Replacement Furnace vs gas valve

[DMP]

Currently I have a 10 yr old Tempstar DC90 High Energy Effeciency furnace. While out of town over the past several weeks the flame has been going out. The service tech was out and stated that the gas valve was going and do to the age of the furnace he recommended to replace the furnace with a Maytag multi-stage, variable speed unit.

Is this the proper way to go? If so, does anyone know anything about Maytag? I can't seem to find any consumer info on the unit other than some materials on the Maytag website.

Thanks.

[beenthere]

Maytag is the high end of the Nordyne line.
Gibson,Fridgaire,Tappan, Maytag.
The Maytag has a good warranty.

At ten years of age, your current furnace should be checked if the heat exchanger is in good shape. Then if it is, you determine if you want ot repair it, or replace it.

[Skip 2 my lou]

Your profile doesn't say what part of the world you live in. This would help in estimating the way the furnace has been used and the life left in it. Ten years isn't very long for most furnaces. I would suggest a complete checkup, clean the flame sensor, and check all electrical components amerage. The problem that you described doesn't sound like a normal gas valve failure.
Beware commissioned box changers. I belive in the informed consumer, but if you get bad info in, you get bad info out.

Maytag does have some impressive gear.

[mark beiser]

Not really enough info given, and we haven't seen your furnace or installation, but most furnaces have a 20 year warranty on the heat exchanger.

Replacing it wouldn't result in much more efficiency, but you can have some benefits from increased comfort.

[DMP]

Your profile doesn't say what part of the world you live in. This would help in estimating the way the furnace has been used and the life left in it. Ten years isn't very long for most furnaces. I would suggest a complete checkup, clean the flame sensor, and check all electrical components amerage. The problem that you described doesn't sound like a normal gas valve failure.
Beware commissioned box changers. I belive in the informed consumer, but if you get bad info in, you get bad info out.

Maytag does have some impressive gear.
Thanks for your reply. I live just NW of Chicago. On 2/27 the service tech was out and cleaned the burners, ilot assembly and flame sensor. On 3/21 I had him return because there was no flame seen through the window when the furnace was calling for heat. The pilot light was glowing so he hit the bottom of the gas valve and the furnace came on.

His recommendation was to consider a new furnace and provided a written quote for a Maytag 120,000 BTU's multi speed furnace with the option to upgrade to a 2 stage furnace or Install a new gas control and ignitor.

[beenthere]

First. No pricing allowed, please edit it out.

Now is the time to get other estimates.
You may not need a 120,000 BTU furnace.
Call other companies, ask them to give you an estimate, and ask them if they will do a Manual J load calc.

Since your furnace is currently working, you don't have to make a poorly informed snap decision.

[DMP]

First. No pricing allowed, please edit it out.

Now is the time to get other estimates.
You may not need a 120,000 BTU furnace.
Call other companies, ask them to give you an estimate, and ask them if they will do a Manual J load calc.

Since your furnace is currently working, you don't have to make a poorly informed snap decision.
Sorry, was not aware of the price quote issue. Currently, the heat keeps going on and off. So, I have been tapping on the valve and it will start up. I will look into price quotes but most likely will just replace the valve for now.

[captube]

Sorry, was not aware of the price quote issue. Currently, the heat keeps going on and off. So, I have been tapping on the valve and it will start up. I will look into price quotes but most likely will just replace the valve for now.

You can go back to your 1st. post and edit out the price and stay within the rules, saves the mod's from doing it and will keep your thread alive :)

5th. post is the 1 :)

[DMP]

Thanks again. My first time doing this. I appreciate your help.

[beenthere]

Not to harp on price.
But get another price on the valve and HSI. :)

[captube]

Thanks again. My first time doing this. I appreciate your help.

Post #6 and #10 answers your question.
Good luck and have your a/c serviced if you have 1.

[burnickas]

I would not buy anything maytag for #1. #2, unless it is XXX dollars, it is like 90% eff. Kind of hard to make the delta in money back.

[burnickas]

Ment to ask, flame goes out when running I assume?

[airmn38]

Thanks again. My first time doing this. I appreciate your help.

Don't buy more than you need matag has a good warranty but how many dealers are there in your area If your relationship gets strained and it happens, you may end up paying for service anyway. The features like variable speed two stage are comfort enhancers and only produce minimal efficiency benefits. My company sold Westinghouse (a painted matag) the variable speed furnaces are obnoxious loud and not tightly adjustable. The only furnace i've ever had to remove the variable speed motor out and retrofitted a standard blower. Total time and recalls 14 hours over 7 service calls. haven't heard from the customer since he's finally happy. Good luck in your quest.

[aircooled53]

Thanks for your reply. I live just NW of Chicago. On 2/27 the service tech was out and cleaned the burners, ilot assembly and flame sensor. On 3/21 I had him return because there was no flame seen through the window when the furnace was calling for heat. The pilot light was glowing so he hit the bottom of the gas valve and the furnace came on.

His recommendation was to consider a new furnace and provided a written quote for a Maytag 120,000 BTU's multi speed furnace with the option to upgrade to a 2 stage furnace or Install a new gas control and ignitor.

If you continue to have issues with existing furnace Maytag would be a good choice . They come with 12 year factory warranty on most models and are reliable equipment.

[hvacman07]

buy maytag cant beat price and warranty

[craig1]

My company sold Westinghouse (a painted matag) the variable speed furnaces are obnoxious loud and not tightly adjustable. The only furnace i've ever had to remove the variable speed motor out and retrofitted a standard blower. Total time and recalls 14 hours over 7 service calls. haven't heard from the customer since he's finally happy. Good luck in your quest.

something was wrong if the variable speed was noisy. I've installed frigidaire and maytag VS furnaces and they are practically silent on low stage and were louder on high, but still quieter than their single speed versions. one was a little noisy due to marginal ductwork, but still quieter than the old furnace so the customer was happy. I bet the ductwork on your job was way to small and the VS was running at max RPM to jam as much air through there as possible.

[Frostie]

If it is like other tempstars, it uses a smartvalve. Get that changed and your problem will go away.