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Can I repair my furnace myself?

The best way to avoid repairs is to stay on top of the maintenance. Find your owner’s manual, look it up online if needed, and get to know your furnace and the service schedule. Familiarize yourself with your furnace and how it functions. No one wants to pay for an unnecessary repair. However, when the furnace isn’t functioning properly, should we call a service immediately or try to fix it on our own? Experienced DIY-ers can often fix basic furnace problems. Your owner’s manual is the best place to begin. Several websites are dedicated to step by step instructions on how to do basic furnace repairs and can help you troubleshoot and pinpoint the problem your furnace is having.

Basic maintenance and troubleshooting

If your furnace isn’t kicking on, start by checking the thermostat Next, turn everything off and check the filters. Filters should be checked once every three months, more often in polluted (urban) environments or if we have pets. Clogged filters can cause a furnace to shut off. Chronic dirty furnace filters can cause the heat exchanger to crack, necessitating a major repair or total replacement of the heating unit. Check the breaker box or fuse. Make sure the pilot light is on. If not, check that the gas coming into the building is on. Inspect your exhaust flue and drain lines. Any clogging of these can cause a malfunction. Check duct lines for breakages or clogs which may inhibit airflow. Clear debris such as leaves or brush away from outdoor units, intake and exhaust vents. Finally, if you are unsure what the problem is, call a professional. To avoid repairs before they happen, it’s best to have a service professional do a maintenance check on your system once a year.