You need a new furnace, so you head to the local big-box store to pick one up. When you see the prices, sticker shock hits. “Maybe I can save some money by installing the furnace myself,” you think.
Stop right there! DIY furnace installation comes with plenty of pitfalls, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, you’re sure to tumble into at least one of these hazards.
Below, we explain why it’s not a great idea to install your own furnace, especially when you can always call us for a heating installation in University Heights, IN.
Should You Install Your Own Furnace? Why DIY Furnace Installation Is a Bad Idea for University Heights Homeowners
It’s true that DIY furnace installation could save you some cash today. However, you should know that it will cost you a whole lot more in the long run. Here’s why installing your own furnace just isn’t worth it.
A Lack of Expertise Could Botch the Furnace Installation
Perhaps you’re handy with tools and have fixed plenty of things around your University Heights home. Doesn’t that make you perfectly qualified to install your own furnace? No, it doesn’t.
Installing a furnace is much more complicated than fixing a leaky toilet or putting together a bookshelf. You’ll have to connect the unit to your ductwork, hook up a fuel source, and figure out wiring diagrams that are so complicated they may as well be written in another language. It’s a complex installation process that’s easy to mess up.
Strict Legal and Compliance Issues for Furnaces
You can’t just install a furnace anywhere. University Heights has strict building codes that cover things like ventilation around the unit, electrical connections, and the dispersion of exhaust gases. These codes may seem restrictive, but experts have designed them to keep you safe.
Even if you don’t care about building codes, have no doubt that your insurance company takes them seriously. If your self-installed heating system catches on fire or explodes, your insurer is highly unlikely to cover the damages.
Thinking about selling your home? If you installed your own furnace, the buyer could even be within their rights to sue over dangerous DIY handiwork.
Nailing Down Proper Sizing Is a Challenge for Heating Units
If you’re like many homeowners in University Heights, you might be tempted to install the biggest, most powerful furnace you can find. However, efficiency depends on the furnace being properly sized for your home and heating needs.
If the furnace is too big, it’ll use more fuel than necessary and wear out prematurely. If it’s too small, it’ll run nonstop in an effort to keep your house warm and spike your bills. Choosing the right-sized furnace is far easier with a professional HVAC installer’s input.
You Could Void the Furnace’s Warranty
Warranty concerns are yet another reason why you shouldn’t install your own furnace. New furnace warranties cover things like repairs and manufacturer defects. If you read the fine print, you may discover that the furnace requires professional installation to maintain the warranty’s validity.
Furnace manufacturers have this requirement because they know that DIY installation comes with so many problems. Your furnace manufacturer doesn’t want to be liable for your failure to install the unit the right way. When that system breaks down, you’ll be on the hook for all the repairs.
Your Furnace Won’t Last as Long
Suppose you get your furnace hooked up despite the odds. It runs fine, and so you pat yourself on the back. That furnace may work for a while, but it’s likely to fail sooner than if you had hired an expert for installation.
Getting something out of alignment or missing a small component could mean your system breaks down completely out of the blue. Every piece has to fit together perfectly for you to get your 15 to 20 years out of the unit.
It’s Just Plain Dangerous To Install Your Own Furnace
Professionals understand that installing a furnace includes countless safety risks, especially a gas furnace. Connect your furnace the wrong way or damage a part during installation, and fires or explosions could follow.
Don’t install the unit yourself. Hire a trained professional who knows how to do the job safely!
Call Our HVAC Experts in University Heights, IN
By now, you should feel convinced that it isn’t worth it to install your own furnace. In Indiana, your smartest move is to hire Complete Comfort Heating, A/C & Plumbing Repair for furnace installation. Call today to schedule our furnace installation or heating system troubleshooting in University Heights, IN.