The simple answer is no.
The more complicated answer is that you can do some troubleshooting with a malfunctioning furnace to see if there’s a simple explanation for the problem that doesn’t require any actual tools and repair work. We’ll look at a few of these steps, and then explain why you need to turn to professionals like ours for any heating repair in Ashland, KY if those steps don’t work.
Troubleshooting Your Furnace
- Check the Thermostat: Often the thermostat gets incorrectly set, or it runs out of batteries. Always check to make sure you’ve got the thermostat set to “heat” and that it’s responding to instructions.
- Inspect the Power Supply: Make sure that the circuit breaker for the furnace hasn’t tripped, and reset it if it has.
- Inspect the Pilot Light: If you have an older furnace that uses a standing pilot light , check to see if it’s lite. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it. You’ll need to call professionals if it won’t stay lit.
- Check the Gas Supply: Ensure that the gas valve on the furnace is open; sometimes it can get stuck. You may also wish to check other gas appliances in your house to see if they’re operating. You may have a gas supply issue rather than a furnace issue.
- Change the Air Filter: A clogged or dirty air filter will restrict airflow and strain the furnace. If the filter is dirty, change it for a clean one.
- Consult the Manual and Review Error Codes: Many contemporary furnaces will display error codes when something goes wrong, such as a faulty flame sensor or failed electronic ignition system. Check the manual for the furnace to interpret any error codes that may help you out.
Why Furnace Repair Is Not an Amateur Job
Leave those tools in the garage! It’s time to call for an HVAC professional. There are several good reasons not to try to repair your furnace on your own or give the job to an unlicensed “handyman.”
- Safety: Natural gas furnaces aren’t inherently dangerous—but they can easily become dangerous due to amateur tampering! Unlicensed work on a furnace risks serious harm to you, your family, and your home.
- Licensing: In most jurisdictions, it’s illegal for anyone who doesn’t have the proper license to work on an appliance connected to a gas main. That means it’s probably not even legal for you to work on your gas furnace.
- Warranty: The manufacturer’s warranty on your furnace will probably be voided if there is any amateur work done on it. You could be in for an unpleasant surprise the next time you need repairs that you think are covered by the warranty.
- Diagnosis: One of the important parts of repairing a furnace is accurately diagnosing the underlying problem. Only professionals have the training and tools to make a correct diagnosis. An amateur is likely to try to “fix” the wrong things and make the problem worse.
- Cost: DIY or amateur repairs aren’t a money saver—often the opposite. Too much can go wrong, leading to extra repairs in the future or a loss of energy efficiency. Because amateur work will void the warranty, you’ll have to pay in full for all these mistakes. Professionals will get the job done right and done fast so you won’t have extra headaches and expenses.
Contact Air Supreme Heating and Air Conditioning for all your furnace repair needs. Supreme service you can count on!