As temperatures drop in Texas and Oklahoma, your furnace becomes the heart of your home, keeping you and your family warm and comfortable. However, when issues arise, it can be tempting to try and fix the problem yourself. While DIY furnace repair might seem like an appealing way to save money, it often leads to mistakes that can cause further damage or even put your home and family at risk. At Advanced Cooling, we’ve been providing professional heating and cooling solutions since 2001, and we’ve seen firsthand the consequences of improper furnace repairs. To help homeowners avoid costly errors, we’ve outlined five common furnace repair mistakes and how to avoid them.
Neglecting Regular Maintenance
Mistake: Many homeowners overlook the importance of regular furnace maintenance, thinking it’s unnecessary or too expensive. They may only call a professional when the furnace stops working, instead of having it inspected and serviced annually.
Why it’s a problem: Neglecting maintenance can lead to preventable breakdowns, reduced efficiency, and a shorter lifespan for your furnace. Simple tasks like changing the air filter, cleaning the coils, and inspecting components can prevent much more expensive issues down the road.
What you should do: Schedule annual furnace tune-ups with a licensed HVAC contractor to inspect and clean the system. Regular maintenance ensures that your furnace is running at its best and helps identify minor issues before they turn into major repairs.
Tip: Consider signing up for a maintenance plan with your HVAC company for regular check-ups and discounts on future repairs.
Ignoring the Air Filter
Mistake: One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is forgetting to change the air filter or using the wrong type of filter. A dirty or clogged air filter restricts airflow, making your furnace work harder and decreasing its efficiency.
Why it’s a problem: When the airflow is restricted, your furnace may overheat, causing it to shut off or fail. It can also lead to higher energy bills, as the system is working harder to circulate air. In the worst cases, a clogged filter can damage the blower motor.
What you should do: Check the air filter every 1-3 months and replace it if it looks dirty. Be sure to use the correct size and type of filter recommended by the manufacturer. A clean filter helps maintain proper airflow, ensuring that your furnace runs efficiently and safely.
Tip: If you have pets or allergies, consider using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter or a filter with a higher MERV rating to trap more particles.
Attempting to Fix the Furnace Yourself
Mistake: While it may be tempting to try and repair your furnace on your own, many homeowners attempt complex repairs without the necessary expertise. Common DIY fixes might include replacing parts or fiddling with electrical components, which can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Why it’s a problem: Furnace systems are complicated, and improper repairs can cause further damage or even void your warranty. More importantly, tampering with electrical components, gas lines, or combustion elements can pose serious safety risks, including fire hazards and carbon monoxide leaks.
What you should do: Always hire a licensed HVAC professional for repairs. They have the knowledge, training, and tools to address furnace issues safely and efficiently. A professional technician can also ensure that any repairs are up to code and won’t compromise the safety of your home.
Tip: If you’re not sure whether a repair is something you can handle yourself, it’s always better to call in a pro. Avoid risking your safety and the integrity of your furnace.
Not Addressing Strange Noises Immediately
Mistake: Some homeowners may ignore strange noises coming from their furnace, such as banging, rattling, or squealing, thinking that it’s a minor issue that will resolve itself. This delay can lead to more severe damage over time.
Why it’s a problem: Unusual furnace noises are often a sign that something is wrong. For example, a banging noise may indicate that a component has come loose or that the burner is experiencing a problem. A squealing sound may be caused by a worn-out belt or motor issue. Ignoring these sounds can lead to further damage and higher repair costs.
What you should do: If you hear any strange noises, it’s important to call an HVAC technician right away. A professional can pinpoint the cause of the noise and take care of the issue before it escalates.
Tip: Regular maintenance can often prevent noises from occurring in the first place, as many issues can be caught and fixed early.
Neglecting Proper Ventilation and Exhaust
Mistake: Some homeowners fail to check or maintain their furnace’s ventilation and exhaust system. The venting system is critical for safely removing harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, from your home. Blocked or improperly functioning vents can pose serious safety risks.
Why it’s a problem: If the furnace exhaust system is clogged or damaged, it can lead to dangerous gas buildup inside your home. This can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which is a potentially life-threatening hazard. Additionally, restricted ventilation can force your furnace to work harder, increasing wear and tear on the system.
What you should do: Regularly inspect the furnace’s venting and exhaust system for signs of damage, blockage, or leaks. Make sure the vent pipe is clear of debris, such as leaves, snow, or bird nests, especially in the colder months. If you notice any issues, call an HVAC technician for repairs.
Tip: Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home to alert you to dangerous gas levels. These detectors should be checked and tested regularly to ensure they are working properly.
Conclusion
Furnace repair mistakes can be costly, both in terms of repairs and potential safety hazards. To avoid these common mistakes, be proactive with regular maintenance, replace filters regularly, avoid DIY repairs, and always address unusual noises or issues promptly. Most importantly, call a professional HVAC contractor to handle any repairs or inspections to ensure your furnace operates safely and efficiently throughout the winter months.
At Advanced Cooling, we’ve been helping homeowners in Texas and Oklahoma maintain and repair their heating systems since 2001. If you’re experiencing issues with your furnace or simply want to schedule a maintenance check, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our experienced and friendly team is here to ensure that your furnace is ready to keep you warm all winter long.
Advanced Cooling is the premier choice for HVAC services in Texas and Oklahoma. With a team of highly trained and certified technicians, we have the expertise to handle all of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning needs. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is unmatched, and we always go above and beyond to ensure that your experience with us is positive. We use only the highest quality parts and equipment to ensure that your HVAC system is running at peak performance. Plus, we offer competitive pricing and flexible scheduling to fit your needs. Choose Advanced Cooling for all of your HVAC needs in Texas and Oklahoma.
