HVAC Gas Furnace question

[skillyjack]

I have a 15 year or older Day and Night Gas Furnace/AC. Ac worked no problem this past summer. Heater is blowing cold air. Pilot light stays lit. Changed the thermostat to a newer digital one. While cold air is being blown, I go on the roof, and on the left side of the thermocouple I turn the big black valve off for about a minute, then to on...and the burners fire up every time, and I have hot air. If I drop the temp between 62 and 70 the burners will not go on from the thermostat. Naturally I can't keep doing the roof thing. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

------------------------------------- Will Latorres

[.p.jm.]

A ) Get it fixed by someone who knows WTF they're doing.

B ) Get it replaced by someone who knows WTF they're doing.

Optional follow-up activities for you - bitch about how you don't like that answer. Call me names. Complain about how this forum is not friendly enough to suit you. Whine about how all HVAC guys over-charge.

WTF kind of answer do you expect ? You just asked the equivalent of 'I drive an old Ford, it makes a funny noise and won't start sometimes, and it doesn't have much power going uphill any more. How do I fix it ?'.

The answer to that one, funny enough, is also present above.

[Grumpy]

If this is Carrier furnace call them I had friend that was screwing around with different contractor it was west of time and money call right people and not some guys know it all that I would not give them to clean toilet. I am refrigeration person but I refuse to work on something's that I don't know nothing about. This guy my friend learn it hard way on the he told you was right. Thanks for that!

[.p.jm.]

I'm curious - WTF did you just say ?

[skillyjack]

Paul...I think thats your name... You're a funny guy. That kind of wack job response was what I wanted to hear. A real man's reaction. Yea I am sure a pro will get his shot at my heater. but even they get it wrong...sometimes. problem was when I called the "pro", he was a nice guy, asian, couldn't understand his diagnosis over the cell phone...until he got to the 350.00 part. So I have had a apartment maintenance guy look at it 3 times, and a pro. The new thermostat works as good as the old one. So I am thinking the gas valve (the big black one) (I know that sounded lame)may be clogged, dirty..but when the temp is set between 70 or 80 the burner does not kick on, unless I manually hit that from the roof. So yea, I deserved the wtf's and Ford story. If I end up having to pay $500 or more, I'm getting my education on the unit before I pay up. I'm stuck with the house, so I better get used to the working and non working stuff. So I can handle the stuff I can handle, then the stuff i screw up...I'll call the pro. OK I'm ready for another beat down.

------------------------------------- Will Latorres

[.p.jm.]

There are tools for testing these things. The millivolt output of the thermocouple / thermopile, the gas pressure in and out of the valve, the control voltage(s) to the valve, etc, etc.

What you need is someone who owns these things because he makes his living with them. Not some 'apartment maintenance guy' who also does the touch-up painting and rug cleaning for new tenants, etc.

Anyone who is competent with these tools he owns should be able to diagnose the unit, and give you the detailed explanation / education ( within reasonable limits ) that you the customer deserve and are paying for.

Anyone who can't do that - should not be paid.