Thinking of tackling heating installs on your own? Think again. This is a very dangerous proposition unless you are certain you know what you are doing.
In today's current economy,
people are looking for ways to save money. One way they are saving money is by doing their own home improvements. This can be a great strategy, but when it comes to heating installs, this is a very dangerous proposition, particularly if you are working with natural gas.
Natural gas heats because it is flammable. When contained within a safe HVAC unit, this is rarely a problem. However, simple leaks in the system can create a very dangerous situation in your home. Unless you have been trained in this type of process, trying to do your own installation almost always means there will be leaks or problems somewhere.
When gas leaks out of the HVAC system, it creates an environment in which explosions can occur. The simplest spark can set off an explosion that destroys your home and injures or even kills those who live there. You cannot see gas, although you may be able to smell it, so you are going to have a hard time pinpointing leaks without the proper testing equipment. Even if you can pinpoint a leak, you may not have the right tools to properly seal it.
This danger, the danger of fire and explosions, is exactly why heating installs are best left to the professionals. While you need to be careful with your HVAC system no matter who does the installation, having a professional around can put your mind at ease significantly.
Now, how can you be sure you have found the right professional? That is an important question to ask, because these installations are not cheap. However, this is not a time when you want to go with the lowest possible bidder. You need to know that the individual or company you have hired to do your heating installs is going to do a good job.
Start with the Better Business Bureau and online review sites. Most likely, a problematic installer or company will have some complaints that you can read. While no company can please everyone all of the time, if you notice a string of similar complaints, particularly about safety issues, then it is time to look for a different installer.
Next, get some quotes for the job. While you do not want to give the bid to the lowest bidder, you also do not need to go with the highest one. Choose someone who is middle of the road so that you can get a fair price. This will mean that you get quality work while at the same time not spending your life's savings on your heater.
The good news about heating installs is that in many ways, they are a one-time expense. If you take good care of your furnace and system once it is installed, it should give you many years of successful use. For this particular job, it pays to pay a professional, as you will not have safety concerns and will have the luxury of a warm home for many years.
