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Arf140 · Dec 11, 2008, 04:27 PM

I have a White-Rodgers Thermostat model 1F86-244 and I seem to be having a problem with its operation during the day. For the past few days when I get home from work the room temperature is really cold (thermostat is set at 68, but the room temp is about 56) as if the heat has not been running during the day. The thermostat is normally set with the fan to AUTO and the temp on HEAT. When I get home, if I switch the thermostat to OFF and then back to HEAT, it will kick on and start to heat up and the fan will come on to blow air. After a while, the house will eventually heat back up, and it will work properly throughout the night and morning, but once I get home from work the next day, it's the same all over again. I worry about leaving my animals at home during the day if the heat is not coming on, especially as it starts to get colder.

I have tried just about everything, including resetting the thermostat according to the instructions and I have replaced the AA batteries in it. It is not a programmable model, so it should be keeping the same temperature for which it is set. This has happened several days in a row, so I do not expect that any kind of power outage is causing the problem. The thermostat is only a few years old, but should I have it replaced, or is there something else I should check? Furnace is a Rheem natural gas, forced air unit and it seems to be working OK after I turn the thermostat off and back on when when I get home.

Please help!

Thanks!

mygirlsdad77 · Dec 11, 2008, 04:51 PM

Are you dead set on a programmable thermostat? If not, then replace existing thermostat with a nonprogramable themostat. This will eliminate thermostat problem. If problem persist(as I believe it will) then we will try to help detect problem of furnace.

Arf140 · Dec 11, 2008, 04:58 PM

The current thermostat is not programmable, meaning it can not be programmed to change temperatures at different times, that's why this problem is so confusing.

Does the problem lie with the furnace?

MarkwithaK · Dec 11, 2008, 05:07 PM

Just to spitball here, maybe the fact that it happens during the day is a coincidence. Maybe your flame sensor is dirty. Not totally dirty but enough to fail intermittently. I had the same problem last year and cleaning the sensor pretty much solved it. Pull it, clean it and see what happens. Can't hurt.

mygirlsdad77 · Dec 11, 2008, 05:45 PM

Sorry, just assumed you had a prgramable.

Yes, I would say problem lies in furnace. Start by following marks advice. Very likely your problem will be solved. Dirty flame senser is very common and will cause intermittent furnace problems.

Let us know if you need help locating flame senser. However, we will need make and model of furnace. Posting a picture of the inside of the furnace would also help immensly. The more pics the better.

Arf140 · Dec 11, 2008, 05:56 PM

The furnace is a Rheem/Ruud Deluxe Drum 90 Plus, model number UGED-07EMAGS. I'll try to get picture soon.

Arf140 · Dec 11, 2008, 06:33 PM

A picture should be attached, hopefully you can see it OK and help me find the flame sensor so I can clean it. Thanks for the help!

Arf140 · Dec 11, 2008, 06:34 PM

If you need more pictures let me know and I'll try to get them.

wmproop · Dec 11, 2008, 06:44 PM

Is this furnace in a mobil home?

Arf140 · Dec 11, 2008, 07:20 PM

No, its not a mobile home. It's a smaller 3 bedroom home.

greghvacguy · Dec 11, 2008, 08:07 PM

There is no flame sensor on this furnace. It is done by the HSI. Check the omhs on it if over 80 put new one in. Check the heatexchanger they go bad seen a lot. If this is on propane stop using it and call you local HVAC. They recalled this unit if on propane (IF IM NOT MISTAKEING ON that) not sure if its on natural gas need to look in to that.

mygirlsdad77 · Dec 12, 2008, 07:09 PM

I agree, time to call a pro for onsite help. Better to be safe than sorry. I believe that this furnace is outdated. Maybe time to upgrade. Rheem makes an excellent furnace(these days). Looks like they may have messed up with this particular model.

mygirlsdad77 · Dec 12, 2008, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by wmproop

is this furnace in a mobil home?

My thoughts exactly. Looks like a mobile home furnace(thought coleman/red t had a monoply on them. Lol. Whatever this monster is, it only has on oriface, time to update to a better system.

hvacservicetech_07 · Dec 12, 2008, 07:17 PM

The Rheem drum furnace is very dangerous, my advice is to call a pro,they can be pretty tricky to work on.

hvacservicetech_07 · Dec 12, 2008, 07:19 PM

At the very least this furnace needs a good tune up, te filter is laying right on the blower housing.

KC13 · Dec 12, 2008, 07:55 PM

The Imperial Drum design is not very fail-safe or reliable. I will never replace one of these heat exchangers again... okay, I know they aren't available any longer, get off my wave dude! Even Rheem finally realized their mistake...