debugging popane heater not starting
So it has finally gotten a bit cool, so time to fire up the propane gas furnace in the house. So I open the value on the tank that I has closed last spring, and turn on the thermistat to heat for the first time in months. A bit later I feel for heat from the register – no air coming out. Downstairs, upper cover off, the exhaust fan is running ok, but no flame can be seen thru the little window. I turned off the switch on the unit, then back on. I see thru the window it light up, so it is trying to light, but no such luck. I assume no gas. Tank gauge is close to 80, value is clearly open.
So is there anything I can do to determine the problem? How can I make sure the gas is really getting to the furnance?
Replies
Does it keep trying to light? Check for blockage in the air intake.
It may take awhile for the gas to refill the line which was shut off.
I know with nat gas, an appliance off for awhile can take several mintues to "refill" the pipe between the shutoff valve and the appliance.
Propane works on higher pressure, and smaller pipe (I think)
Bad thermo coupler?
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It would help a little bit to know what kind of furnace this is -- standard, high efficiency, etc.
I assume since you see something lighting that this isn't a standing pilot system -- that a spark or glow plug lights the pilot and then the main burner. Do you see the pilot lighting, or just the spark/glow plug?
What was said about giving it time is true. It may require a dozen or so retries to get it started, since there's no gas in the lines. You might check the unit to see if there are any instructions on it for lighting in this situation.
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Thanks DanH, trying it over and over was the key. I did try it 6-7 times before, but now after another half-dozen it has finally started. I'll try to remember for next year.
Thanks to all that gave advice!