Is It Illegal to Install Your Own Furnace?

Installing your own furnace may seem like a great way to save a bit of money, but it takes years of experience to learn how to install one properly. A faulty heating system installation can lead to many problems, from inefficient operation and high utility bills to dangerous carbon monoxide exposure or increased risk of fire.

So, is it legal to install your own furnace? Well, to an extent. While you may be able to install the actual unit yourself, other aspects need to be completed by licensed professionals. For example, in nearly all areas of Maryland, permits are required to complete the work, and steps like connecting to the gas line may be illegal without the assistance of a licensed contractor.

4 Common Furnace Installation Problems

If you are wondering how to install a new furnace, you should know that it is not an easy task. It requires an extensive amount of knowledge and experience to do it properly. Even HVAC contractors can occasionally make mistakes, and some, such as improper installation of the flue or gas connections, could have deadly consequences.

Here are some of the most common DIY furnace installation mistakes.

1. Combustion Problems

Improper installation of your furnace and flue can create a number of combustion-related issues. One major concern is the potential for back-drafting, where the furnace fails to expel combustion gases properly, leading to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide inside your home.

In some cases, this can result in severe illnesses or, in the worst scenarios, even fatal outcomes. Additionally, gas leaks and inefficient combustion can escalate the risk of fire hazards, making it crucial to ensure a correct installation to safeguard your home’s safety.

2. Improper Sizing

To guarantee your furnace operates efficiently and doesn’t drain your wallet with high gas bills, accurate sizing is essential. Simply estimating the furnace size based on a rule of thumb won’t suffice. A comprehensive Manual J load calculation is necessary, taking into account various factors such as your home’s dimensions, room count, layout, occupancy levels, window sizes, and insulation quality, among others.

A precise sizing calculation ensures that your furnace is neither too big, which can lead to frequent on-off cycles and energy wastage, nor too small, which could result in insufficient heating capacity.

3. Reliability Issues

Improperly installed furnaces tend to encounter reliability problems and may break down more, resulting in a shorter lifespan. This will then lead to inconvenient and costly repair expenses. Professional installers will ensure that your furnace is connected properly and runs as intended. This will minimize the chances of untimely breakdowns and lower maintenance costs.

4. Warranty Problems

Furnace manufacturers require professional installation for full warranty protection. If you install the furnace yourself and there are problems in the future, it may not be covered by the warranty. This means that you will likely have to pay for the repairs yourself, even if a manufacturer defect caused the original failure.

Choosing to have your furnace uninstalled by an expert technician will protect your warranty so you can rely on it in the future. Additionally, warranties usually require furnace owners to regularly maintain their units. Heating professionals can also clean and tune up your furnace so that it performs properly and protects your warranty.

Altogether, the cost to install a furnace yourself is simply not worth the risk for the amount saved. It is always best to enlist the help of a qualified and professional furnace contractor for all of your installation, repair, and maintenance needs.

Turn to Our Experienced Team When Installing a Gas Furnace

When you need a cost-effective and safe furnace installation in the Gaithersburg, Maryland, area, trust our team at GAC Services. Our heating experts can help you choose the best furnace for your home and provide a reliable, energy-efficient installation that will give you years of dependable performance.

Our company uses the latest, high-performance HVAC equipment from Bryant, one of the industry’s leading manufacturers. We serve homeowners throughout Frederick and Montgomery Counties, and with over 45 years of professional HVAC experience, you can count on us for all your heating and cooling needs.

Financing Options Available

At GAC, we understand how important a functioning HVAC system is for your home. This is why we offer flexible financing options to help you take care of your new HVAC purchase, so you can get back to taking care of what matters most to you.

Priority Maintenance

A well-maintained HVAC system can save you from having to invest in costly repairs down the road. Learn more about the priority maintenance services offered by GAC Services.

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