okay, we turned the furnace on last for the first time this year. it would not stay lit. someone said something about the thermocouple, how do we fix that and does it sound like that could be the problem???
2006-11-03 11:40:38 · 12 answers · asked by stella 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Be careful working on your own furnace. Get someone that knows what they are doing!
2006-11-03 11:44:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on what you mean, "It wouldn't stay lit." If you mean the pilot light wouldn't stay lit than it could be the thermocouple but if you have a spark ignition system then that's a whole different subject. Call a trained service tech if you don't know what your doing. Seasonal servicing of your furnace and AC units is well worth the cost if only for the piece of mind. Remember, a broken AC is uncomfortable but a broken furnace and kill you!
2006-11-04 01:57:43 · answer #2 · answered by Ibeeware 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My first thought is that it is the thermocouple. They are inexpensive and can be picked up at any hardware store such as Lowes or Home Depot. They are also fairly easy to install if you have any do it yourself ability. Just be sure to follow the instructions and make sure your furnace or gas line is closed before installing.
The thermocouple monitors the pilot light to ensure it is lit. If the thermocouple is not working it won't allow the pilot light to stay lit.
2006-11-03 11:55:51 · answer #3 · answered by Godfather 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chances are it IS the thermocouple.
The thermocouple creates a small electrical current (from the heat of the pilot light upon it's dissimilar metals) that feeds the main burner's safety valve with a small current. If the valve doesn't receive the power to release the gas, it WILL NOT operate.
Pilot light heats thermocouple.
Thermocouple makes electricity.
Electricity allows main burner valve to open.
Pilot light then also lights main burner.
Lose pilot light, valve closes so gas does NOT flow to main burner. Fire goes out.
Bad thermocouple, no electricity, no open valve, no gas to main burner. No boom, no dead people.
It CAN be replaced simply/easily by the do-it-yourselfer but, I wouldn't advise it because there could be other problems instead of or additionally.(ie Co2 leaks)
You could buy the proper part and save the repairman's markup but, he might not guarantee his work. You're choice.
BOL
2006-11-03 11:57:59 · answer #4 · answered by WHY? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whatever you do, don't try to fix your furnace on your own unless you really know what you are doing.
Call the company that supplies the fuel for the furnace 1st before you do anything else. They have a vested interest in helping you keep your furnace working.
If they can't help you with advice over the phone, they can send a serviceman over who can advise you what is wrong, & give you an estimate for repairs if necessary.
I have a service plan with my heating oil company. I pay $65.00/yr & even if I end up needing a whole new furnace it's covered. All I have to do, is call them.
2006-11-04 05:24:35 · answer #5 · answered by No More 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The thermocouple is your problem. Go to a reliable hardware store with the make and model of your furnace and they can help you in the right direction. The instructions ar quite simple and you can change it out yourself.
2006-11-03 11:52:05 · answer #6 · answered by Al B 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
before you go out and pay someone to fix your furnace or replace the thermocouple yourself, check your thermostat controller on the wall, if its digital, try replacing the batteries. if that doesn't help, try a new thermostat controller box. If you still have the problem w/ that thermostat, take it back for a refund and get a new thermocoupling.
2006-11-03 12:01:00 · answer #7 · answered by johnyroyal4776 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First, It is NOT the thermocouple....Your pilot orifice is all blocked up by ash from burning natural gas through it all the time....rip the thermocouple out yourself and unscrew the line that goes to it. a small cone shaped piece should drop out of the pilot assembly. take a wire brush and using ONE wire from a wire brush, poke through the pilot orifice.clear it out and put it all back togther. turn on the power , light the pilot and KABOOM!!!!! you have now blown yourself to bits......Now go and call the heating heating pro's and get it done right.
2006-11-05 02:30:40 · answer #8 · answered by spock78765 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it's best to call in a professional. We had our furnace checked, and they found a crack in the firewall.Thing's such as this should be left to the experts,AS CO poisoning can kill.
2006-11-03 11:48:09 · answer #9 · answered by Barbara G 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is recomended to get a certified technicion to repais this. Make sure gas is turned OFF if pilot light is not lit. Harmful gases could put you to sleep permanately. Or cause combustion if spark ignites the area.
2006-11-03 12:08:26 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋