I could really use some HELP!!!

[Jackie]

Does anyone know anything about furnaces??? Mine went out. I can smell the gas and the fan will start, but I don't know why it won't light. Obviously the pilot is out, but I don't know how to start it.

My husband is not home to help me and my neighbor was unable to help as well. Can anyone offer advise? I turned it off for now to eliminate the gas problem, but I know I can't get a repair guy out until tomorrow at best. I'd apprectiate any advise or help I can get. Please call 303-five-nine-three-2444.

[Patrolman]

If you can smell gas, then you likely have the style with the pilot light, and the pilot likely went out. My furnace has an electronic igniter that sparks each time the furnace starts. That means the gas is shut off between uses. If you have the pilot style, there should be instructions on how to light the pilot. They might be inside one of the covers.

[Jackie]

Nope. I just took both covers off and there are no instructions to light the pilot. I turned the gas off at the valve and turned the thermostat to "off". Mine is a York - and yes, it has an electiric starter which we have already replaced once.

[Aaron]

I know nothing about heaters except, if you smell gas, get out!

[Jackie]

Thanks - I think I caught it quick enough and I've cracked one of the basement windows open just in case... UHG. This kind of thing always happens on a Sunday when everything is closed. I'll get a repair guy out here in the morning and my daughter and I will bunk-up tonight for extra warmth!

[scout man]

If it is the electric start, then probably not a lot you can do other than replace it. I would come help you with a gas pilot, but I am not furnace technician. I will offer up an electric spaceheater though if you need one! Im not all that close to you though, but I would even meet you in the middle if you wanted it.

[Jackie]

Thank you so much, Steve. I truely appreciate the offer. I have a space heater so we are not desperate. I'll manage to get it fixed..., it's just getting cold in here!!!

[scout man]

yea, we lost electricity the first single-digit night we had this year. I was watching the new and they said "tonight will be in the single digits..." then the electricity went out and didnt come back untill 10am thanksgiving morning. It was 49 in the house when it came back on.

[Jackie]

I've been there. The last time our furnace went out, it got down to 40-something in the house (and I work from home on a computer...Yeah... fingers don't move.). I wore my winter jacket and went to work in my living room!

[Patrolman]

This might be the night to do some baking and other things. Take a nice hot shower. ;) I remember doing things like that when we didn't have heat many years ago. The oven was baking like crazy and kept the house at a reasonable temp.

[southpaws3]

X2 w/ patrolman after your sure you turned off the the gas to the furnace (and your sure) fire up some chocolatechip cookies w/walnuts ( i'll buy some )! when we lived on post and our furnace went out .
we camped out in the living rm and kitchen, but kepted the oven on and cooked -ALOT!haha

[Jackie]

Haha! I just had two more neighbors come over and take a look. They think I'm right. It's the electronic ignitor shot to crap. Oh Well. I'll call a repairman in the morning. It's not death-defying cold, so we'll be fine! Thanks for the support guys!

[Brody]

Sorry Jackie. I didn't see this until this AM or I would've come by. I guess we go to bed too early....

[Jackie]

No worries... I got a furnace guy coming out first thing this morning. Thanks though! (It is COLD in here this morning):eek:

[Brody]

Next time you have a problem like that give me a shout. I have been in the construction business for 45 years and probably can fix problems like that. I don't just do fab and mechanics....

[upnover]

I have had this issue about every two years and always when I leave town and the wife is alone with the kids. I am sure they will get it all taken care but of I would buy a 2nd lighter. Very easy to install.

[Brad]

I got a tip from a HVAC guy to remove the ignitor and clean it with some 3M scotchbrite pad. Preferably green. then reinstall. I have kept mine working for over 2 years this way. Just gets too many deposits on it and stops working.

[Jackie]

$469 later...my house is warm again.:mad: Seemed a bit much to me for an ignitor and a cleaning, but it's done now.

[Chris]

Ouch! Ain't home ownership grand!

Glad you have heat again!

[Brad]

$469 later...my house is warm again.:mad: Seemed a bit much to me for an ignitor and a cleaning, but it's done now.

I paid $200 through Moose heating, he gave me the tip so I did not have to call again. Sorry it was so much Jackie! Next time give one of us a call.
I am a natural handyman and have fixed pretty much everything on my own house.

[Ardent]

Too little, too late, but here's a good link for future reference

http://www.hvac-for-beginners.com

[latva0311]

I got a tip from a HVAC guy to remove the ignitor and clean it with some 3M scotchbrite pad. Preferably green. then reinstall. I have kept mine working for over 2 years this way. Just gets too many deposits on it and stops w
do not touch the ignitor with your bare hands the oil form your skin will cause pre-mature failure i.e. cause it to crack . Now you can pull the flame sensor and clean this with some sand paper. but by the sounds of things you have it figured out now. It sucks that you had to pay so much it is only about an $80.00 part. But I am clad that you have heat again.

[Rob]

$469 later

Wow, that does sound steep. Hard to argue price when they know you need heat and aren't price shopping.