The Dangers of Furnace Repair
All right, you’re a handy guy. You changed your oil, fixed your garbage disposal, and even built that awesome bird house out back. Why shouldn’t you fix the furnace too?
It’s easy to see how Do-It-Yourself furnace repair can be very tempting, but the furnace is very different from the normal repairs you find in a house or car. An error in furnace repair or not properly spotting something could result in serious injury or even death. Unfortunately, you may not even notice there is a problem until it’s too late.
The importance of Experience and proper Tools
The best piece of advice I can give is if you don’t have the necessary experience and tools to properly fix your furnace, or if you are not absolutely sure of what you are doing, please don’t do it! The problem is that many people imagine that they can simply read a furnace repair article online or in a book and that that will be enough to fix any problems. That is untrue. HVAC repair experts actually go through training and schooling in order to master the skills necessary to properly repair furnaces and air conditioners.
The Danger of Injury or Death
The biggest risk of injury or death is from carbon monoxide poisoning. This risk affects not only you but everyone living in your house. Carbon monoxide poisoning can come from several sources but it most commonly comes from cracks in your firebox or heat exchanger. You can’t smell or see carbon monoxide. The most common symptoms are:
* General Symptoms, including dizziness, fatigue, and weakness.
* Neurological Symptoms, such as drowsiness, headache, and disorientation.
* Intestinal or Stomach Problems, including pain, nausea, and vomiting.
* Coronary Conditions, such as chest pain, wheezing, hyperventilation, and heart palpations.
The problem with furnace repair is that you need special tools to ensure that all leaks and other problems are detected. It’s also important to make sure that your furnace flame contains the proper amounts of both gas and air. These items are all covered with a service call. A good company should perform a complete system evaluation and explain your options for repair. They should also offer advice to help you make an informed decision. Finally, they should offer you upfront pricing so that you know what you will be charged.
Cost / Benefit Analysis
So now we come to the heart of the matter, the money. An average service call costs less than $100. How valuable is your time? Even if you can perform the repairs safely, how long will it take to research, take apart the furnace, inspect, repair, and worry if you did everything right? How valuable is your family? Is $100 to have a professional fully inspect your furnace and provide guidance worth your peace of mind? The best HVAC experts perform a complete diagnostic of the system and then provide a competitive quote. Some even offer free second opinions on major repairs.
Is there anything I should do?
YES! Change your furnace filters! The simplest and easiest way to prevent a crack from forming is to prevent your heat exchanger from overheating. This means, regular filter changes and making sure you don’t block your return air register. In addition, make sure that you get routine maintenance on your furnace every year. This will not only protect your family but save you money on repair and heating bills!
Live in the Kansas City Area? Call the KC heating and cooling experts at Priced Right Heating and Cooling. We have over 20+ years of experience. If you have questions we would be happy to answer them. 913-713-5911
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