Putting in a furnace by yourself is only a good idea under one condition: You’re a licensed HVAC technician. While it may seem like replacing your furnace is a moderately complex project, in fact it’s one of the more complex projects one can do around the house. It requires special tools, multiple areas of expertise and can be dangerous if not done correctly.
Consider the following:
Do you have the necessary tools and equipment? Replacing a furnace requires industry-specific tools such as refrigeration gauges, a two-stage vacuum pump and the replacement furnace itself. The appliances available from local home improvement stores may not be your best option. Manufacturers of top-of-the-line, energy-efficient furnaces usually won’t sell their equipment to anyone who isn’t a licensed, factory-trained professional.
How are your plumbing, electrical, and sheet metal skills? Putting in a furnace requires quite a bit more than disconnecting and reconnecting a few wires, hoses, ducts, etc. Working with gas-, oil- or fuel-burning furnaces requires professional-level skills. There is a good chance your new furnace will require modifications in order to connect the ductwork, which means you need to be confident in your sheet metal skills. In most cases, homeowners won’t have the full range of specific skill sets to do the job right.
Safety first. Do you know how to properly reclaim the refrigerant in your existing system if an A/C is involved in the furnace replacement? Refrigerant is toxic for you, your family and the environment. Additionally, even small installation and connect mishaps with your new furnace can result in potentially lethal carbon monoxide leaks that will seriously compromise indoor air quality, posing considerable health risks for you and your family.
While we understand your interest and desire to tackle DIY projects, putting in a furnace is one task that is best left to certified HVAC professionals. You will have access to the highest-quality, energy-efficient systems and can rest assured that the job will be done safely.
If you are ready to replace your home’s furnace, contact Ernst Heating & Cooling. We’ve provided quality customer service to the Metro-East area since 1951.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Hamel, Illinois and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnaces and other HVAC topics, visit our blog.Â
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