I have a Comfort Glow, 10,000 BTU natural gas heater, wall-mounted. I am reviewing for winter and know that I will need to repair this almost-4 year old unit. It is difficult to light and the piolt light is too high. i believe it needs a new thermocouple, but have never repaired one on this appliance. The local repair guys say they won't work on something they didn't install,,,I am certain I could find some who would, but I think this is do-able myself. If I unscrew the case I have access to the innards. Anyone else do this? I have a good appliance part store locally where I can get parts ordered. the link to RepairClinic.com doesn't seem to deal with heaters.

-- Anne (HealthyTouch101@wildmail.com), July 12, 2001

Answers

Anne, is this one of those ventless heaters? I have the propane version if so.

There are several things to look at. One is a thermocouple, which is simplicity itself to replace. you just unscrew it and screw the new one in. It does not involve messing with the gas lines themselves in any way, shape, or form.

Other things to consider include: The orifice may need to be cleaned. The pilot may need to be adjusted. The former I couldn't begin to tell you how to do, the latter SHOULD be a simple adjustment. Do you have the manual? If not write to comfort glow and ask them for a copy of the manual for your heater, then read it from cover to cover.

Personally I wouldn't suggest you actually take anything apart. If its more than the thermocouple or a simple adjustment to the height of the pilot light (with the help of the proper tools and manual) I would strongly suggest finding a repair guy who isn't a jerk to come out and look at it. Things that go "BOOM" in the night and all ... which is undoubtedly why repair.com ain't touchin' it, they don't want to get sued in case somebody manages to blow themselves up.

-- Sojourner (notime4@summer.spam), July 12, 2001.

High pilot and difficulty lighting are a sure sign of dust build up. Blow the pilot assembly and the oriface out with an air hose or a can of compressed air. Be VERY careful and check for leaks when done and BEFORE lighting.

-- Jason (AJAMA5@netscape.net), July 12, 2001.

I also have the propane version of your heater. Our repair guy showed me how to clean out the orafice and tube with a cable from a bicycle. you fray the end just a tiny bit and carefully thread it down. It will clean out all the stuck on dirt. When you get it in to the lighter, gently pull it in and out to scrub. When done, pull cable out and use your air or strong vaccume to get dirt out. I know I have done a good job if my pilot is blue with no yellow at all. I was told that the yellow is the dirt burning. Joanie

-- Joanie (ber-gust@prodigy.net), July 13, 2001.

I agree with the cleaning of the orifice - a furnace-repair guy told me that my propane furnace was malfunctioning because of a spider web that wouldn't let the thing work properly! Said it happens all the time over summer.

-- Bonnie (chilton@stateline-isp.com), July 13, 2001.

Thanks for all your comments. I can access the thermocouple to replace it and probably will go ahead and do that since it has seen a LOT of use over the past few years and I'll consider that preventive maintenance. While I'm at it, I'll use all my hot air to clean the orifice. Both of these things seem to be able to be done without messing with the gas connection.

-- Anne (HealthyTouch101@wildmail.com), July 13, 2001.

Contact www.desatech.com for technical service info on these heaters.

-- Butch Fowler (webmaster@comfort-glow-comfortglow.com), October 01, 2001.

Hey, I took care of this a while back. It all just needed cleaned on the surface. It was no problem. Thanks again. I love that little heater.

-- Anne (HealthyTouch101@wildmail.com), October 01, 2001.

Wa are having trouble with the pilot light staying, in fact now does not stay on at all. Do we have to take the whole cover off to clean or what. Sincerely Tom and Jo Singer

-- Helene Josephine Singer (josey70@juno.com), November 09, 2001.

I agree with the compressed air on the pilot orifice. It's usually just a speck of dust but I have encountered a couple of tiny spider webs. I think someone mentioned pushing something into the orifice and I would recommend against that. Anything that could change the size or shape of the orifice could mean trouble. It is a good idea to give most gas appliances a good vacuuming and a blast with some canned air every year. Dust is one of the most common causes of service calls. Be careful when you replace the thermocouple. Screw in the end that goes into the gas valve finger tight and then just another 1/3 turn or so. jz

-- jz (oz49us@yahoo.com), November 10, 2001.

Helene, Take off the front, it is usually screwed in at the sides and lifts off. Then carefully clean all the parts. How old is the thermocouple? You may need to get a new one. I am sure you know not to bend it all over the place as that will ruin it if it isn't already worn out.

-- Anne (HealthyTouch101@wildmail.com), November 11, 2001.

I recently bought a cleaning kit for non-vented natural gas stoves. Cost $15 and has detailed instructions and what you need to do the job and maintain it yourself. Made by "Comfort Glow" and bought at the local chain home and hardware shop.

-- Anne (Healthytouch101@wildmail.com), January 24, 2002.