Propane heater not working?

Submitted by l0ngtrail t3_10t4z6r in newhampshire

It’s -20 outside. We have an above ground propane tank.

Our forced hot water furnace has been roaring non-stop for the last four hours, but the temp is steadily dropping from 68 to now 63.

When I go to the basement, it’s cold, but not freezing. The furnace sounds like it normally would, but when I investigate various things, I feel no heat.

It’s a 1.5 year old furnace.

The exhaust pipe is cold, the hot water pipes are cold, the furnace itself has no warm parts.

About every 30 seconds I can hear what I’m assuming are spark plugs creating an arc. I say this because that’s the only time I can see any color from under the furnace.

Any ideas? It seems like my propane line must be frozen.

From what I read online this shouldn’t happen until -40.

I’m the meantime, I’ve got some electric heaters and the oven on.

7

Comments

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cattledogodin t1_j75fh45 wrote

Liquid propane in your tank needs heat to vaporize. Basically your tank cools off as your furnace runs. Even if it is -20 ambient, it’s possible that the liquid in the tank is much colder, closer to the boiling point of -44. It’s very possible to have insufficient gas pressure with a -20 ambient temperature.

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l0ngtrail OP t1_j75ek5z wrote

I guess my question is should I turn off the furnace?

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scintilist t1_j75f58a wrote

I wouldn't, if the thermostats are calling for heat, it will keep the circulation going. Unless you are certain you have enough antifreeze in the system, there is a chance stopping the circulation could lead to a burst pipe in a cold spot.

The first place to be affected by the cold would be the tank regulator if it is outside. If you can stand it, it might be worth trying to warm it up with a hairdryer, as long as you don't smell any leaking.

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l0ngtrail OP t1_j75fbu5 wrote

It is outside. Near the tank I almost always smell it a little, but I was told this was normal due to the regulator

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scintilist t1_j75g5pc wrote

Eh, as long as its only a little it couldn't burn, but you should probably replace the regulator soon. They only leak when they wear out, but keep regulating for a long time after so people often don't bother.

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cattledogodin t1_j75fm68 wrote

Keep it on. At least if the water is circulating through the pipes, it’s less likely to freeze.

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asant88 t1_j76c34f wrote

My rinnai water heat comes up with an error too. We lost the ability to use it. Threw a few valves and have it from the oil boiler. Yee haw for back ups

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