View Full Version : AC/Heating - smart valve
stanlil
Aug 26, 2007, 07:10 AM
We have a home (PA) that only had electric heat when we purchased 7 years ago. Added central air-conditioning. A year later added central propane heating. The heating system "died" a couple of weeks ago. The service company replaced the control board and said it worked. It did not, and they said we need a new smart valve. Technician arrived with a new valve, installed same. When it didn't work realized he had placed a valve meant for a natural gas sysstem. He left both the AC and heating system off. They told us that it is a safety issue; that they can't leave the AC on because the system is fired by propane and leaqving it on presents a safety issue. Is this true? The AC worked withiout propane when originally installed and until Friday- when theyn disconnected.( or is it just that they don't want to make a "free call", today, on Sunday). We are an elderly couple and not doing well in this sweltering heat. (They "hope" to get the new valve by tomorrow and install same).
Thank you!
esquire1
Aug 26, 2007, 07:22 AM
I suppose they had a reason for doing that. You can shut the fuel source off and still have A/C unless there is something I am missing here. Hold your own today, drink lots of liquids and hopefully the tech will arrive early tomorrow morning.
KC13
Aug 26, 2007, 10:36 AM
We have a home (PA) that only had electric heat when we purchased 7 years ago. Added central air-conditioning. A year later added central propane heating. The heating system "died" a couple of weeks ago. The service company replaced the control board and said it worked. It did not, and they said we need a new smart valve. Technician arrived with a new valve, installed same. When it didn't work realized he had placed a valve meant for a natural gas sysstem. He left both the AC and heating system off. They told us that it is a safety issue; that they can't leave the AC on because the system is fired by propane and leaqving it on presents a safety issue. Is this true? the AC worked withiout propane when originally installed and until Friday- when theyn disconnected.( or is it just that they don't want to make a "free call", today, on Sunday). We are an elderly couple and not doing well in this sweltering heat. (They "hope" to get the new valve by tomorrow and install same).
Thank you!
I agree with esquire1, there is no reason that you cannot operate your a/c system just because you have the wrong gas control. Disconnect the plug from the smart valve if this will put your mind at ease, but shutting off l/p supply is sufficient to ensure the heating system will not operate. Sounds like a more experienced tech might be in order...
KISS
Aug 26, 2007, 11:08 AM
I agree as well, besides there are other ways of disabling the heat it as well. The gas valve should be tagged out. I doubt the AC system is propane, but it can be.
rjsj0924
Aug 26, 2007, 11:35 AM
When installing a new thermostat,my a/c unit outside is not staying on,it trips breaker,believe all wires are correct,(5wire,central).is it possible there is another problem?Just seems odd to me that it worked with old thermostat
esquire1
Aug 26, 2007, 11:40 AM
Rjsj924, You have something not right if this just starten with installation of new stat. Recheck and post back with the way you have it wire.
rjsj0924
Aug 26, 2007, 11:47 AM
Esquire 1, thank you. Blue and white to RH, red to RC, white to white, yellow to yellow, green to green.
rjsj0924
Aug 26, 2007, 11:50 AM
esquire1, redid room so thermostat was disconnected for a period. Did hear loud clicking noises after installing stat (outside)
esquire1
Aug 26, 2007, 11:59 AM
Remove the blue and tape off if this stat has batteries. It is common and not needed for bat operated. Red to rc OK but put a jumper from rc to rh
rjsj0924
Aug 26, 2007, 12:06 PM
Problem I have is stat did have jumper,and according to honeywell jumper should be removed and wired as such,I have a central heat,and air,with oil
rjsj0924
Aug 26, 2007, 12:07 PM
Will try this though,and see if problem consists
rjsj0924
Aug 26, 2007, 12:16 PM
Did try as suggested,still have same problem
esquire1
Aug 26, 2007, 12:21 PM
esquire 1, thank you. blue and white to RH, red to RC, white to white, yellow to yellow, green to green.
Are you saying blue or blue with white stripe? Does this stat have batteries?
Can you go to the air handler (Furnace) And tell me how it is wired there?
rjsj0924
Aug 26, 2007, 12:38 PM
Yes does have batteries,as did old.both white wires go to y,red to c,g to g,blue and white may just be insulation,maybe white .if I turn on ac it does blow air,but unit is not working.and am not sure if when I installed stat is exactly when breaker problem arrived.But do know now that if I put air on at stat fan blows air,not real cold,obviously,I go down to breaker panel,push breaker,fan runs,then sparks in panel,at breaker,then breaker trips,like there is a short from the unit.Is it pos. it isn't stat problem?or is there a way to determine otherwise,like just touching wires together?Am 95%sure I wired as old.
esquire1
Aug 26, 2007, 12:51 PM
It is most possible something else is causing breaker problem as the stst is 24 volts.
KISS
Aug 26, 2007, 01:32 PM
WAKE UP guys!
I think a few of you are supposed to be replying to another thread. Look at the question.
esquire1
Aug 26, 2007, 01:36 PM
OK I'm awake now. rjsj0924 posted on this same post