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    brady9897's Avatar
    brady9897 Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Dec 24, 2008, 10:55 PM
    Thermostat and furnace not communicating
    I have a Weil McClain propane furnace - 20 years old. The old thermostat failed - the set point was 67 and the house got up to 82 deg. The new Honeywell, non-programable, is not talking to the furnace. I have it set for 67 and it is keeping the house at 72. What else should I consider?
    hvac1000's Avatar
    hvac1000 Posts: 14,540, Reputation: 435
    Heating & Air Conditioning Expert
     
    #2

    Dec 25, 2008, 05:05 AM
    You should first consider how much information we need to try and help you figure out your problem. Honeywell makes 50 or more types of thermostats and it would be nice to know the Exact model number so we can look it up to see what the problem is.
    brady9897's Avatar
    brady9897 Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #3

    Dec 25, 2008, 09:47 AM

    The Honeywell non-programmable thermostat model is RTH5100B. THis is the second type of Honeywell that I am trying. Both are doing the same thing the old one did - not recognizing the set temperature. The house is being maintained at 71 deg. When I have it set for 67 deg. It is a two wire system - Rh and W and the wires are hooked up correctly. It is set for heat only and no fan. So why won't the thermostat recognize the set temp.
    KC13's Avatar
    KC13 Posts: 2,556, Reputation: 99
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    #4

    Dec 25, 2008, 09:56 AM

    Odd... maybe the key isn't the reason the car won't start...
    brady9897's Avatar
    brady9897 Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Dec 25, 2008, 10:03 AM

    So if it is not a thermostat problem what else could it be since the furnace is working when called upon. The temperature is the issue.
    hvac1000's Avatar
    hvac1000 Posts: 14,540, Reputation: 435
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    #6

    Dec 25, 2008, 11:00 AM
    http://customer.honeywell.com/techli...0s/69-1716.pdf


    The above is a digital version of the install instructions. I am sure you read the instructions completely by now. There is something called a configuration menu that has to be followed EXACTLY.

    See step 10 Configuration menu and how to get there. Then use these steps and numbers.

    Step #1 = Number 2

    You will not have a step #2

    Step #3 = 0

    Step #5 = 5

    Since your furnace is 20 years old and no model number was posted I feel that you do not have a high efficiency unit just a standard unit that is the reason for the number 5 in step 5.

    MOST important ! Caulk or seal the area where the wires come through the wall behind the thermostat. Air leakage from this wall cavatity can have a adverse effect on thermostat operation. Location of the thermostat can also have a adverse effect on the proper operation due to drafts,discharge air vents etc.

    A thermostat will never be perfect. There could be up to 2 degrees of differential. By using the proper settings as described will load the proper parameters into the micro processor and allow the thermostat to control the system as the manufacturer intended. The configure settings when done properly will allow the furnace to cycle at the proper rate to maintain the proper temperature.

    Remember it is also possible that since you had this problem with the old original thermostst it could be a system problem. Make sure ALL air discharge registers are open in the entire house and no return air openings are covered. Also make sure the air filter is clean. Merry Christmas.
    KC13's Avatar
    KC13 Posts: 2,556, Reputation: 99
    Ultra Member
     
    #7

    Dec 25, 2008, 11:04 AM

    I'm not ruling the thermostat out, but if replacement didn't solve anything, consider other possibilities. I would try cycling the furnace a few times manually to make sure it turns off as it should. A jumper in place of the thermostat will do nicely.
    brady9897's Avatar
    brady9897 Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #8

    Jan 8, 2009, 10:10 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by hvac1000 View Post
    http://customer.honeywell.com/techli...0s/69-1716.pdf


    The above is a digital version of the install instructions. I am sure you read the instructions completely by now. There is something called a configuration menu that has to be followed EXACTLY.

    See step 10 Configuration menu and how to get there. Then use these steps and numbers.

    Step #1 = Number 2

    You will not have a step #2

    Step #3 = 0

    Step #5 = 5

    Since your furnace is 20 years old and no model number was posted I feel that you do not have a high efficiency unit just a standard unit that is the reason for the number 5 in step 5.

    MOST important ! Caulk or seal the area where the wires come through the wall behind the thermostat. Air leakage from this wall cavatity can have a adverse effect on thermostat operation. Location of the thermostat can also have a adverse effect on the proper operation due to drafts,discharge air vents etc.

    A thermostat will never be perfect. There could be up to 2 degrees of differential. By using the proper settings as described will load the proper parameters into the micro processor and allow the thermostat to control the system as the manufacturer intended. The configure settings when done properly will allow the furnace to cycle at the proper rate to maintain the proper temperature.

    Remember it is also possible that since you had this problem with the old original thermostst it could be a system problem. Make sure ALL air discharge registers are open in the entire house and no return air openings are covered. Also make sure the air filter is clean. Merry Christmas.

    Thanks for you help. After reading your material I noticed that the 'jump' between the two R's was missing - I have a 2 wire system. So, back to the store, got one with the jump and the problem was solved. Thanks Again.
    brady9897's Avatar
    brady9897 Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #9

    Jan 8, 2009, 10:11 PM

    Thanks for you help. After reading your material I noticed that the 'jump' between the two R's was missing - I have a 2 wire system. So, back to the store, got one with the jump and the problem was solved. Thanks Again.
    hvac1000's Avatar
    hvac1000 Posts: 14,540, Reputation: 435
    Heating & Air Conditioning Expert
     
    #10

    Jan 9, 2009, 12:01 AM
    Glad you got it going.

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