Something called a "calibrated draft control" has fallen off the main pipe of my oil-fired hot water baseboard furnace. Is this something I need to panic about, or can I leave it on the floor and use the furnace until I can call the oil company tomorrow morning?
posted by JanetLand
on Mar 6, 2013 -
4 answers
My electric heat pump is
icing over something fierce, and the technicians don't really have a clue what's going on. There is one theory I'd like you to comment on, and if it makes no sense, I'd appreciate alternate theories.
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posted by Stewriffic
on Jan 26, 2013 -
13 answers
Is a heat pump worth it? Online calculators are a hugely mixed bag with obvious biases on many of them, and installers all want to sell their favorite gizmos so it's hard to get a straight answer from them.
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posted by maxwelton
on Dec 8, 2012 -
10 answers
It's fall and I should have my furnace serviced. It's a 1991 furnace that has kept chugging along just fine so far (touch wood) but that I hope to be replacing in 2013, so I don't want to pay for more than a basic servicing/cleaning job now. I live in Toronto. Does anyone have recommendations as to whom I should hire for the job?
posted by orange swan
on Nov 20, 2012 -
7 answers
Help me analytical-types! Do I upgrade my current water heater to the GE Geospring Hybrid for practically free??
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posted by Thrillhouse
on Oct 11, 2012 -
8 answers
I haven't even turned the heat on yet and my gas bill is already as high as it was last winter. WTF?
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posted by mskyle
on Aug 22, 2012 -
13 answers
Is my natural gas furnace acting normal or do I need to call out the repair guys?
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posted by Zoyashka
on Jan 25, 2012 -
6 answers
What are the advantages to a newer modern gas furnace heating system vs. a 35~ year oldish pilot-light gas system?
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posted by Bodrik
on Jan 11, 2012 -
9 answers
The house I rent has forced hot air. There is a broken register on the side of the furnace which is stuck open, blowing hot air into my basement which I barely use. Can I tape this closed w/ some foil tape or do I need to replace the register? Or should I leave it open for some reason?
posted by pilibeen
on Dec 14, 2011 -
15 answers
We have an oldish (~90 years or so) house with a gas furnace and forced air heating. We're thinking of replacing the furnace and adding an AC compressor for cooling. I'm looking for recommendations for specific furnaces and compressors (brands or models), especially ones that are long lasting and/or energy efficient. We'd also like to hear stories and or warnings about setting this up in an old house.
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posted by Deathalicious
on May 26, 2011 -
7 answers
In the name of frugality, is this air return on my furnace efficient, or should I cut out the wood and replace with something allowing more air flow? ~650 sq. ft. 2 floor apartment (built ca. 1920s).
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posted by lowdirt
on May 22, 2011 -
5 answers
How can I reconfigure my Goodman GmH950703Bx furnace so that it doesn't blow all the time?
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posted by ChrisR
on Feb 23, 2011 -
3 answers
This is pretty specific, but we have a new Lennox G61-MPP gas furnace and aren't all that happy with the thermostat the contractor installed for it (Pro1 IAQ). Does anyone have any experience with other thermostats compatible with this furnace? Should be able to provide 7 day schedule, advance recovery, and multi-stage heat calls. Thanks!
posted by aught
on Feb 23, 2011 -
5 answers
I have 2 Trane XV 90 furnaces in my house the upstairs one has been unused for the season and is now not igniting. The downstairs unit has been running fine but it appears the blower motor is not coming on.
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posted by jmsta
on Feb 12, 2011 -
2 answers
What is this pile of black ash in my furnace? I don't smell gas - can I re-light it?
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posted by Toto_tot
on Jan 2, 2011 -
4 answers
Is it possible to set up a lightly-used house so that it's still usable in wintertime without keeping the heat on all the time?
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posted by swngnmonk
on Nov 23, 2010 -
12 answers
My gas furnace air intake is too loud. Am I doomed to adjusting my TV volume every 15 minutes for the rest of the winter?
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posted by Bunglegirl
on Nov 7, 2010 -
21 answers
My dog relieved herself (both, I think!) in the cold-air return for the furnace. Help?
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posted by Buffaload
on Oct 4, 2010 -
1 answer
anybody have experience with the gas company, National Grid, warranty/sevice plan for home heat?
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posted by daveo'h
on Sep 21, 2010 -
0 answers
Yet another question on furnaces (actually, boilers)--this time, propane versus oil. Does it make sense to replace my oil boiler with propane?
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posted by Gordion Knott
on Sep 17, 2010 -
5 answers
Old frame farmhouse, may or may not have firestops. Old octopus-style gravity furnace has ductwork to first floor only (but has floor registers in upstairs rooms). When installing a new furnace and ductwork in this situation, if upstairs ductwork is desired, where/how does it typically get routed?
posted by bricoleur
on May 18, 2010 -
5 answers
Getting a new furnace with a side order of asbestos abatement funtimes! Do we need new ductwork too?
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posted by clavicle
on Mar 31, 2010 -
3 answers
I'm looking for objective, research-based rankings on household heat pumps/AC and gas furnace brands. I'm not looking for individual testimonials. But I can't seem to Google up anything but company-based advertising and the ranting 'XYZ Heat Pumps Suck!' sites. Consumer Reports is quite silent on what is a major consumer investment, unfortunately. Any leads on objective information?
posted by eaglehound
on Feb 12, 2010 -
5 answers
HVAC befuddlement - Does anyone understand the consequences of having a blower on your furnace that is undersized for the A/C unit you have?
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posted by chinston
on Jan 17, 2010 -
12 answers
Yesterday I woke up to my furnace screeching like a banshee. Turned it off, and called for service, but they won't be able to get out for a while. I'm not sure when, because the service will be through my home warranty. I have a fireplace and wood, south facing windows that let in lots of sun, and a very small, not-so-awesome electric space heater. I have some questions about the combination of heating sources I should use until the furnace gets repaired.
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posted by Stewriffic
on Nov 29, 2009 -
28 answers
Its that time of the year again, when I get the furnace cleaned, install a new filter, clean the humidifier ( and install a new humidifier pad), and start it all up. In the last few years, I've seen something called the "Swordfish" advertised. Its an ultraviolet light that is connected to the furnace ductwork and kill bacteria as well as mold that passes by the light. I've read some reviews about it and it sounds as though it does work. However I'm still a little skeptical.
Does anybody have one or have any thoughts on it?
posted by Taurid
on Nov 6, 2009 -
7 answers
My Westinghouse gas furnace has been disconnected because it wouldn't shut off the gas when the pilot light was out. The fault apparently lies in the part pictured. Is there any hope of getting a replacement? Inquiries about town have been unsuccessful so far.
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posted by alexei
on Oct 10, 2009 -
11 answers
Can I get the Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency if I am buying the house right now, and the current homeowner is replacing the furnace for me?
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posted by dpollitt
on Sep 1, 2009 -
4 answers
Replacing the AC and furnace -- is now the time to buy? Tell me what you know about rebates!
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posted by amanda
on Jul 28, 2009 -
10 answers
Choosing a supplier for oil heating in north-of-Boston; first time homeowner, and first acquaintance with oil furnace. Lots of companies sent us fliers when we bought the house, but what are the criteria for choosing one of them?
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posted by aimedwander
on Jul 24, 2009 -
6 answers
Our current central air conditioner uses 20x25x2 filters, which seem to be an odd size (after searching the aisles for a bit, I asked at the local big box hardware store and the ever-so-helpful worker there implied that I was insane & there was no such thing). Anyway, I've searched online a bit & some places do indeed sell them, but I was wondering -- would it be ridiculous to just stack two 20x25x1 filters together to save myself the trouble of special ordering the correct size?
posted by zempf
on Jul 6, 2009 -
5 answers
Is genuine best in with the Aprilaire Whole-Home Air Cleaner?I am having trouble sussing out what is best for our situation. I might just have a general air flow issue.
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posted by stormygrey
on Jun 21, 2009 -
2 answers
Are there any good low-capital alternatives to electric Cadet heaters for warming and cooling my house?
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posted by msalt
on Apr 29, 2009 -
2 answers
What are the pros and cons of trying to switch heating systems from a traditional furnace to a waste oil heater that burns used gasoline engine oil, particularly for an automobile repair garage?
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posted by franklen
on Feb 27, 2009 -
10 answers
Replacing the old mercury thermostat in our old house with a programmable one for an oil furnace. The old one is a two wire hook up, one red/white and the other black. What would be the correct configuration to the new thermostat? Black to R, Red/White to W? I've searched high and low for the answer.
posted by Heatwole
on Jan 15, 2009 -
16 answers
Furnace repair filter: Can any Mefites recommend someone for furnace repair in Vancouver?
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posted by Cosine
on Jan 13, 2009 -
3 answers
[Asking for a friend:] What can I do about the stinky, wasteful oil furnace in my apartment? I'm worried about my health, and I'm not sure that the landlord cares.
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posted by TurkishGolds
on Dec 22, 2008 -
4 answers
