A renter worried about their safety after a repair technician bypassed a 36-year-old furnace's overheating protection. They reached out to Reddit for advice. 

Here's what to know

The renter explained in r/hvacadvice that their landlord was reluctant to replace the aging equipment, which had been short cycling — a pattern in which the furnace repeatedly starts and stops. The technician bypassed the high limit switch, set the furnace to 75 degrees and left, noting the move "just stops the furnace from overheating."

The original poster turned off the furnace, but they needed a solution with winter on its way. "This is insane, right? Just trying to make sure before I send my landlord a stern message that we want nothing to do with this company fixing appliances in the house we live in," they asked. 

For homeowners facing replacement decisions, upgrading heating and cooling equipment is one of the best ways to save on utility bills and protect against rising energy prices. Palmetto can help you understand newer, more efficient HVAC and heat pump options. Its Comfort Plan network can also connect you with vetted installers in your area.

More background

Landlords and homeowners associations across the country have been criticized for policies that leave residents at risk or cost them money, from lackluster repair jobs to banning air-drying clothes on balconies. Many times, a landlord or HOA is willing to change established rules when residents help them realize there are broader benefits to doing so. 

In this case, commenters objected to the furnace being left to run without protection, particularly when the problem hadn't been diagnosed. 

A cracked heat exchanger, for instance, could expose the household to carbon monoxide, a user warned. Others said that a broken blower motor could be a fire risk. 

"Bypassing high limits is how houses burn down," someone cautioned.

What can be done?

Commenters recommended a furnace inspection by a different company. They also urged the renter to check their carbon monoxide detectors and put the bypass incident in writing. 

The renter said they didn't have to jump through any hoops. After they contacted the landlord, they said, "It sounds like he will be going with a replacement FINALLY." 

If you're ready for a new HVAC but not ready to spend up front, Palmetto's Comfort Plan includes $0 down options that can lower heating and cooling costs by up to 50%. Palmetto Comfort Plans also include 12 years of maintenance.

Homeowners can also pair solar panels with electric appliances to drive utility costs even lower. EasyHome makes it easy to compare solar options and find the best system and installer for your home and budget, saving you up to $10,000 on an installation.

For renters, community solar or plug-in solar may be available or coming soon.

Where can I learn more?

Renters and homeowners can face conflicting advice about whether a furnace is safe to run. 

• A college renter feared a bedroom-closet furnace gas leak while their landlord insisted it was safe.

• A homeowner discovered a loose furnace flue after AC work and was warned against running it.

• An HVAC technician found a furnace sealed behind OSB, raising questions about whether it could pass inspection.

• A Pennsylvania homeowner was told their furnace met code, but technicians flagged a flexible gas line.

• A 34-year-old furnace still worked, but HVAC professionals emphasized checking the aging heat exchanger.

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