Community Chat

[rms1954]

@ciao_bella is the pilot light out?  Sometimes it's something that simple.  You should have a Duraflame electric electric stove ... they have saved us many of times under those types of circumstances.

[CelticCrafter]

It was chilly in our neck of the woods this morning when I got up.

[Snowpuppy]

I lived with gas fired boiler heat once and it can be daunting!

If your burners are on (you should be able to see the flame) then you're getting gas to the unit.

You should be able to hear your pump (round cylinder) running. Your pump feeds your baseboards with hot water. When the pump goes out it will often leak before it just quits running.  

You should be able to feel warm and cold pipes above the boiler that will let you know if hot water is circulating to your baseboards. 

If you have a real hardware store near you, ask if they have a Contractor's Desk and someone they can recommend for repairs? Many jurisdictions require a plumber and not an HVAC repairman.

[ScrapHappy]

We replaced one of our furnances about 5-6 years ago when we had to replace 2 AC units.  The new AC units were not compatible with the old furnance.  It was 19 years old.  It cost $20k  Replaced the second furnace a year ago, again when we had to replace the AC unit.  Cost $8 (went up $3k in less than two years when we started pricing things out).  Went ahead and got a new waer heater.  Figured better replace it before it goes because that was also original to the house.  It never ends.

[In-x-s]

@ciao_bellaDo you have a gas water heater as well?  If that is working and you have hot water then it isn't merely a gas issue (sorry to say!)  Hopefully it is something simple like the pilot on the boiler or that the lines just need to be bled.

[ciao_bella]

@In-x-s  Thanks for your input.  The reason I called the gas company is because I have a contract with them called "Worry Free" that I pay for monthly for my gas boiler.  The contract covers replace and repair at no charge  *some things* that can go wrong with your unit.  They will be here today between 12-4, so I will soon find out if it's a part that needs replacing or something more.   p.s.  I do have hot water which is working.  About 5 years ago, the heat didn't go on and it was a part that needed replacing, which they did.  I'm hoping it's the same this time around.  

[qvcaddition]

Mine working, but not putting on.  Neither are some neighbors or my sons.

PGE so costly here.  Not as cold as some places. Was 54 degrees a few days ago, but up to 64 now.  

Didn't need a heavy robe this morning, just a sweater.  It's raining so not as cold.

[chlema]

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@monicakm wrote:

@haddon9 

We just replaced our Trane HVAC (heat pump) this summer. It served as well for 24 years. We didn't go with another Trane but I wish we had. We're not having problems with what we do have but as the commercial says, " Nothing Stops a Trane".  The new unit has a 10-year warranty.  This was my husband's decision, I sure hope we don't live to regret it.

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My Trane central a/c will be 24 yrs. next year.  It's been a great unit and this year we did have to have a few parts to replace but it worked well all summer.  I know it will have to be replaced soon but I'm told the Trane of today is not the Trane of yesterday so I don't know what I'll buy as a replacement, but whatever it is I bet it won't last for 24 years.

[ciao_bella]

UPDATE on my heating system.   PSE&G was here to assess the problem.  The heat in 3 of the 4 zones in my house are working fine.  On the zone that wasn't opening, that one zone valve needs to be replaced.  He didn't have one (Honeywell) in his service truck that would fit, so he said he's overnighting one and he'll be back tomorrow to install it.  I won't be charged any service calls or have to pay for the part or installation because I have the 'Worry Free' contract with them.  

Honestly, since this heating system is original to the house and the house was built in 1980, I went with the 'Worry Free' contract because they have certified HVAC repairmen to service any heating/ac units.  They also install brand new units, if needed.  The cost for the Worry Free contract is  $14 per month and it's with the natural gas company (Public Service Electric & Gas)  that I use, so feeling much better about not having to replace the entire heating system right now.  The Worry Free contract includes all service calls, repairs, installations and parts.  

[In-x-s]

Sounds like your Worry Free contract is living up to its name!  Very happy for you that you have heat and all is working out.  Peace of mind alone is worth what you're paying monthly.