RadiDaddy
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It was just a little sensor that needs to be cleaned periodically. The service tech showed me what to do the last time it happened over a year ago (which was pretty awesome of him, cuz it costs him a couple hundred bucks for a service call).
PenguinNamedWobbles
Nice one. We've had problems with a sensor that makes the fan stop spinning. They were going to quote me on a new sensor, then it turns out that part is backorder like 3 months.
JackieTreehornProductions
Flame sensor. They get corrosion/buildup and you have to scrape it clean if it's minor or replace it if it's too far gone. Had mine go out when it was -25 out in dead of winter at 1 am. Emergency HVAC call and $350 later heat was back on at 3 am. Temp in the house dropped from 68 to 61 and my house is less than 10 years old and well insulated (MN). I now have that system serviced every 2 years and the flame sensor specifically cleaned or replaced to prevent another night like that.
Soboredwithlife
Hope you told her she'll be able to catch it faster.
AllTheGoodOnesWereGone
Many of the most common appliance problems are easily DIY fixable via detailed YouTube instructional videos. It's really quite wonderful. I've repaired the gas dryer (solenoid coil failed) and gas oven (igniter failed). And almost fixed the fridge's defrost timer but it actually turned out the compressor was the problem and that's not really DIY. But most of these things have some easily replaced piece that seems to fail as part of "universal repair person employment".
hockey4mal8
You tube and (dare I say it) AI, can help you sort a lot of shit out.
WhattaMattahYou
Teach your wife, best there's both of you knowing how to fix it.
RadiDaddy
I told her the basics, but detailed instruction wouldn’t be a terrible idea.
Tattooedpariah
Awesome, everyone starts somewhere, great job! Love the little dopamine when a quick fix is successful, just remember, the more you start doing, the more same day trips to the store you'll have, don't let it discourage you!
orthodoxorthography
Fixing appliances with tools does make me feel like a big man like very little else does. No idea if my wife exaggerates her amazement for my benefit, but she's always elated when I do stuff like "yeah babe, I fixed the washing machine, just opened it up and popped the belt beck on, no need to call someone."
klean9
HUSBAND MODE ENGAGED
redtruck
I guess the service tech didn't fix it.
RadiDaddy
The sensor requires periodic cleaning.
redtruck
Gotcha! Cleaning is not fixing, though. Yes I'm fun at parties.
apratimroy
Quick DIY fix turns homeowner into appliance whisperer - one screwdriver, zero professional fees, infinite dad pride activated!
Qra037ca24
That's is a great achievement .
Lassannn
Congrats on the sex.
measuredby5
Did you go home or tell her to put on a sweater?
Mikataki
Hell yeah.
ElbowDeepInAGoblin
Good thing you added text 'cause the image text alone reads like 'Tech guy nailed my wife last time so I was like I'LL FIGURE IT OUT'.
RadiDaddy
Really? It looks fine on my screen. Hmm…
n0n53n53
"Honey, the furnace is broken AGAIN, I guess you have to call Todd to come fix it while you're at work again"
pinkypiesbutt
Get the schematic of the components. Stock new sensor, filter, control module, capacitor (AC), etc. Everything for HVAC work is on line and in forums. signed, A Homeowner
Kibblez
BadPunsAplenty
That's awesome. I woulda answered "Well, have you tried motivating it by offering it chocolate after a 5k?"
redditmcredditface
from working on my own appliances, even my HVAC. All of it is modular and you can easily find pretty much any part. Also, there is always a Youtube video walking you through it.
knotch2
Men like to feel useful. We enjoy fixing things and teaching others how to fix them. There is no secrets only a deep sigh and saying "fucking knees" and then fixing whatever it is.
RadiDaddy
I’ve even got the requisite bad knees!
knotch2
Nice, at man camp we will give you the "damn these knees" merit badge. It comes with a beer or shot of whiskey and a pair of tan cargo shorts.
RadiDaddy
Sounds like my kinda camp, although I seldom wear shorts. I have tan cargo shorts, but they quit fitting me about 20 pounds ago.
drduffer
Who do you think you’re going to call when the thing shits the bed and needs to be replaced?
ChiLLeCheeze
Bad furnace! No ashes on the bed! *Cocks shotgun* That's the last time for you.
InconspicuousLampshade
Our furnace stopped switching on during the winter and it was scary cold inside. I really couldn't believe it and I was particularly worried about the little kids. Out of desperation I tinkered with the furnace and found one funny little piece of spring loaded metal was the problem. I didn't know how to fix it, but at least while I held it down the furnace would run. I spent a lot of time holding that thing until the house was a decent temp and it helped us until we could get a professional.
klean9
RadiDaddy
That’s fantastic!
lazybuthappy
You are not useful
Mack1986
Whwre you "polish" the metal.probe with a dollar bill?
RadiDaddy
I used a bit of fine sandpaper, but yeah.
YpsilantiRomani
What sensor did you clean?
RadiDaddy
I believe it was the flame sensor.
YpsilantiRomani
Ok, you may want to go ahead & buy a replacement, in my HVAC classes they say to use a very fine emery cloth, or better yet a dollar bill, sand paper will cause scratches that will collect carbon, & create hotspots cause it to fail/burn up sooner. They aren't usually very expensive. I just got a replacement for mine with the igniter for $28.
RadiDaddy
It was very fine sandpaper, but I’ll definitely keep this in mind. I appreciate the heads up. We’re almost done with heating season, so hopefully I could get one in plenty of time should they become hard to get.
PersonalityFire
Yep, flame sensor. They get a bit dusty and the furnace shuts off once the flames turn on. Very common problem, and quite simple to clean.
iktome99
This is called a thermocouple right?
IHateToTurnUpTheVolumeOfMyTvBecauseMyCatIsSnoring
No. It's an optical sensor. Sensing the brightness of the flame. If no flame is detected after ignition, the fuel is shut off.
A thermocouple is fancy speak for thermometer
sparrowace
Never heard of any resedental furnace using one of those before and i work in hvac??
IHateToTurnUpTheVolumeOfMyTvBecauseMyCatIsSnoring
Might be different where you are, I'm in Europe. Both gas and oil use these type. It of course also depends on the manufacturer. So what do yours use?
sparrowace
Yyp! It uses That or a flame sensor (kinda the same but work diffrently)
Lun4ticH1gh
It's not typically dust on a flame sonsor, it's oxidation due to being in the flame being sensed. This can be removed from the sensing rod with a scotch-brite pad (NOT sandpaper, NOT gritcloth), and keep the sensor accurately sensing flame.
PersonalityFire
Cool, thank you!