Does anyone know of a good and affordable heating company in the Atlanta area?
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The flame is not igniting in the furnace that heats our upstairs, but the downstairs furnace works fine. We're thinking it might be the flame sensor. Thanks!!
20 answers
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You can search for HVAC contractors at the top of the page. They should be able to give you references and quotes.
3po3
on Dec 06, 2011
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Does your furnace use a hot surface ignitor or a pilot light? The ignitor glows red then the gas comes on. While the pilot light is just that a small flame that lights the main gas when it comes on. If the flame sensor or thermocouple has failed this prevents the pilot light from staying on. If that is the case you need to replace that part. Thermocouples cost around $15- $30 depending on brand and length. Most are universal mounted. Any appliance supplier sells them. Hot surface ignitors run around $40 or so. They act both as a heater to ignite the gas as well as the thermocouple by keeping the gas on when the furnace is calling for heat. Have you called your local gas supplier? Most times they will charge you on your monthly gas bill for the repair. They also come out pretty much 24 hours a day if its really cold out.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Dec 07, 2011
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The HVAC search yielded no good results for me here, sorry to say. I had to search via my personal network. After checking out the main advertised technicians in the Atlanta it was painfully obvious that in the land of HVAC there is a lot of smoke and mirrors going on to keep everyone confused and at their mercy. Personally I don't like that.
Paul M
on Dec 07, 2011
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Thank you for the advice guys, and thanks so much for doing a search Paul. After doing a search myself, I really wasn't sure who to go with either. Woodbridge- Really appreciate all of the info! Our furnace uses a pilot light. I called our gas supplier, but unfortunately they don't do any repairs. Do you think if we bought the thermocouple, it's something we might be able to install ourselves?
Pizazz Floors & Interior Design
on Dec 07, 2011
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Pizazz....I've replaced a handful of these over the years for my clients. Its pretty easy from what needs to be done...its just that in some cases the "mechanics" of doing it is a little challenging. Tools that make the job easier are magnetic screw driver tips ...or sockets on a flex head. Dropping a screw in an awkward place is a pain in the ass. Some units are designed better than others and the access is pretty easy, some you need child sized hands with monkey length arms.
KMS Woodworks
on Dec 07, 2011
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Yes its not to hard as KMS said. Just be sure to turn off gas at unit, and power as well. The thermocouple can may be able to be purchased at the Home Depot as I saw some there today when I was there. The little rod shaped item sometimes just pulls out of the holder next to the pilot light and simply screws into the gas valve. Just be sure this is it. Try lighting the pilot to see if it stays on. If it does not, that is the issue. I would take a photo of the way its installed so once its out and your putting it back in, you have a reference on how it was installed. It may be easier to remove not only the thermocouple but the pilot light hood as well Simply and carefully remove the little aluminum pipe off of the gas valve as the same time and then the one screw that holds everything together. Then once out you can remove the thermocouple off of the pilot light hood. Reassemble and install.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Dec 07, 2011
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Ok great, thanks so much KMS and Woodbridge! Unfortunately, I don't have monkey length arms, but I think we'll give it a try :) Woodbridge, I really appreciate the advice..you're awesome!
Pizazz Floors & Interior Design
on Dec 07, 2011
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Pizazz, have you checked youtube for a video? I've found videos on there that helped me figure out some things I needed to DIY at home. You'd be surprised. Here is a quick search I did on replacing a thermocouple in a gas furnace: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=replace+thermocouple+gas+fireplace&oq=replace+thermocouple+gas+fireplace&aq=f&aqi=g1&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=9412l18874l0l31705l34l25l0l12l12l0l400l2781l0.6.1.4.1l12l0
Teresa D
on Dec 07, 2011
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Try Joe at Omega Air - I've used him on 100s of projects and never had a an issue with him....great service at good pricing. 404-438-0353
HandyANDY - Handyman & All Repairs, LLC
on Dec 07, 2011
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Thats so helpful, thank you Teresa! I really appreciate it. Andy, I think we are going to try to repair it ourselves but if that doesn't work I'll definitely give Joe a call. Thanks for the referral!
Pizazz Floors & Interior Design
on Dec 07, 2011
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If you wasnt so far I would come and take care of that for you tomorrow.
Leo Handyman Services LLC
on Dec 07, 2011
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I replaced the flame sensor myself last year and it worked! I also had to replace the sensor in my humidifier. Might as well check all of the sensors and replace whichever ones look worn before they do not work on a cold day. There are many great how to videos on youtube that make you feel like a pro for simple repair tasks.
SawHorse Design Build
on Dec 07, 2011
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Excellent! Congrats SawHorse! I know you feel a sense of relief and accomplishment.
Teresa D
on Dec 08, 2011
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I wouldn't recommend working on a gas furnace yourself unless you are knowledgeable in the field. Remember this is GAS heating. Just because you get your heat to come on, doesn't mean that you have fixed it. I've gone out to homes to where someone's "buddy" has tried to fix the furnace but by passed all the safety switches which keep the home from burning up. Unless you KNOW HVAC, call or established a relationship with someone who is an expert in it.
Leo Handyman Services LLC
on Dec 08, 2011
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That's awesome SawHorse! Uh oh Leo, now I'm worried for us to take it on ourselves! My husband is actually the one who would be doing most it, and he isn't too knowledgeable in that area. Do you think watching some videos would help or do you think it really is too risky to change ourselves?
Pizazz Floors & Interior Design
on Dec 08, 2011
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SawHorse, I thought I read "last night" instead of "last year". The sense of accomplishment has probably worn off by now. lol But congrats all the same.
Teresa D
on Dec 08, 2011
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Teresa- it always seems to have problems when the temp is extreme. Luckily one of my technicians lives down the street so I can get the parts from him.
SawHorse Design Build
on Dec 08, 2011
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Changing the thermocouple is a easy DIY job. I am sure your husband can accomplish this on his own. Your not touching the gas side of the system other then the pilot light tube and as long as you do not kink it and you tighten up everything once done you will be fine.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Dec 08, 2011
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As woodbridge noted above ...sometime you do not even need to touch the pilot line...it all depends on the configuration of your system. I've done a couple where the thermocouple just snapped in at the pilot. the repair took about 5 minutes
KMS Woodworks
on Dec 09, 2011
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Thanks Woodbridge and KMS, you give me confidence! I think we'll try to do it this weekend. I'll let you know how it goes.
Pizazz Floors & Interior Design
on Dec 09, 2011
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