[Marcia2009]

Hi
My furnace stopped working this morning. It's 8 degrees here in Michigan... brrrrr. :(

I checked for an error code but the LED light was on continuous. The problem was that the furnace was on (flames going) but the fan would only stay on for about 2 minutes and then turn off. I had the thermostat set at 70 and it showed only being at 60 degrees so it wasn't up to temp. The fan on the thermostat was on "auto" so I switched it to on... for about 10 minutes the heat came out and brought the temperature up to 62... then the flames went out and cold air was coming through the registers. I looked again at the LED light and it was then flashing 3 quick flashes.. stopping and another 3 quick flashes. I believe that meant an error code of 33. According to the chart on the furnace it shows 33 could be:
Limit or flame rollout switch is open (FRS) FRS requires manual-reset
Inadequate combustion combustion airsupply (FRS switch only).
Dirty filter or restructed duct system
Loose blower wheel
Defective switch or connections
Blower motor or capacitor failure

I change my filter every month so I looked at it and it's still clean.
And I'm not sure how to check the other things...

I called a furnace repair and he said it sounds like the blower motor...
Which I'm guessing is fairly costly...
Any other suggestions on what I could check before he gets here... he told me it would be at least 3-4 hours...

Thank you!

[hvac1000]

Best to wait for the service person since it is a short wait for this time of year.

[Marcia2009]

The furnace repairman left and indicated it was a flame sensor... he was gone 30 minutes or less and the furnace went off again. I called him back... he checked some more things out and determined it was the "board". A very expensive Saturday... total of both bills $1200.00. :eek:

The house is warm... furnace has stayed running... and he told me, after I asked, that there was no reason for me to think I needed a new furnace... that these things happen.

What are your thoughts... is it time? Thank you!

[hvac1000]

Total of both bills $1200.00.

I think that bill for a board and sensor is outrageous. With service prices like that I hate to think how much a furnace would cost.

I know it is Sunday but that board is probably 150.00 woops 160.00

Bryant Carrier Furnace Main Control Board 325879-751 - eBay (item 320331291059 end time Jan-20-09 10:22:38 PST)

Another 35.00 for the flame sensor

Lets say 200.00 for the parts and 1000.00 for parts mark up and labor. That is past outrageous it is insane.

With that kind of investment I would be running that furnace for some time before I would replace it and when you think of replacing it get at least 3 estimates.

I know it was cold and you had to do what you had to do but I just hate it when people are taken advantage of just because of the cold weather.

[mygirlsdad77]

Shouldn't need a new furnace. Problem is most likely solved. You did, however, get overcharged. Your problem could have been fixed for a lot less money. I know times are tough, but there is no excuse for overcharging. I would recommend using a different company next time you have a problem with the furnace.

[Marcia2009]

I feel sick to my stomach... I, like many others, are struggling during these difficult economic times, and I hate it when I get ripped off! I don't like to think this is because I am a woman. I work hard at educating myself and researching things before I jump forward.
I read the furnace manual and desperately tried to figure things out so I wouldn't sound stupid and be taken advantage of... obviously I was..

I'm not sure I have any recourse but I will for sure call the company Monday morning and give them a piece of my mind AND send them a copy of the part on eBay.

I am alone and started using this company a couple of years ago but rest assured this will be the LAST time. Live and learn.

Thank you very much for your help and information, I sincerely appreciate it.

[hvac1000]

I actually feel bad about the facts I presented to you and I hesitated to mention the price thing but I operated a very successful but small 37 man HVAC corporation for many years and never had to resort to those kind of high charges to make a good profit. Times have changed and many people are out only for themselves and not caring about the customers. I always felt that word of mouth and repete customers were what it was all about but not anymore today. Talk to the owner/manager and tell them you have been a good customer for years and you have told your friends to use there service also. Then tell them your are unhappy about the amount of the bill and see if they will make a adjustment.

Post back and let us know how it works out.

[Marcia2009]

Since my last post I did some checking to see who actually owns this company. Turns out the owner was the person that came and did the service work. For some reason that makes me even more angry.

I will certainly take your advice and contact him about the cost. I thought that before I call him I will check locally with a few other HVAC companies (long standing/reputable) and see what they charge for this part and be prepared to share that information with him.

Does that seem like a good idea? I prefer to have done my homework and talk with intelligence instead of emotion. :)

[hvac1000]

Does that seem like a good idea?

Yes I believe it is a good idea but tell them up front what parts will be needed that way the answer you will get will be as accurate as possible.

Blowing your top never works well but being well informed does.

Remember a company is entitled to make a profit on parts plus the labor but that figure now matter how you figure it was too much. Did he break down the bill? Parts $$$ labor$$$ service call$$$. Just curious.