My natural gas-fired gravity furnace was installed in the 1950s. It is a Janitrol model GDS100-15, Type S, serial number 1252B0111, manufactured by Surface Combustion Corporation, Toledo, Ohio. It uses a bi-metallic switch mounted on the pilot burner to sense the presense of the pilot flame. The switch is wired in series with the solenoid valve for the main burner and prevents the valve from opening if the pilot flame is extinguished, an obviously necessary safety feature. I would like to find either an exact replacement for the switch, or an electronic infrared flame sensor that doesn't require direct contact with the pilot flame. Suggestions please, but don't suggest that I replace my inefficient gravity furnace (100,000 btu in, 75,000 btu out) with a new forced-air furnace/air conditioner. I can't afford to do that right now.
I must begin by saying that gravity furnaces don't come with fans, Kevin! Here's your sign....
You can update your old system by installing a modern pilot flame assembly with either a new 24V gas valve or a millivolt-powered gas valve. Such conversions are possible, if you get an inventive tech, but you're going to have to spend some money. Call your local heating company and pay for an evaluation and estimate. This would be MUCH cheaper than a new furnace. Good luck.
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