Should You Try a DIY Furnace Install? What Ontario Homeowners Need to Know

A Handy Bros. technician inspecting and repairing a furnace.

We get it — you’re thinking: “How hard can it really be to install a furnace?” But before you start watching how‑to videos and pricing tools, let us offer a word of caution. With rising home improvement costs, it’s tempting to take matters into your own hands.

At Handy Bros., we’ve seen first-hand what can go wrong when furnace installation becomes a DIY project. And while saving a few thousand dollars upfront might sound like a win, the long-term cost can be much higher — not just in dollars, but in comfort, safety, and peace of mind.

Why Furnace Installation Isn’t a DIY Job

Installing a furnace isn’t like painting a wall or changing a faucet. It involves:

  • High-voltage electrical connections
  • Gas line modifications
  • Precision venting and airflow balancing
  • Ductwork sealing and configuration
  • Compliance with Ontario safety and building regulations

Even if you manage to get the unit running, here’s what you risk:

  • Voiding the manufacturer’s warranty — many furnace brands require installation by licensed HVAC professionals
  • Reduced energy efficiency — improper airflow or venting can spike your utility bills
  • Shortened furnace lifespan — due to setup errors or duct restrictions
  • Serious safety hazards — like gas leaks or carbon monoxide exposure

In Ontario, these aren’t just suggestions — they’re legal requirements. The Ontario Building Code mandates specific rules around furnace placement, combustion air, venting, and ductwork sizing. And under TSSA regulations, only certified gas technicians are legally allowed to install or modify fuel-burning equipment.

Beyond compliance, the risks are real. According to Health Canada, improper furnace installs are a leading source of carbon monoxide exposure in Canadian homes.

The total cost in many cases? Thousands more than if you had just called in licensed professionals to begin with.

What to Expect from a Professional Install (Done the Handy Bros. Way)

When you choose Handy Bros., you’re not just getting a furnace install — you’re getting Home Comfort Done Differently. Here’s how we deliver:

  • AAA Certified Technicians: Our installers are fully trained through Handy Bros. Academy and certified to meet all provincial licensing standards.

  • POD System Efficiency: Every install is prepped in-house using our exclusive POD system. All materials arrive in one organized visit — so your install is done in a single day, not dragged out over three.

  • AAA Job Preparation: Your equipment is 50% installed before it even leaves our facility — every bolt, bracket, and seal tested for quality.

  • Final Quality Check: Before we leave, our Team Director performs a full inspection. No Handy Bros. job is complete without a AAA check-in.

Want to see what a real installation looks like? Explore our process for furnace installation services in Chatham-Kent.

What Homeowners Can Do Themselves (Without Risk)

We’re all for empowering homeowners. Here’s what you can do safely and effectively:

  • Clear the installation area of furniture or clutter
  • Check that your ductwork is clean and accessible
  • Schedule a pre-install walk-through to get expert input on furnace sizing and placement
  • Ask questions — we love helping homeowners understand their systems

Serving Homeowners Across Southwestern Ontario

No matter where you live — Chatham-Kent, London, Windsor, Sarnia, Leamington, Tilbury, or anywhere in between — our team is ready to help you stay safe, warm, and worry-free.

Our furnace installation team across Southwestern Ontario follows strict provincial codes and goes beyond what’s required — because getting it “just right” is the only way we operate.

We’re local. We’re certified. And we’ve built a reputation for getting it right the first time.

Final Word: Call Before You DIY

If you’re thinking about installing a furnace yourself — or even if you’re just weighing your options — give us a call.

Our team will walk you through what’s involved, give you honest advice, and help you make the best decision for your home and your family. We believe in education first — sales second.

Because at Handy Bros., we don’t just do installs. We deliver Home Comfort Done Differently.

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Author

Mitch White

CEO of Handy Bros.

Mitch has been a valued member of the Handy Bros. team for over 9 years. He began his journey in the installation department, quickly rising through the ranks into management, where he successfully led multiple departments. In 2018, Mitch and his brother Nic took ownership of Handy Bros., continuing the legacy with a fresh vision—Home Comfort Done Differently. Mitch is happily married to his beautiful wife, Jessica, and is a proud, devoted father. Outside of work, he’s passionate about health and fitness, and has a deep appreciation for delicious Portuguese cuisine. When it comes to travel, anywhere in Southern Europe is his happy place.

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