furnace question...

[goalieman]

Hey guys/gals,

Just a question about old school gas furnaces that decide to quit on you during the coldest days of SPRING!

i've followed the instructions on how to light the pilot light but when i switch the valve from PILOT to ON, the pilot light does not stay on and turns off. I've tried waiting 5 minutes with the valve on OFF and then re-lighting the pilot light and holding the valve down for 60 plus seconds, sometimes for a few minutes but still no luck.

Any suggestions? if not, anyone know a reliable/affordable furnace repair man? or do i just call terasen gas to get someone over?

thnx
GM

 

[DaBoneman]

Hey guys/gals,

Just a question about old school gas furnaces that decide to quit on you during the coldest days of SPRING!

i've followed the instructions on how to light the pilot light but when i switch the valve from PILOT to ON, the pilot light does not stay on and turns off. I've tried waiting 5 minutes with the valve on OFF and then re-lighting the pilot light and holding the valve down for 60 plus seconds, sometimes for a few minutes but still no luck.

Any suggestions? if not, anyone know a reliable/affordable furnace repair man? or do i just call terasen gas to get someone over?

thnx
GM

I think you may need a new thermocouple (think that's what its called). If your in Vancouver try Hillcrest Plumbing. Cost should be somewhere between 100-200 bucks.

 

[jetsam]

My guess is that the thermocouple is gone. That is the little thing that heats up when you have the valve on PILOT, it senses the heat and allows the gas to flow. It can be replaced but you are probably better off to get a whole new control valve.
A better option is a new high efficiency furnace, my gas usage went down 40%.

 

[plumberdude]

furnace

I am in the plumbing and heating business. You need a new thermocouple. Probably a 24 inch. They are easy to change.

 

[goalieman]

how much does that usually cost?

 

[BigDDD]

The last one I've picked up six month ago was less than $10.

 

[Randy Whorewald]

They are relatively cheap items, however the service call for the guy to come out is over $100.