DIY vs. Professional Furnace Repairs

While there are some simple areas of our daily lives where "do-it-yourself" (DIY) efforts can help solve minor problems and save money and hassle in the process, there are also those where relying on trained professionals is necessary for various reasons. One area that straddles this fence is the realm of HVAC, and particularly the furnace - while certain minor furnace concerns can be troubleshot and even managed entirely on a DIY basis, there are also some key risks here, and situations where tasks should always be left to the pros.

At Dick Kearsley Service Center, we're here to offer a wide range of heating and AC repair services around Ogden, Roy, Kaysville, Syracuse and nearby areas, including any kind of furnace repair service you may be in need of this winter. Here are some of the general risks of DIY furnace repairs that you should always be cognizant of if you're considering any such approach, plus a few specific examples of situations where some DIY efforts may be okay initially, but should give way to professional service if they aren't successful.

Risks of DIY Furnace Repairs

While these will naturally vary based on the precise issue taking place, there are a few key risks to be cognizant of if you're attempting any DIY furnace repair:

• Warranty voiding: First and foremost, remember that most furnace manufacturers will void any warranty if an unauthorized party attempts to repair the system. This means you're taking on a major financial risk by not going through professional channels.
• Personal safety: Furnaces involve several areas where individuals can come into contact with electrical currents or gas leaks, risks that could lead to severe injury in some cases if proper precautions aren't taken. This is particularly true for those without any experience in furnace repair.
• Time and costs: In addition to the personal risks above, DIY furnace repairs will often end up taking far longer than you expect them to, plus they could potentially be more expensive if further damage or failures take place due to improper repairs.

Now, despite these risks, there are certain areas of HVAC and furnace upkeep that are quite simple and do not put you or others in your home at risk. Our next few sections will go over these areas, but also give specific recommendations on when it's time to drop the DIY effort and call on our team of professionals. And of course, if you feel the slightest bit uncomfortable with any of the DIY areas we'll lay out here, simply call us up and we'll handle it for you!

Furnace Won't Turn On

If you've noticed that your furnace will not turn on to begin operations, it's possible that a simple issue is causing the problem. First, check your thermostat to see if it needs new batteries or has been switched off accidentally. If this is not the issue, you may also consider resetting your home's circuit breaker, or the specific fuse that connects to the furnace.

If neither of these are the case and you know with certainty that the furnace is receiving power from your home's electrical system, this could mean a more serious issue - at which point you should call our HVAC pros for assistance.

Furnace Not Creating Enough Heat

In cases of diminished capacity, there may also be some DIY solutions you can try before calling us. These include:

• Change your air filter: In many cases, a dirty air filter is the culprit here - it may be preventing adequate airflow and therefore reducing heating power. If this doesn't solve the issue, however, move on to our next step.
• Check furnace vents: Ensure all of your home's vents are open and not obstructed by furniture or other items. These can also prevent adequate airflow.
• Inspect pilot light: If you're comfortable doing so, check the furnace's pilot light to see if it's on - if not, relight it according to your manufacturer's instructions.

If none of these DIY solutions work, however, call our team for help - there could be an issue with the furnace's gas supply, or with its blower motor. Both of these require professional attention for safety and effectiveness purposes.

Noisy Operations

Another possible issue you may experience with your furnace is loud or strange noises during operation. In many cases, these are related to loose components or parts that need tightening - and if you're comfortable doing so, this could be a DIY fix. However, if the noise persists after these attempts, it's time to call our team for help.

There are also situations where a noisy furnace can indicate more serious issues, such as a failing blower motor or damaged heat exchanger. In these cases, professional attention is vital to protect both your safety and the furnace's overall function.

While some DIY efforts can save time and money in simple areas of our lives, there are also those where relying on trained professionals is necessary for safety and effectiveness reasons. And in the world of HVAC, particularly when it comes to furnace repairs, this is certainly the case. If you encounter any issues with your furnace this winter that are beyond your expertise, don't hesitate to call us at Dick Kearsley Service Center for assistance - we're here to handle all your heating and other appliance repair needs and keep you warm and comfortable all season long, whether you're in Ogden, Roy, Kaysville, Syracuse or any nearby part of northern Utah!