Quantcast
Useless Furnace - Repairman Recommendation / Advice - Beyond.ca - Car Forums
Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 35

Thread: Useless Furnace - Repairman Recommendation / Advice

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Homeless
    My Ride
    Blue Dabadee
    Posts
    9,599
    Rep Power
    100

    Unhappy Useless Furnace - Repairman Recommendation / Advice

    Alright so i need the advice from the powers that be on my furnace. It was acting up all weekend through the cold and I am at a loss as to what the problem is...

    SO basically wake up Saturday and look at thermostat, its 4 degrees colder than the set temp. Furnace is not running. I go downstairs flip the switch on the furnace back and forth and everything starts working fine house warms up nbd.

    That evening, same problem. I start turning the gas fireplaces on to heat up the house. Reset furnace again etc. Turn off fireplaces when i go to bed. Sunday morning 6 degrees below set temp and furnace is still not on. No airflow and no heat form registers.

    Last night i spend some time with it to figure out wtf is going on. Replaced the batteries in my thermostat just in case.

    Will always turn on immediately when i switch the power on-off.

    Runs great for maybe an hour or 2 (I didn't time how long it took to shit the bed).

    When it is running the flame comes on for approximately 3 minutes 45 seconds then the flame goes out with a loud pop. Fans keep going. 1 and a half minutes later it lights back up and repeats, shutting down after 3:45 seconds. ts consistent. It will do with for about 15-20 minutes then shut down all together for about 5 minutes, then it all repeats. I don't know how many times it does this before it decides to not work any more.

    Last winter i had a similar problem but much worse(house was dropping below 10 degrees C), idiot repairman from builder was convinced it was a dirty filter and i had to get him to come back 3 times to get him to even take the cover off the thing. He eventually replaced the pressure switch and the furnace ran merrily for the rest of the year.

    Furnace is an Armstrong 93% gas forced air furnace...

    I do not know where to locate the diagnostic LED's ( i took the cover off this morning and didn't see anything). I am concerned that it is locking itself down and maybe the short cycles / loud pops (flameout?) have something to do with it.

    Help me beyond, you're my only hope...

    TLDR

    My furnace wont run through the night/day and my house is getting cold . I need a contact for a reliable solid repairman or a miracle easy fix from a helpful beyonder.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Calgary, Alberta, Canada
    Posts
    1,192
    Rep Power
    25

    Default

    We need the LED diagnostic codes to be able to make any useful suggestions. Is there another panel you can remove? There should even be a sight glass somewhere that allows you to view the LED code.

    Stab in the dark? Could be flame rollout switch or high limit switch. The flame rollout switch is usually a manual reset and since the furnace seems to be auto resetting it's probably not that. High limit is a strong possibility. Could be the switch itself they do go bad, or could be an underlying issue causing the high limit to trip. To rule either one out you could short the wires to each sensor one at a time. If the furnace runs with the wires shorted you at least know which sensor is the issue. Now if you don't have any experience here DO NOT do that, call a professional and if you do have some experience DO NOT leave it like that, it's a very temporary diagnostic technique that is all. A plugged filter will cause this issue as well, technician isn't totally out to lunch. Check that first I guess.

    I just ran into a similar scenario. In fact almost identical. 5 year old Carrier high efficiency, started tripping those sensors. I finally narrowed it down to a plugged and cracked secondary heat exchanger. Solution? New furnace.
    Originally posted by Arash Boodagh
    Before I start pwning all the members with my findings.
    Originally posted by Arash Boodagh
    Plus, is it true you can feed a pig elephant dong and it will still grow and build meat?
    Originally posted by Toma
    rx7_turbfoags best friend
    Toma the homophobe?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Homeless
    My Ride
    Blue Dabadee
    Posts
    9,599
    Rep Power
    100

    Default

    Originally posted by rx7_turbo2
    We need the LED diagnostic codes to be able to make any useful suggestions. Is there another panel you can remove? There should even be a sight glass somewhere that allows you to view the LED code.

    Stab in the dark? Could be flame rollout switch or high limit switch. The flame rollout switch is usually a manual reset and since the furnace seems to be auto resetting it's probably not that. High limit is a strong possibility. Could be the switch itself they do go bad, or could be an underlying issue causing the high limit to trip. To rule either one out you could short the wires to each sensor one at a time. If the furnace runs with the wires shorted you at least know which sensor is the issue. Now if you don't have any experience here DO NOT do that, call a professional and if you do have some experience DO NOT leave it like that, it's a very temporary diagnostic technique that is all. A plugged filter will cause this issue as well, technician isn't totally out to lunch. Check that first I guess.

    I just ran into a similar scenario. In fact almost identical. 5 year old Carrier high efficiency, started tripping those sensors. I finally narrowed it down to a plugged and cracked secondary heat exchanger. Solution? New furnace.
    Yea i was thinking something similar.

    I am not going to service the furnace myself or anything like that. Like you said its not something I'm familiar with.

    There is a second panel below, not sure if it comes off. that is where the LED code sticker is so good chance its behind that. I spent a whole minute checking behind panel 1 this morning. There is definitely no sight glass.

    Furnace is 1.5 years old (2013 house build) if its broken...

    The odd thing is it only does this when it is fucking cold which is why i think it could be a high limit as most of the time it doesn't really need to run that much. But that's how furnaces are...

    I guess one of the pluses of a duplex is i can mooch heat to keep my pipes from freezing

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Calgary, Alberta, Canada
    Posts
    1,192
    Rep Power
    25

    Default

    The LED will give you a place to start anyways. I don't really have any suggestions for repair/service companies, hopefully other Beyonders will chime in.
    Originally posted by Arash Boodagh
    Before I start pwning all the members with my findings.
    Originally posted by Arash Boodagh
    Plus, is it true you can feed a pig elephant dong and it will still grow and build meat?
    Originally posted by Toma
    rx7_turbfoags best friend
    Toma the homophobe?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Homeless
    My Ride
    Blue Dabadee
    Posts
    9,599
    Rep Power
    100

    Default

    Originally posted by rx7_turbo2
    The LED will give you a place to start anyways. I don't really have any suggestions for repair/service companies, hopefully other Beyonders will chime in.
    Thanks yea I am sure we will get someone

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Calgary
    Posts
    390
    Rep Power
    22

    Default

    ATCO comes for free don't they?
    Curse you imageshack..

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Calgary
    Posts
    379
    Rep Power
    20

    Default Hvac

    Doug Morgan
    Dkm heating
    403-818-4234

    Not always the cheapest, but a super honest guy which is whAt is hard to find .

    Helped me out a number of Times.

    Tell him Nate gave you the number

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Homeless
    My Ride
    Blue Dabadee
    Posts
    9,599
    Rep Power
    100

    Default

    Originally posted by YCB
    ATCO comes for free don't they?
    There isnt a problem with my gas.

    Not sure wtf atco would do...

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Dewinton, AB
    Posts
    232
    Rep Power
    0

    Default

    Have you ensured your air intake is clear?

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Homeless
    My Ride
    Blue Dabadee
    Posts
    9,599
    Rep Power
    100

    Default

    Originally posted by OU812
    Have you ensured your air intake is clear?
    Nope, but when the furnace turns on it blows hard so I didn't think that was an issue.

    Where should my intake be?

    I think i know where it is but how the fuck should i know since it sucks in air haha ( hard to feel)

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Calgary
    Posts
    390
    Rep Power
    22

    Default

    Originally posted by killramos


    There isnt a problem with my gas.

    Not sure wtf atco would do...
    we thought our furnace ignitor was broken.. called ATCO.. the guy came.. fixed her right up..

    http://www.atcogas.com/Safety/Stay-S...ce_Inspections
    Curse you imageshack..

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Homeless
    My Ride
    Blue Dabadee
    Posts
    9,599
    Rep Power
    100

    Default Re: Hvac

    Originally posted by loweg
    Doug Morgan
    Dkm heating
    403-818-4234

    Not always the cheapest, but a super honest guy which is whAt is hard to find .

    Helped me out a number of Times.

    Tell him Nate gave you the number
    Thanks hes on the list of dealers for my furnace which is a good start.

    BTW what should i be expecting this nonsense to run me. Furnace should be 5 year warranty on parts according to website

    20 year on heat exchanger apparently

    Edit actually it says lifetime heat exchanger on this one!

    At least i shouldn't have the same problem as RX7...
    Last edited by killramos; 12-01-2014 at 09:00 AM.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Homeless
    My Ride
    Blue Dabadee
    Posts
    9,599
    Rep Power
    100

    Default

    Originally posted by YCB


    we thought our furnace ignitor was broken.. called ATCO.. the guy came.. fixed her right up..

    http://www.atcogas.com/Safety/Stay-S...ce_Inspections
    Wow that's good, it says right on that link that they don't repair anything though. They will just tell you if its working properly or not.

    Which I know mine isnt...

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Calgary
    Posts
    390
    Rep Power
    22

    Default

    Originally posted by killramos


    Wow that's good, it says right on that link that they don't repair anything though. They will just tell you if its working properly or not.

    Which I know mine isnt...
    hmm true.. maybe mine was more simple of a fix and the guy just did it.. my bad for hogging your thread.

    Fagnan's furnace is family company since 1990 something.
    Curse you imageshack..

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    YYC
    Posts
    1,043
    Rep Power
    0

    Default Re: Re: Hvac

    Originally posted by killramos


    Thanks hes on the list of dealers for my furnace which is a good start.

    BTW what should i be expecting this nonsense to run me. Furnace should be 5 year warranty on parts according to website

    20 year on heat exchanger apparently

    Edit actually it says lifetime heat exchanger on this one!

    At least i shouldn't have the same problem as RX7...
    On or off warranty, you've spent too much time and energy on this. Your way is just not solving the issues. Get in someone you really trust and let the pro do what he does best. I've been through this very situation twice now over the years, you just need to know when to step away. Both times it was a switch needing replacement, the tech also cleaned and adjusted the furnace which is to be done every few years any ways. A well working furnace is not an option for us in The Great White North.
    Last edited by CanmoreOrLess; 12-01-2014 at 09:13 AM.

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Calgary
    My Ride
    '73 Buick, '03 Ruckus, '18 Tundra
    Posts
    715
    Rep Power
    23

    Default

    Gas valve or switch - sounds identical to what my parents just went through on their 2 year old furnace. Parts were covered under warranty, labour was not.

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Homeless
    My Ride
    Blue Dabadee
    Posts
    9,599
    Rep Power
    100

    Default Re: Re: Re: Hvac

    Originally posted by CanmoreOrLess


    On or off warranty, you've spent too much time and energy on this. Your way is just not solving the issues. Get in someone you really trust and let the pro do what he does best. I've been through this very situation twice now over the years, you just need to know when to step away. Both times it was a switch needing replacement, the tech also cleaned and adjusted the furnace which is to be done every few years any ways. A well working furnace is not an option for us in The Great White North.
    It's true i just wanted to do my due diligence to make sure I'm not taking a financial hit for something stupid...

    Will call for a repair this afternoon.

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Calgary
    My Ride
    A slow bike & an even slower car.
    Posts
    6,336
    Rep Power
    31

    Default

    Action Furnace / www.actionfurnace.ca

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Calgary, Alberta, Canada
    Posts
    1,192
    Rep Power
    25

    Default

    Originally posted by Ca_Silvia13
    Gas valve or switch - sounds identical to what my parents just went through on their 2 year old furnace. Parts were covered under warranty, labour was not.
    That's the issue with the heat exchanger warranty. Mine had a lifetime warranty as well. Parts covered, labour is not. Have to dismantle the furnace to replace xchanger, then re-assemble. No thanks, labour is gonna be more than half the price of a new furnace, and I end up with a butchered unit I don't trust. New furnace gave me peace of mind.

    In regards to venting, it's not just the intake you want to check. Check the exhaust as well, birds have been known to build nests in them, or snow or ice build up can block them off as well.
    Originally posted by Arash Boodagh
    Before I start pwning all the members with my findings.
    Originally posted by Arash Boodagh
    Plus, is it true you can feed a pig elephant dong and it will still grow and build meat?
    Originally posted by Toma
    rx7_turbfoags best friend
    Toma the homophobe?

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Medicine Hat/Calgary
    My Ride
    toyotas, mitsu, and a ford
    Posts
    370
    Rep Power
    19

    Default

    Your getting flame lockout by the sounds of your symptoms but a LED code will tell you all you need to know. If that is the case a flame rod is the issue. (specifically the secondary flame rod in intermittent ignition system, or primary flame rod on a direct ignition)(primary is the one closest to the pilot assembly, secondary will be the one on the opposite end of the burner)

    Its a safety feature built into the furnace and with the flame rod not working its not sensing that the burner is on(even though it is) and is shutting itself down so its not just dumping gas. It will attempt 3 tries before going into a hard lockout.(where you have to remove power from the board for ~5sec)

    The main blower is irrelavant(other than it running) as its basically just controlled by its own thermo switch. (if the heat exchager is hot its gonna spin and if it doesnt blow the heat exchanger gets to hot and trips the high limit)

    your symptons also sound like it could be the high limit but "generally" it will just short cycle continuosly and not actually "lock out".

    As someone already said rollout switches are almost always manual reset and they wont try 3 times before locking out.

Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Furnace cleaner recommendation

    By HiSpec in forum Home and Garden
    Replies: 6
    Latest Threads: 07-14-2014, 12:08 PM
  2. Any recommendation for a good furnace guy?

    By RX_EVOLV in forum Home and Garden
    Replies: 9
    Latest Threads: 12-26-2013, 07:45 PM
  3. Help! Looking for a useless machine (AKA Useless box)

    By spikerS in forum Computers, Consoles, and other Electronics
    Replies: 9
    Latest Threads: 11-27-2013, 01:58 PM
  4. Asking a forum fanboy for buying advice is useless

    By 911fever in forum General Car/Bike Talk
    Replies: 17
    Latest Threads: 06-02-2010, 02:15 PM
  5. Furnace help!? Any Furnace techs on Beyond?

    By BMDUBS in forum Home and Garden
    Replies: 11
    Latest Threads: 12-13-2009, 12:59 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •