Can I Install a Furnace Myself?

When it comes to home improvements, some homeowners would opt to have a DIY project to save them money. However, for furnace installation, you might wonder and want to ask, can I install a furnace myself? 
Deciding to install a furnace on your own may not seem to be a good idea especially if you don’t have years of experience in installing one properly. This could be a very dangerous and risky plan as serious problems may result in faulty installations. 

Is furnace installation done only by professionals?

Installing a furnace is ideally done by experts. Hiring a licensed HVAC contractor to do this job for you is worth it since they are trained to have considerable knowledge of the whole process of installation. It’s a fairly complicated process and only licensed professionals have the required permits in your state. 
Working on a furnace is dangerous as it runs on fuel like natural gas or oil. The exhaust that it produces may pose a threat to your health if the furnace is not tuned properly. 
If you plan to switch from gas to electric furnace or vice versa, HVAC experts can handle it skillfully since they undergo intensive training to accomplish their associate degree programs. 
HVAC professionals are also trained to handle any contingency that may develop during installation. They have the proper equipment and protective gear when disconnecting the old furnace and installing a new one. 
So leave the installation to the professionals. Once you decide what type of furnace will best suit your home’s needs, calling a professional for furnace installation will ensure that you’ll have peace of mind and your furnace will always be in good working condition. 

What are the risks of installing a furnace myself?

If you insist on installing a furnace on your own, here are the following possible risks that you may encounter:

  1. Inefficient furnace. 

For your furnace to work efficiently and without hassle, furnace installation should be done properly. Poor and improper installation may lead to problems in furnace performance, causing your unit to consume more energy. More energy consumption of your furnace means it will cost you a lot more by paying high utility bills. So don’t let your furnace investment go to waste by opting for a DIY installation. 

  1. Risk of gas and carbon monoxide leaks.

When you have a faulty furnace installation at home, it may produce excess amounts of carbon monoxide as a result of the combustion process. Carbon monoxide leaks could pose a threat to you and your family as they may lead to illness and worse, even death. Gas leaks on the other hand could lead to a potential risk for fires. A furnace must be connected properly to prevent gas and carbon monoxide leaks. 

  1. Inaccurate furnace sizing. 

To keep your furnace from running smoothly, you should have the proper furnace size for your home. Accurate sizing depends on the size of your home, the number of rooms you have, the layout of each room, window sizes, quality of insulation to name a few. 

  1. Problems with reliability.

A furnace installed from a DIY project will most likely break down frequently and may not last long. For your furnace to achieve optimal performance and longer lifespan, don’t attempt to install it on your own, instead hire a professional for proper installation. 

  1. Problems with warranty.

If you install your furnace on your own, chances are, the manufacturer may not honor the warranty if something goes wrong with the unit. As a result, you might end up spending a large amount of money on future repairs whether it’s a manufacturer defect or not. 

  1. Problems with insurance claiming.

An improperly installed furnace would likely cause a fire, and when this happens, you might not be able to have an insurance check for damages. Insurance companies may ask if your furnace was installed by a licensed professional. So seek the services of a professional for proper installation and accreditation. 

  1. You might encounter problems when selling your house. 

This depends on what location you are in. Most cities and states would require a licensed contractor to properly install your furnace and most insurance companies will indeed demand an inspection for the installed furnace before you can sell your house. So invest in a professional furnace installation if you plan to sell your house in the future. 

Need Help With Your Furnace?

If you need any help with installing or repairing your furnace contact our HVAC team at Heatwave Air Conditioning and Heating. We provide expert heating repair service in Tucson, AZ!

Heatwave Air Conditioning and Heating
(520) 623-1855
3131 E 45th St, Tucson, AZ 85713


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What Questions Should I Ask an HVAC for Maintenance?

Image
Here are a set of questions that may help guide you if you want to ask your HVAC contractor about maintenance: What are the benefits of having a maintenance plan for my HVAC system? Every HVAC company has specific and different maintenance plans for homeowners, so make sure to know what’s included in the maintenance plan of your chosen HVAC company. Your technician can recommend what type of maintenance is best suited for your system’s condition. What advice can you give me in setting up my thermostat during the summer and winter? Modern HVAC systems have thermostats that can be  programmed  to allow you to control the temperature by setting it up on a schedule. Your technician can suggest temperature ranges that are best for which season. There are also smart thermostats that you can inquire about in terms of their benefits, installation process, and cost.  How can I improve my indoor air quality? This should be included as one of your concerns especially if your family ...
Read more