4 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Your Furnace Breaks Down

Posted on: 15 July 2022

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You might want to try and fix your furnace when it breaks down without notice in the middle of a cold night. While you could attempt some repairs to get the furnace running before professional help arrives, you should avoid any measures that could cause more harm than good. The following are some common mistakes to avoid when your furnace breaks down.

Failing to Turn Off the Electric or Gas Supply

Before troubleshooting your furnace, ensure that your electric or gas supply is off. If your carbon monoxide or smoke detectors go off, it's better to turn off the system and wait for a heating contractor. Disconnecting the system from its power supply can minimize risks of fire hazards, carbon monoxide poisoning, and injuries. You might want to leave the rest of the repair service to professionals who understand the furnace challenges and solutions better.

Trying Out Electrical Fixes

You don't necessarily have to stay in the cold if the furnace only requires a minor repair, such as restarting it or replacing its air filters. However, risky repairs like fixing electrical issues within your furnace system are best left to professionals. If you notice a burning smell whenever your furnace is in operation, consider turning the system off and calling the experts for help. Attempting electrical repairs without proper tools and knowledge can put you at risk. You could get electrocuted, set your house on fire, or damage the unit completely.

Fixing Leaks With Duct Tape

Duct tape is an essential tool in the house. It is often used to seal holes and cracks as you await professional help. Unfortunately, many homeowners will patch up HVAC ducts with tape and do away with professional repairs once the problem is fixed.

Unknown to many homeowners is that duct tape hardly offers permanent solutions. If you use it to patch up leaks, the problem will resurface in the future, causing water damage. Major leaks will also be expensive to repair. Consider seeking a more durable and safer solution by reporting the leaks to the repair contractors.

Cleaning Ducts

Clean ductwork is essential to ensuring high-quality indoor air circulation. While cleaning the ducts may seem easy, it requires special tools to get the job done correctly. Therefore, don't use sharp objects and brushes that can damage your ductwork. Instead, consider calling the experts to help you clean the ducts and provide a lasting solution.

Although an untimely furnace breakdown is frustrating, waiting for professional help might be the best action to take. Avoid these mistakes to keep your repair costs down and prolong the life of your system. Reach out to a heating contractor near you to learn more.