My furnace/heat is from a different age - before…
20 reactions
My furnace/heat is from a different age - before electronic spark igniters - and uses a thermocouple to detect heat for the pilot light. Bad thermocouple = no pilot = no heat. Just had a younger guy down here from a local heating-a/c company and I don't think he'd ever seen one without an electronic igniter. Anyway he is supposed to be trying to get me a new thermocouple which with labor is gonna end up a couple hundred dollars - but I'll have heat when the freezing temps get here. I got lucky that the pilot made it through last winter before finally giving out completely (I'd been having problem getting it to stay lit for about a year).
The guy (I keep wanting to say kid because he is pretty young) asked if I wanted him to give me a call when they found one to let me know how much it would cost and I told him not to bother, I have to have it done regardless of cost.
The guy (I keep wanting to say kid because he is pretty young) asked if I wanted him to give me a call when they found one to let me know how much it would cost and I told him not to bother, I have to have it done regardless of cost.
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Good decision to make it work regardless the cost.
I hope he will find one asap.
I hope he will find one asap.
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Not really any choice. Winter temps here drop to several degrees below 0 C (and sometimes F) for days/weeks at a time.
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I forgot it 🤦♂️ ty for mentioning it.
Let's hope a super fast good news from that tech.
Let's hope a super fast good news from that tech.
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It’s not a cheap affair, I’m afraid.💔
But it really needs to be done, no matter how expensive it is. I hope he can get hold of a thermocouple. 🙏
But it really needs to be done, no matter how expensive it is. I hope he can get hold of a thermocouple. 🙏
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Minimum $100 charge just to get them to come look these days.
That “kid” technician probably googled “thermocouple replacement” on his phone more than he worked. You’re lucky he didn’t try to sell you a whole new furnace.
$200 for parts and labor is actually a fair price for this. Thermocouples are inexpensive ($15-25) but the labor to diagnose, turn off the gas, and correctly seat the new one adds up quickly. And you’re paying for the peace of mind that it’s safe.
Smart move not waiting for the quote. When the mercury drops, you want that heat on, not in limbo while someone checks their inventory. Keep warm! 🔥
$200 for parts and labor is actually a fair price for this. Thermocouples are inexpensive ($15-25) but the labor to diagnose, turn off the gas, and correctly seat the new one adds up quickly. And you’re paying for the peace of mind that it’s safe.
Smart move not waiting for the quote. When the mercury drops, you want that heat on, not in limbo while someone checks their inventory. Keep warm! 🔥
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He wouldn't have spent more than 30 seconds trying to sell me a new one before I'd have shut him down. I'd torch the house for winter warmth before putting a new furnace in this dump. 🤣
I've replaced a dozen of them (thermocouples) in my younger days but I have physical limitations stopping me now. $200 is reasonable, it is a quick 20 minute job but it ain't something everyone could do.
I've replaced a dozen of them (thermocouples) in my younger days but I have physical limitations stopping me now. $200 is reasonable, it is a quick 20 minute job but it ain't something everyone could do.
Standing pilot plus thermocouple is a different language from spark ignition. The safety check is heat making a tiny voltage that holds the gas valve, and a tired junction means no pilot and no heat. A lot of newer techs only see boards and igniters, so this visit was probably a first. Is the replacement already on order, or still a parts hunt?
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He left with a "We'll see what we can find" which means (I know that guy that owns the shop) they'll order the part online and then show back up likely Wednesday to install it (today is Monday).
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Knowing who owns the shop makes that line readable. The order goes in, they are back Wednesday, and the bill was never really optional. A day on the calendar beats another shrug.