Looking for advice on an HVAC issue, hoping the only answer is not to replace the system.
Have an older home built in 1970s, with the original GE HVAC combo unit and lived there over 10 years; never really had problems with it (except one) until now when it’s been a rental for the last 4 months and so of course it’s acting up.
The only problem we had in 10 years was the CamStat fan switch that senses the temperature and turns on/off the fan when in heat mode. When the tenant took over, I had the same problem come back and I had to replace that switch again because it was sticking and not shutting off the fan - things went back to normal. This time my wife called up a friend who works in HVAC but he didn’t have the part and said he couldn’t really touch the unit due to its age. He did test it out and confirmed there were no safety concerns with cracked manifold and emitting carbon monoxide into the house, which was great. He also said a replacement unit would likely end up in the $8-10k range if I replaced it along with the AC that we assume is the same age. Since it functions I’m crossing my fingers.
Fast forward and now tenant is in cooling mode for summer, but for some reason last week we had a cold weather pattern and she wanted to run heat in the morning because I guess they don’t own blankets or sweaters, lol - but it wouldn’t turn on heat.
I went by and pretended to tinker with it. Didn’t see anything abnormal looking. Removed the old thermostat (date from 2003!!!) and was able to force the heater flame to light up by crossing the wires manually - so I thought for sure it needed a new thermostat.
Replaced thermostat and the issue persists. AC functions fine, it’s only heat. Thermostat clicks to send signal but the furnace isn’t responding. Stumped because it worked when I crossed the wires but won’t work via a thermostat.
Hoping this is a simple electronic issue as I don’t have $5-10g sitting in my pocket to replace a heater as I just bought another house. HVAC guys I’m guessing will say unit is too old just like the friend said. I’d really like to be able to keep it going at least 2-3 years and later I’d likely have funds to replace with a split system or something like that instead.
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