It's dead, Jim

[offcntr]

Had the repair guy out yesterday afternoon to see why our furnace wouldn't work. After poking around for a bit, and borrowing a lighter from me, he gave me the bad news: the heat exchanger is cracked. This means exhaust gases were getting into the heating ducts, and back pressure from the blower was also smothering the burners, both of which could cause carbon monoxide. 

Unfortunately for us, the replacement part is no longer being manufactured, not surprising, considering that the furnace was old 24 years ago, when we bought the house. They're sending someone out tomorrow to give us a quote on a replacement unit.  I asked about the timeline for replacement, and was told that, as we're without heat in the cold season, we get moved toward the top of the list. It could be as early as the end of next week--when we'll be away at Clayfolk. But certainly within two weeks.

Brrr.

Comments

[dine]

oh, ugh! I'm so sorry to hear this. crap timing, but of course one doesn't tend to run the furnace in the summer, when it'd likely be less of a hassle to replace. hopefully they can get it done soon, so you're not going to be cold for too long

[ioplokon]

:( I hope it gets fixed soon. I guess you can hang out by the kiln to warm up?

[offcntr]

The gas kiln is actually at my co-op, about 7 miles away. The electric kiln here at home *will* shed some heat, once I have enough dry pots to actually fire it

Which is another issue in November Oregon.

[lydamorehouse]

Ugh. The worst.

Here's to a speedy (and relatively inexpensive) replacement.

[offcntr]

Not gonna be inexpensive, I'm afraid. In addition to the new furnace, they'll need to bring the exit ducts and chimney up to current building code.

Oh well, the money is there. (Maybe we should burn it to keep warm?)

[anais_pf]

Do you at least have a small electric heater you can plug in to warm up the room you are actually in? I have two of them and they are lifesavers at times. Of course they don't work (and neither does my furnace) when the electricity is out.

[offcntr]

The one we have will heat up a bathroom, but not much bigger space. Fortunately, my studio is in an addition with electric baseboard heat, so I can work warm there, and I brought in a chair so Denise can join me.