Reasons To Avoid DIY Furnace Repairs

It's normal to try and save on household repairs by using DIY tutorials to fix problems. While this is a great effort for minor issues, you shouldn't attempt fixing appliances that require professional expertise. A furnace is one of the appliances you shouldn't try repairing on your own. From voiding your warranty to aggravating minor problems, the risks of DIY furnace repairs aren't worth taking.

You'll Void the Manufacturer's Warranty

If your furnace comes with a warranty, you stand to receive compensation for manufacturer defects. Manufacturers only uphold warranties if repairs are conducted by a licensed professional. However, if you attempt to repair your furnace with DIY methods, you could cause more damage. As a result, your warranty will be voided. This means you will pay for the damage.

You Risk Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless; therefore, detecting the presence of carbon monoxide is difficult. Carbon monoxide gas can cause breathing difficulties, dizziness, and other effects that are harmful to your health. One consequence of DIY furnace repair is that you may damage the furnace's heat exchangers. This will cause a gas leak and result in carbon monoxide poisoning.

You Could Cause a Fire Outbreak

If you have a gas-powered furnace, then it operates through a gas line and heat exchangers. The heat exchangers contain potent gases. If the heat exchanger or gas line is damaged, there is a high risk of a fire hazard. The situation could be perilous if you don't know how to turn off the main gas supply line.

Similarly, if you have an electrical-powered furnace, damage to the electrical wiring or components can cause a fire to break out. Even if there is no immediate fire outbreak, damage to electrical components will result in smoldering, and a fire hazard could erupt later.

You Could Aggravate the Damage

In many cases, attempting to repair a furnace on your own makes the problem worse. Trial and error methods or DIY troubleshooting can damage other furnace components that are functioning properly. For example, if you have a problem with the furnace's motor bearings, it could result from wear and tear. 

As a result, there is increased friction between the blower fan and the motor. The fix to this problem is lubricating the motor bearings. However, if lubrication is done incorrectly, you risk increasing the friction, which will cause motor failure, a damaged blower fan, and other costly repairs. 

In Closing

When repairing expensive household appliances like your HVAC or furnace, you should err on the side of caution. Even when a problem seems minor, you should consult a professional to avoid incidences, accidents, and expensive damages.

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