Disclaimer

Please read this before you follow any guide on Before You Call a Pro.

Not professional advice

Our guides are general information. They are researched from manufacturer documentation and official safety sources, drafted with AI assistance and checked against those sources. They are not written, reviewed or carried out by a licensed technician. They can't account for the condition of your equipment, how it was installed or the codes where you live. Reading a guide does not make us your advisor or your contractor.

Your model may differ

Appliances and home systems differ by brand, model and year. Always follow your appliance's manual and the labels on the unit. If they disagree with us, they win. When a guide gives a specific value or part number, check it against the manual or the rating plate of your unit.

Hazards

Gas, electricity, refrigerant, carbon monoxide, hot water and stored pressure can cause injury, death, fire or property damage. Before you work on anything, turn off the power, gas or water as the guide and your manual describe, and confirm that it is off. Never bypass a safety switch, a limit control or a relief valve. If something looks scorched, corroded or wet where it shouldn't be, or different from what the guide describes, stop.

Work that needs a licensed professional

Gas line and gas valve work, electrical panel and circuit work, and anything that involves refrigerant need a licensed or certified professional. Federal rules under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act prohibit intentionally venting refrigerants. They also require certification for technicians who maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release ozone-depleting refrigerants. Local codes may require a permit or a licensed installer for other work too, so check with your local building department before you start.

Warranties

Opening an appliance or doing your own repair may affect the manufacturer's warranty or a home warranty. Check your warranty terms first. If the unit is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer's service before you start.

Parts and tools

Parts and tools we mention are suggestions based on the specification a repair needs. Check that a part fits your model before you buy it.

No liability

To the fullest extent the law allows, we are not responsible for any injury, loss or damage that results from using the site or acting on its content. Our terms of use explain this in full.

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