DIY Guide: How to Install a Furnace

With cold weather rapidly approaching, now is the time to start planning on how best to stay warm in the upcoming winter months. One way to do this is by installing a gas furnace or reinstalling a newer model that's more energy efficient. Though it's always best to hire a contractor if you have little to no experience in home repair, installing one is relatively simple if you've had the necessary experience. This is a guide to explaining just how to do so.

First and foremost, never do anything directly related to the gas yourself. That includes turning it on or off or connecting it to the new furnace. Gas is very dangerous and should only be handled by a professional.

Before installing a furnace, you need to evaluate your home and its needs. Different furnaces come in different sizes that are made for particular area sizes. If your home is on the small size, your furnace should be small as well -and vice versa. Then, check your duct work and wiring to make sure there are no irregularities and that it is safe to install your furnace.

After you've purchased the furnace that best fits your needs, before you can install it you should check to make sure that you have all the tools necessary to get the job done. Every furnace comes with a manual on how to install that particular model, so reference it for your tool needs and installation instructions. You can also check with professionals at your local hardware or home improvement store.

Once you've purchased your furnace and tools, it's time for installation. Make sure that all gas in your home has been cut off. Then, follow the instruction manual that came with your furnace to figure out the specifics for your particular model. Remember to install it on the inside of an exterior wall so that the gas lines are outside and travel away from your home. Always remember that when you drill through to make the holes for the vent, that the holes are level and don't slant down. If your holes are too large or slant, rain can get into your duct work and hurt the pipes and lines, causing them to rust or erode. Also, don't attach the furnace directly to the wall. Instead, allow some space in between.

Once the actual furnace is attached to your home, your work is done. It's time to call in the professionals to attach the gas lines. Make sure that they also install a gas meter so that you can properly monitor your gas levels in the chance that you have a gas leak. Once the unit has been installed and the gas attached, turn on your furnace and enjoy the nice, crisp heat.