When can these things be repaired, versus being replaced?
Forced-air gas heater didn't seem to be sending up any heat today, so I cycled it a bunch of times, then finally descended to the 10x10 basement where it lives. Flame would come on, after a minute or three, stay on for 10 seconds, then go out again. Blower kept blowing.
System was working fine two days ago - but for some years, it has had the habit of turning on only slowly, after a minute or three of waiting.
So I called one of the big chain repair places, they came in, popped off the cover, told me the pilot was getting sucked away, and this was a sign that the whole thing needs replacing, for about $10k. Plus, the water heater looks like it's had a couple of leaks, might want to replace it, too, for another $1,500.
Heat/Air is a Carrier unit circa 1984 (house much older), so it's not like a newer, higher-efficiency unit might not be a good idea anyway. Not sure of the water heater age, probably not that old.
This is a unit for a 2,000sqft house in suburban Los Angeles.
What surprises me is how quick the repair guys went to "Replace!". Can't these things be repaired? How complex is a gas furnace anyway?
The repair guys seemed to know their business, I just wonder how much of their business is doing replacement rather than repair, if you know what I mean.
Me being a total newbie on this, any advice appreciated.
Thanks.
Josh