10 degrees out and my furnace is dead

[HeeBGBz]

Freakin coldddddddd. I spent the night at my sisters, but now I'm back wrapped in a comforter and sleeping bag in front of a space heater.

My cats are clustered around the space heater like the homeless around a burning trash barrel.

This is going to suck.

[Sporadicus]

1. Any Idea What May Be Wrong?

If it's a newer gas furnace, it may have a 'glow plug' type of ignitor. Check to see if there's a glass viewport near the combustion chamber. Cycle the furnace and see if the element glows red, like an electric stove element. If it doesn't, there's a good chance that the 'glow plug' has burned out.

Personally, I hate this system for starting a furnace cycle. The glow plugs are extremely sensitive to shock & vibration along with environmental substances. When replacing them, the servicer MUST NOT touch the heating element, lest residual finger oils remain on it, creating a hot spot when power is applied to the element, thereby causing premature failure. The elements are also sensitive to dryer lint and dust from cat-litter boxes; dryers & cat boxes are commonly located near furnaces :mad:

Give me the old-fashioned high-voltage spark ignition systems any day! I'd even sacrifice the loss of efficiency to have a small pilot flame going constantly in order to avoid the hassles of those GD glow plugs!

Although glow plugs may run in the $50-100 range, the servicer will likely tack on a hefty charge for the labor of replacing it. Perhaps you know a handy person who could perform the task for you?

I can empathize with your plight. Stay warm!

[blueknight]

2. are you in a apt or a house?

make sure you open the cabinet doors undre your sinks and vanity to try to keep your pipes from freezing

[HeeBGBz]

3. No, it's a freakin ancient furnace

In a ancient mobile home. Last night the wind kept blowing out the pilot. When I managed to get it lit, it would run one time and go out again. It started making clunky sounds. Then finally I got the pilot to stay lit, but the furnace wouldn't engage with the thermostat.

Luckily, last night was the coldest night of the week. It will be getting warmer til at least Friday. Maybe I can figure something out by then. Today, after work, I'm gonna buy another space heater.

Gotta love that new prosperity.

I forsee this will be my last winter here in this cold red state.

[cali]

4. I can relate

I heat with wood and 3 days ago I shoved a big ol piece of wood in and dislodged a metal plate, rendering the stove inoperable. I do have back up, but it doesn't keep the place above 50. Got someone in to weld the plate back, and now I'm toasty again. What a stupid ordeal. Stay warm.

[bearfan454]

7. It might be the safety switch on the latch on the door.

If it isn't closed all the way it won't stay lit. Or the flu might be clogged or blocked thus engaging the safety shut off.

[RetroLounge]

5. I feel for you. Mine was dead last Sunday.

Thank goodness for my fireplace...

RL

[MidwestMomma]

6. Put on a pot of water to boil

It really helps heat up the place. Just make sure you keep adding water to the pot as it boils down pretty quickly.

That's what I did when I lost my furnace for a few days. Warm thoughts your way. :)

[HeeBGBz]

10. Thanks

My cooking range is non-functional as well. I cook at my sister's house which is right next door.

My pets have put aside their differences to stay warm.

[onecent]

8. When I was young my mother would turn on the oven and we would

huddle in the kitchen. Stay warm...From KC here, and it should be in the 50's tomorrow.

[thecai]

9. Leave Water running

Don't forget to leave a little water running so pipes don't freeze. Candles and the oven can help warm the temperature up a little bit. Layered clothing helps. Be careful!

[HeeBGBz]

13. Hi thecai!

It warms me that you used your first post to offer kind advice.

Welcome to DU! I'm off to work now. It will give me time to network with some peeps that might have furnace abilities.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

Big Hugs!

[Donailin]

11. can you get a heating pad?

they're only ten bucks or so at the drug store. An electric heting blanket can help you at night. I'm sorry for your trouble, I hope you get it fixed soon

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

14. Electric blankies are great. There is a lot of air infiltration here from

the blizzard winds blowing outside, and mine is keeping me toasty.

[gizmo1979]

12. call the gas company

They'll come out and fix your furnace and bill you later.Even on Sunday.Space heaters are dangerous,and really jack up your elec bill. It's probably a switch,and cost less than 100 dollars.