When your furnace stops heating your home properly, starts making strange noises, or begins giving off unusual odors, it's wise to call a furnace repair company. They can send out a knowledgeable technician to identify the problem and make the necessary repairs. But while this professional will do most of the work when it comes to your furnace repairs, there are a few tips you should follow, as a homeowner, during this process.

Get a second opinion for larger repairs

If the contractor tells you that your furnace needs something small, like a new ignitor, it's generally fine to just have them do the work. Such problems are fairly straightforward and inexpensive to fix. But if your HVAC contractor says your furnace needs a more extensive repair that will cost a few hundred dollars or more, it's wise to get a second opinion. There's more than one way some of these repairs can be done, and one company may be able to source parts less expensively than another. Getting a second quote could save you a significant amount of cash.

Always ask whether a replacement would be better

If you hire an HVAC contractor and specifically ask them to fix your furnace, they can generally do so. But in some cases, you may be better off just having a new furnace installed. Some HVAC contractors won't tell you this unless you ask; they just assume that if you requested repairs, you want repairs. If the repairs will cost more than a couple hundred dollars, it's worth asking the HVAC contractor for their opinion regarding repair versus replacement. If they tell you that you should consider a new furnace, take this advice to heart.

Ask about a warranty or guarantee

Some HVAC companies offer a warranty or guarantee on their repair work. Always ask about the terms of this guarantee so you know what to expect and how long the guarantee lasts. Some small furnace parts do like to break repeatedly on certain models. It's nice to know that if your furnace starts behaving the same way again, the next round of repairs is covered by a warranty.

If you keep a furnace long enough, it will eventually need repairs of some sort. Keep these tips in your back pocket for the day when you end up in that situation. Don't hesitate to ask your HVAC contractor any additional questions that come up, either.