Gas furnace question:

[reader]

If I can't get the pilot light to ignite, what is probably wrong with it, and how much will it cost?

 

[Karl_K]

does it light then go out when you let go of the button or not light at all?
how old is the furnace?
When was the last time it was cleaned by a pro?

if it lights and goes out it is likely the flame sensor($25) or thermocouple($10).
If it wont light at all it could be a bad gas valve($50-$60)) or plugged orifice($0).
plus around $50-$60 for a service call in the mid-west more in a big city...
Depending on the age it might have a control board that went out also.... $100+

 

[TravelingGal]

does it light then go out when you let go of the button or not light at all?
how old is the furnace?
When was the last time it was cleaned by a pro?

if it lights and goes out it is likely the flame sensor($25) or thermocouple($10).
If it wont light at all it could be a bad gas valve($50-$60)) or plugged orifice($0).
plus around $50-$60 for a service call in the mid-west more in a big city...
Depending on the age it might have a control board that went out also.... $100+

We just had this issue.

Ours was a millivolt valve and pilot generator - materials were $150 and labor was $225 for 3 hours. Total, $375.

 

[Karl_K]

does it light then go out when you let go of the button or not light at all?
how old is the furnace?
When was the last time it was cleaned by a pro?

if it lights and goes out it is likely the flame sensor($25) or thermocouple($10).
If it wont light at all it could be a bad gas valve($50-$60)) or plugged orifice($0).
plus around $50-$60 for a service call in the mid-west more in a big city...
Depending on the age it might have a control board that went out also.... $100+

We just had this issue.

Ours was a millivolt valve and pilot generator - materials were $150 and labor was $225 for 3 hours. Total, $375.

3 hours??? wow

 

[TravelingGal]

Yup. It actually took longer as he did try to fix it without the new parts first, but didn't charge us for that time. Good thing I rent.

 

[princesss]

I'm having this issue right now! This is great information. Luckily it's my landlord's problem, but I'm storing it away for future use...

 

[reader]

One of my coworkers came over with his son and got it going in about five minutes. No idea what they did. Ok, so what should I be doing to maintain my furnace? Its an oldie from 1981

 

[Karl_K]

One of my coworkers came over with his son and got it going in about five minutes. No idea what they did. Ok, so what should I be doing to maintain my furnace? Its an oldie from 1981

get it professionally cleaned and checked every 2-3 years.
a 30 year old furnace needs the heat exchanger checked for rust and holes.
Do you have a carbon monoxide alarm in the house?

 

[reader]

I do have the alarm, and thanks, will try to find someone locally that works on furnaces.