Furnace problem question

[salennon07]

So, I have a 24 year old furnace and air conditioner. The furnace is an American standard freedom 80. I actually have something setup to get both replaced in about 10 days (was planning to with them being older). And then with my luck I start having furnace issues a couple weeks before. The problem is I live in ames and having a company from back home coming down to do it, otherwise I'm sure if it was a company here they might come help me to get me by to the replacement. Trying to figure something out as really hoping to avoid a 200 dollar service call when the entire system is going to be replaced in a few days.

Anyways, the furnace is short cycling and locking its self out while sometimes it works great for a few hours even up to a day or so. I have cleaned the flame sensor, I replaced the flame sensor..but it hasn't fixed it. The furnace has held the set temperature for the past day but now it's off again this morning. It's weird because I might have issues getting it going for a while, then after resetting it might work for a day or so just fine. I've now found out that the code is flashing for the pressure switch. I've read some stuff online that there are some tubes / condensate traps to try cleaning out.. The fact that it runs fine for a day at a time makes me think the switch it's self isn't entirely bad or I would think it would keep failing? Just curious if we have any experts on here, going to try some more when I get home .Attached a few pictures in case they help to show what I'm looking at. Thanks in advance!

 

[wxman1]

If you are going to replace it anyway I would just try sourcing space heaters from friends and family for now.

 

[CYEATHAWK]

So, I have a 24 year old furnace and air conditioner. The furnace is an American standard freedom 80. I actually have something setup to get both replaced in about 10 days (was planning to with them being older). And then with my luck I start having furnace issues a couple weeks before. The problem is I live in ames and having a company from back home coming down to do it, otherwise I'm sure if it was a company here they might come help me to get me by to the replacement. Trying to figure something out as really hoping to avoid a 200 dollar service call when the entire system is going to be replaced in a few days.

Anyways, the furnace is short cycling and locking its self out while sometimes it works great for a few hours even up to a day or so. I have cleaned the flame sensor, I replaced the flame sensor..but it hasn't fixed it. The furnace has held the set temperature for the past day but now it's off again this morning. It's weird because I might have issues getting it going for a while, then after resetting it might work for a day or so just fine. I've now found out that the code is flashing for the pressure switch. I've read some stuff online that there are some tubes / condensate traps to try cleaning out.. The fact that it runs fine for a day at a time makes me think the switch it's self isn't entirely bad or I would think it would keep failing? Just curious if we have any experts on here, going to try some more when I get home .Attached a few pictures in case they help to show what I'm looking at. Thanks in advance!

Not an expert.... but if you already haven't tried, maybe spend $30-40 and replace the thermostat. Or, just the batteries if it's a newer digital. Sounds similar to a problem we had in one of our rentals a few years back. If that isn't it, you aren't out any money because like you said.......furnace is going bye-bye anyway and you can use that new thermostat with the new install.

 

[salennon07]

Not an expert.... but if you already haven't tried, maybe spend $30-40 and replace the thermostat. Or, just the batteries if it's a newer digital. Sounds similar to a problem we had in one of our rentals a few years back. If that isn't it, you aren't out any money because like you said.......furnace is going bye-bye anyway and you can use that new thermostat with the new install.

Thanks for that advice! We actually have one of those ecobee, and it's actually powered through the common wire. That was one of my first checks :/

Probably not going to go the space heater route unfortunately because we have a 1.5 year old that is running everywhere and grabbing everything lol. Worst case scenario I think what I've been doing will get me through until they come to do the replacement unless it takes a turn for the worse. Just hoping it's an easy fix that someone might know.

 

[iowa_wildcat]

The last time that problem happened in the childless household, we turned on the oven in the kitchen and used our main level ceiling fans to distribute the warmth. About an hour at a time would warm things. At night, we tossed a quilt on the bed and slept like logs.

 

[Scott34]

Have u tried calling the company that is coming to install your new unit and seeing if they had any advice? Was just thinking they may give u an idea of what to try to atleast get u buy till they get there to replace your current units.

 

[ISU_phoria]

Not sure on a 24 yr old furnace, but I had a similar issue on mine a couple years back. A sensor in the exhaust fan that measures pressure (in case of a clogged vent/exhaust pipe) had gone bad. If that sensor detects too much pressure, it will shut off the furnace. Sometimes the pressure is right on the border so it (furnace) will work occasionally, but not always.

You may want to confirm no obstructions (nests/hives, etc) are in the exhaust or possibly you need to replace the sensor (which is what fixed mine).

Good luck

 

[brotting]

Have you disconnected the hoses to the pressure switch (upper right in first picture) and blown through them? Condensate can build up in strange places. Also as some one mentioned verify your exhaust is clear. If those two are clear it definitely points to the switch or less likely but possible the control board.

 

[salennon07]

Have you disconnected the hoses to the pressure switch (upper right in first picture) and blown through them? Condensate can build up in strange places. Also as some one mentioned verify your exhaust is clear. If those two are clear it definitely points to the switch or less likely but possible the control board.

I was out of town last night (been monitoring temp) and it ran perfectly overnight but out again this morning. We're heading back home in a few hours and I will try those hoses. Do you typically pull the hose off in all 3 spots? When I was looking at it the other day it seemed like the connections to the two switches would be pretty difficult to get off while the third looked okay to remove. I'm not the most handy in this area obviously and wanted to make sure I didn't break something else.

 

[IceCyIce]

There are a multitude of issues that is could be. The most serious would be a cracked heat exchanger resulting improper firing and CO emissions. I would have someone qualified look at it immediately. If there is a CO issue replace now. If not you will need to determine is $200 is worth freezing your ass off another two weeks.

PS. Space heaters lead to fire.

 

[ruflosn]

I have an EdenPure you can borrow.

 

[Acylum]

Not sure on a 24 yr old furnace, but I had a similar issue on mine a couple years back. A sensor in the exhaust fan that measures pressure (in case of a clogged vent/exhaust pipe) had gone bad. If that sensor detects too much pressure, it will shut off the furnace. Sometimes the pressure is right on the border so it (furnace) will work occasionally, but not always.

You may want to confirm no obstructions (nests/hives, etc) are in the exhaust or possibly you need to replace the sensor (which is what fixed mine).

Good luck

The same thing can happen with the condensate line if it becomes plugged. I had something somewhat similar happen once, but it actually had nothing to do with the furnace. When the temps got down to around zero or below, the furnace would be fine actually, but our water heater would go out. It ended up being a restriction in the meter whenever it got cold enough. Apparently it was only bad enough to effect the water heater which was downstream from the furnace.

 

[cstrunk]

Do a lot of cooking/baking with your oven.

 

[BCClone]

Do a lot of cooking/baking with your oven.

Better yet tell the wife that vigorously moving your body will warm the place up.