ventless heater wont stay lit?

Question

i have a wall mount, gas, ventless heater. and when i try to light the pilot light, it wont stay on?? any idea why?

Answer 1

South is probably right; everyone always wants to jump to the thermocouple solution with vent-free pilot outages when in reality, the pilot / oxygen depletion sensor assembly is just plugging up with dust and debris. Get the can of compressed air, blow out the area in and around the pilot assembly and most of the time it will relight and run fine.

Answer 2

More than likely a bad thermocouple. It is a small sensor that measures the heat given off by the pilot light. It protects you because if the pilot were to blow out, it shuts off the gas so your furnace area does not fill up with natural gas, causing risk for explosion. But when the sensor goes bad, it fails to register that the pilot is lit, and shuts off the gas valve. Thermocouple is a fairly standard service item. Call plumbers/Heating techs and ask you to quote a price for a thermocouple replacement. Give the make and model of the heater if you can. It will be a lot cheaper for you to do it that way, then just to call a tech and have him come out on an open ticket. Of course, if the problem is something else, the thermocouple quote won't apply.

Answer 3

1. Is the primary gas valve turned ON all the way?
2. There may be a second valve closer to the unit.
3. There may be another safety valve right AT the unit.
4. Are you required to turn the dial to "Pilot", then "push AND hold" the button IN while "striking the igniter"?
5. Is the unit clean and dust-free. It may be dirty.
6. If you are not qualified to do any of the suggested steps listed above, DO NOT TRY TO LIGHT THE APPLIANCE. Call a qualified repairman.

Answer 4

Rho b is right on the money, it might be the thermocouple, it probably is the O2 sensor. BUT THE SMART THING TO DO AND I THINK YOUR SMART. IS TO CALL A QUALIFIED REPAIRMAN, These things can KILL YOU and I mean DEAD, as bury in the ground dead. So for all our sake save a little money somewhere else. Those sensors were put on there for a good Reason, -- some bean counter somewhere told the mfg. if someone dies you will be sued to the 9's so put sensors on so it won't happen.

Answer 5

If your heater is set up for natural gas, DO NOT hook up to propane, or vice versa. Your heater probably has a malfunction that could be dangerous. Do not mess with it. Have a qualified person look at it. If you are cold, put on same extra blankets.

Answer 6

There is probably a tiny piece of lint in the end of the line. Get a can of compressed air (like you would use to clean your keyboard) and give it a good blowing.

Answer 7

thermocouple is bad

Answer 8

nothing is working