It seems our furnace uses quite a bit of gas just on the pilot. My question is this: is it harmful to turn the pilot off when the furnace is not in use, such as during the daytime, and then reignite it at night? Or is this just a bad idea?
Our furnace is older (no manufacture year that I could find), but we can't really afford to upgrade just yet.
2006-09-11 13:32:08 · 7 answers · asked by powhound 7 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I am a state certified HVAC tech. I would only shut it off during the winter because the pilot uses less gas than a lighter and turning it on and off is alot of wear of the gas valve.. Is this LP gas or natural? You probably have a gas leak. I would advise you call an HVAC tech or your gas provider.
2006-09-11 13:58:22 · answer #1 · answered by Jason W 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It has been my experience in the 14 years that I have been a heating technician that you should leave the pilot on if you have a standing pilot furnace. The reason being that without the pilot running moisture can build up in the heat exchanger (heat-box) of the furnace causing it to rust and crack prematurely. Remember, if the heat exchanger cracks, there is a possibility that carbon monoxide will leak into the house causing illness or death. I have also found that a solid pilot light will actual make the thermocouple last longer.
So I would say it is not worth the few pennys a month you might save by shutting the pilot off. One thing you might try to save on your gas bill is turning the furnace down by a degree or two. And always keep a clean filter in the system.
2006-09-11 14:32:44 · answer #2 · answered by arthur 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't bother with the pilot light. Leave it alone. I used to live in a house & it doesn't take any noticable gas usuage to keep the pilot light on.
Its not really worth it. If you are trying to save on heat, try to seal up your vents around your house, use that plastic wrap on the windows; insulate the hotwater thank pipes; wear slippers; & an extra layer. Plus have the furnance ppl come in & turn up your furnace--I mean you wouldn't want a gas leak to give you any trouble.
Some companies do actually remove a old furnance & replace it with a new one and then finance it to you. YOu will probably find it much much cheaper per month with the new furnance and subsequently able to pay for the replacement.
2006-09-11 13:57:34 · answer #3 · answered by belligerent assistant 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The pilot light should not use that much gas. Sounds like you need a service technician to come in and look at it.
2006-09-11 13:39:04 · answer #4 · answered by blueprairie 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Pilots don't use much gas. Shutting it off could cause problems down the road.
2006-09-11 13:36:50 · answer #5 · answered by jimdale38 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Do you have other gas items in your home?
Water heater , Stove, or Dryer?
Gas used has a group of factors.
How many items used and how long.
Is your meter being looked at or are they estimating your bill.
Have they raised your usage charge by cubic foot
2006-09-11 13:58:11 · answer #6 · answered by Bedford 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no
2006-09-11 14:14:22 · answer #7 · answered by bigg_dogg44 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋