Stop right there! DIY furnace maintenance is a big no-no!
Your heating and air conditioning equipment is an investment in both comfort and utility bill savings. In fact, are you aware that HVAC equipment comprises the majority of your utility expenses? That’s why it pays to invest in efficiency.
Because your heating and air conditioning equipment is so important, you have to make sure that you are taking care of it. Scheduling preventative maintenance for your air conditioner in the spring and your gas furnace in the fall is a must for efficient performance. However, the key word is “scheduling”. It is never a good idea to try and maintain your furnace by yourself unless you are a licensed heating and air conditioning contractor.
Of course, there are a few little things you can do (like changing a furnace filter), but beyond those little things, you should not touch your heating and air equipment. Here are some reasons why.
Heating and air conditioning equipment is complicated. In fact, some heating and air conditioning equipment requires special training for even a trained HVAC contractor. That high-efficiency gas furnace isn’t going to do you much good if it is installed incorrectly.
DIY is dangerous. A gas furnace deals with natural gas, ignition equipment and proper ventilation. Improper installation or maintenance that tinkers with any of the systems that deal with making this equipment safe can gave severe repercussions.
It is going to end up costing you more in the long run…trust us. Think it’s expensive to hire a professional? Just tally up the costs of going with just anybody. You may think you’re saving money now, but you could pay all of those savings back in replacement, repairs and inefficient performance! Trust us, pick up the phone and save yourself the hassle.
Do you have a trusty local contractor that you rely on for maintenance each year?