help.