The Hidden Dangers of DIY Furnace Repair in Orange County

Electrical equipment can betray you at any time. Thus, it is most often asserted that you must schedule regular maintenance of the furnace, which is a crucial part of your HVAC system and ensures that you are warm in your home.

However, when you don’t maintain your furnace, the chances of it failing at a crucial point are quite higher. And when it happens, you must call a professional for furnace repair in Orange County.

While it's tempting to attempt DIY furnace repairs to save money, there are hidden dangers associated with this approach that can pose significant risks to your safety, health, and property.

This blog extensively discusses the hidden dangers of DIY furnace repair and why it is crucial to call a professional.

Risk of Further Damage

A furnace is a part of the HVAC system, and the entire system includes several complex wiring and components that require professional attention. You might check the equipment and learn the cause of the issue, but you lack the training and years of experience that the professionals possess. You might attempt to fix a minor issue and mess up the system. It might not be immediately obvious, but the damage will eventually cost you more money, which you were trying to save by attempting DIY repair. Instead, contact a professional for furnace repair in Orange County and let them handle it.

CO Poisoning

Carbon Monoxide is called a silent killer, as when the temperature drops and you start the furnace, you aren’t aware that it might be leaking carbon monoxide gas. Gas and oil-burning furnaces do that.

CO is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, invisible gas produced when you start the furnace. An improper installation, lack of maintenance, and other issues might lead to CO leaks. The biggest concern concerning CO is that you won’t immediately find out if the gas is surrounding you. You must install a CO detector in your home to detect such a leak.

You are advised to contact a professional and vacate the property for the time being in case of leakage, as exposure to the CO for long can cause health issues and even death in extreme cases.

Fire Hazards

When you look at the HVAC system wiring, you will instantly know that it is not for beginners to fix. Multiple problems can arise if you attempt DIY, and fire hazard is one of the most drastic. It might arise due to wrong wiring. And it isn’t an obvious result. The fire may arise at any time and cause extensive damage to your property.

Inadequate Repairs

Here is a scenario. Your furnace broke down, you attempted a preliminary examination of the machine, and you found a partial fault. You fixed it, and the real problem remains hidden.

Without proper diagnostic tools and expertise, DIY repairs may worsen the problem or lead to recurring issues, ultimately costing you more time and money in the long run. Thus, contacting a professional furnace expert is advised.

Regulatory Compliance

HVAC systems can be hazardous and might cause loss of life and property, thus requiring professional installation, maintenance, and repair. DIY repairs may not meet these requirements, leaving you vulnerable to fines, penalties, or legal liabilities if your furnace fails to comply with local regulations.

The list of dangers is not exclusive, as several other problems can arise due to DIY repair attempts.

However, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is, “When should I call a professional for furnace repair?”

The answer will be covered in the next part.

Common Furnace Problems That Indicate Repair

Look out for these symptoms in your furnace, which suggest that you might need a repair.

Trouble Starting the Furnace

As the machine gets old, it might require multiple attempts to start it and keep it running. If you are facing a problem with starting the furnace, have a professional look at it.

Increased Utility Bills

Increased utility bills can clearly indicate that one or other system in your household's electrical components is working inefficiently. In the colder months, the furnace is usually the culprit. So, schedule maintenance by an expert.

CO Detector Alerts

The dangers of a CO leak have been discussed earlier. So, get a CO detector installed in your place, and if it alerts you of a leak, call a professional as soon as possible and vacate the property to avoid any dangers.

Abnormal Smell

The new furnace, when installed, smells. However, if the smell doesn’t go away and keeps making its presence felt now and then, then get the furnace checked.

Uneven Heating

If your furnace has recently failed to keep your house warm, then it must be checked.

Conclusion

While DIY furnace repair might look appealing due to all the cost savings and the fact that no one will disturb your schedule, it might cause more problems than the broken furnace itself. If not careful, it can even result in loss of life.

Instead of taking such huge risks, contact a professional for furnace repair in Orange County and enjoy peace of mind. Check out the above mentioned symptoms and call a furnace repair expert as soon as possible.