While there are a multitude of home improvement projects that homeowners might want to attempt themselves, putting in a furnace usually isn't one of them. First and foremost is the fact that an improper furnace installation can have deadly consequences. Furnaces produce carbon monoxide, which can be deadly to humans in high enough concentrations. Improper furnace ventilation can lead to such concentrations. This is part of the reason many jurisdictions will require you to get a permit to attempt such a project on your own, as well require a post-installation inspection.
Similar to local governments, furnace companies are wary of letting non-professionals install their products. They often only allow certified technicians to purchase their furnaces, and their warranties probably won't apply to amateur installations.
There are a number of tools involved in putting in a furnace that the average handyman is not likely to own. These include a two-stage vacuum pump and a set of refrigeration gauges (if connecting an air conditioner to the new furnace). Also, the old refrigerant should not be allowed to escape as it's harmful to the earth's atmosphere. Professionals typically use specialized tools to be sure the old refrigerant is reclaimed.
Additionally, the variety of skills required in a furnace installation exceed those needed for more common home improvement projects. It becomes even more challenging if your new furnace must be connected to your home's air conditioning system. The copper tubing connecting to the central air conditioner cannot be soldered; it must be brazed. Also, the pipes that deliver fuel to your furnace may need to be custom cut and threaded. Finally, the existing ductwork will rarely match up correctly, so you will need skills working with sheet metal in custom-offset ductwork.
For more information or assistance with putting in a furnace in your Fort Wayne area home, please contact us at Hartman Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in New Haven, Indiana and surrounding Fort Wayne area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about Putting In A Furnace and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock