Are These Stove Flames Normal?

[TromboneAl]

UPDATE

The furnace continued failing to ignite occasionally, even after having the pressure raised and installing a new regulator.

The furnace swapped it out for a new furnace, no charge. Since then, it's worked flawlessly.

The theory seems to be that pressure was low. As a result, the new furnace sooted up such that it was no longer usable/fixable. That low pressure may have been the cause of the failure of the last furnace.

What should have happened: Either the furnace guy should have tested the pressure and said, "You have to fix this before we install the new furnace," or the new furnace should have refused to run at all with that lower pressure.

[TromboneAl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TromboneAl UPDATE The furnace continued failing to ignite occasionally, even after having the pressure raised and installing a new regulator. The furnace swapped it out for a new furnace, no charge. Since then, it's worked flawlessly. The theory seems to be that pressure was low. As a result, the new furnace sooted up such that it was no longer usable/fixable. That low pressure may have been the cause of the failure of the last furnace. What should have happened: Either the furnace guy should have tested the pressure and said, "You have to fix this before we install the new furnace," or the new furnace should have refused to run at all with that lower pressure.

Now the new furnace is failing to ignite in the same way.

Any idea what could be going on?

I'm ready to hire a new company and get a different brand of furnace, but could there be something wrong with the gas supply?

[samclem]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TromboneAl Now the new furnace is failing to ignite in the same way. Any idea what could be going on? I'm ready to hire a new company and get a different brand of furnace, but could there be something wrong with the gas supply?

It is very unlikely that you have faulty gas, but maybe worth asking neighbors if they are having issues.
Unlikely, but possible:. Does it only fail to ignite when another gas appliance is running? This could lower pressure at the furnace even if the NG pressure at the meter/regulator is right.
More likely is a problem with the thermocouple/sensor. If it doesn't sense the heat of the flame, it won't send more gas. If this is a new furnace, this would likely be a warranty issue.

[ERD50]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TromboneAl Now the new furnace is failing to ignite in the same way. Any idea what could be going on? I'm ready to hire a new company and get a different brand of furnace, but could there be something wrong with the gas supply?

Should have done that a long time ago.

This isn't rocket science, but the issues need to be understood. You and the company seem to be shotgunning this. If the problem is gas supply, a new furnace isn't going to fix it. Every brand has similar ignition systems, and many of the parts are generic commodity parts.

You are on propane right? Others are assuming utility NG supply I think. So I'd definitely start with your gas supply and get a company that knows something. They should measure pressure and validate good supply to all fixtures and make sure that you stay regulated with everything on at once. IIRC, you have a tank-less water heater that's going to be a big draw on propane. Did any of these guys monitor the furnace while drawing hot water at least?


Maybe call the furnace manufacturer, maybe they can recommend an installer that actually knows their brand?

-ERD50

[TromboneAl]

Thanks for the help.

No, it happens even when no other gas appliances are on.

Our propane comes from a tank in our side yard.

Yes, we tried it with everything on at once: Dryer, tankless water heater, all stove burners running. Pressure was fine, furnace ran okay. Measured by propane company and furnace guy.

Had the propane company out, got a new regulator, everything is okay, according to them.

The furnace guy has been in touch with the manufacturer.

He says he's installed hundreds of these units.

What a pain. Will I be able to say: "Okay, take your furnace and I want my money back?"

[NW-Bound]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TromboneAl ... Our propane comes from a tank in our side yard...

I remember reading about this story from a full-time Canadian RV'er.

She was heating her motorhome with an external tank. When it got really cold, she could not get the liquefied gas to evaporate to light her furnace.

The LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is actually a mixture of propane and butane, with small concentrations of other hydrocarbons. Propane has a lower boiling point than butane. When it is cold, a tank of liquefied butane may not vaporize enough to have the same pressure as a tank of liquefied propane.

Is it possible that your tank has depleted itself of propane which vaporizes first, and you are left with mostly butane, which causes low pressure? And does your problem with the furnace happen mostly on colder days?

[TromboneAl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NW-Bound I remember reading about this story from a full-time Canadian RV'er. She was heating her motorhome with an external tank. When it got really cold, she could not get the liquefied gas to evaporate to light her furnace. The LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is actually a mixture of propane and butane, with small concentrations of other hydrocarbons. Propane has a lower boiling point than butane. When it is cold, a tank of liquefied butane may not vaporize enough to have the same pressure as a tank of liquefied propane. Is it possible that your tank has depleted itself of propane which vaporizes first, and you are left with mostly butane, which causes low pressure? And does your problem with the furnace happen mostly on colder days?

Good idea, but we had a recent propane delivery. Also, it doesn't get cold here.

[target2019]

I'd look at the tank and how lp is distributed to stove, water heater, furnace. Document every characteristic of distribution. Line sizes, couplings, and so on.

[Jerry1]

Is there any way you can start over? Similar to a computer reboot. Get a new tank, new fuel, blow out the entire system and restart every appliance. I know it sounds drastic but you need to get this resolved. The other thing is to find another propane expert. I believe your root problem is the fuel. Whether that be the quality of the fuel or the pressure or the system (various size pipes, etc.) something is wrong.