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Old 10-12-2019, 04:41 PM   #1
ATXCharlie
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I want to *disable* my furnace - how?

Howdy!

I never use my furnace and I don't want to turn it on, ever, including by mistake. Ain't want no fan, no heat, no flame!

Any idea how I can disable it? I thought maybe I could just disconnect a wire in the thermostat, but since there are only 3 it seems like that isn't the answer. Thermostat is a Dometic with 3 buttons - mode, plus, minus.

I don't see any circuit breaker or fuse labeled "furnace" or heat etc. that might do it.

Any suggestions?

Thanks
Charlie
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Old 10-12-2019, 04:56 PM   #2
Roscommon48
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Just don't turn it on...sorry, had to say that.
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Old 10-12-2019, 05:00 PM   #3
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^^^ what he said. When you think about it, most of us won't keep our RV "forever" and when it comes time to sell/trade it, having an operational heating system is a significant selling point.

If you don't use it, just don't turn it on, don't call for heat at the thermostat and it will be "inoperable". (or at least, "not operate")...
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Old 10-12-2019, 05:03 PM   #4
chuckster57
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Depending on make of furnace, if you can access the furnace there is an on/off switch.
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Old 10-12-2019, 05:06 PM   #5
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If there is not a devoted DC furnace fuse, another option is to gain access to the furnace itself and wire in a switch to the 12V line feeding the unit. This will keep the AC functionality intact.

I'm not sure why this needs to be done as the on/off switch "is" the thermostat. We never run the furnace from March to Sept and never "mistakenly" turn it on.

You could always remove the furnace altogether. Unfortunately, that will not help with resale value.
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Old 10-12-2019, 05:10 PM   #6
ATXCharlie
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Yes, thanks, I do realize that not turning it on will result in it not being on.

Sometimes people make mistakes, hence I don't to turn it on "including by mistake" (by me or others) in my original post. So I'd like it to be disabled.

A simple and reversible solution would be disconnecting a wire at the thermostat, but the unit doesn't appear to work that way.

So the question stands, is there a way to *disable* the furnace?
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Old 10-12-2019, 05:13 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ATXCharlie View Post
So the question stands, is there a way to *disable* the furnace?
Gain access to the furnace itself and wire in a switch to the 12V DC line feeding the unit. Or just cut and cap the wire. Permanent solution.
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Old 10-12-2019, 05:15 PM   #8
ATXCharlie
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckster57 View Post
Depending on make of furnace, if you can access the furnace there is an on/off switch.
I'll investigate. If there's a dedicated on/off switch at the furnace, same as there is on my Suburban water heater, that would be perfect.
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Old 10-12-2019, 05:17 PM   #9
ATXCharlie
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Quote:
Originally Posted by busterbrown View Post
Gain access to the furnace itself and wire in a switch to the 12V DC line feeding the unit. Or just cut and cap the wire. Permanent solution.
Cut and cap would work for me. Looks like I have a project for tomorrow.

If I ever hand it off to someone else, I can reconnect the wires at that time.
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Old 10-12-2019, 05:29 PM   #10
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I would run it at least each year to maintain it's operation condition. Chris
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Old 10-12-2019, 05:53 PM   #11
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I guess I'm a little confused over the worry of "someone" - "accidentally" turning on the furnace?? How could that happen unless they intentionally went thru the process of setting the thermostat then turning it on....when the temp would let it run? And, what would be the harm?

Obviously it's your call and you have your reasons but I think capping the leads and disabling the unit "forever" will only lead to issues, maybe severe, when you decide to "hand it off to someone". IMO it should be ran and serviced to assure proper operation over time. JMO/YMMV
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Old 10-12-2019, 07:05 PM   #12
Ken / Claudia
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A lot of work, to disable the furnace by doing more than not turning it on and if it was to come on by accident there is a switch already to take care of that. The same one that turned it on. But, its not me doing it. If the unit was removed no one could accidentally turn it on by connecting the wire you remove And you gain more storage and never ever worry about the furence ever coming on.
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Old 10-12-2019, 07:31 PM   #13
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I'm curious & no one else asked!
What could possibly be the necessity of "totally disabling" the furnace?
Afraid of a fire? Worried about LP expense?
Or just none of our business?
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Old 10-12-2019, 07:37 PM   #14
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Removing it would require capping the LP line, and at least the 12V positive wire. More work than just not turning it on at the thermostat.
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Old 10-12-2019, 08:34 PM   #15
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Should be on it's own line, pull the fuse and it's done. JM2˘, Hank
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Old 10-13-2019, 04:13 AM   #16
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The "why" is not important, an autistic Child, a family member with dementias, doesn't matter.
I would suggest a thermostat lock box. Those are the plastic boxes hat fit over the thermostat to deter tampering like you see in an office or retail establishment. You can get them at the big box home improvement stores or on-line for under $20.
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Old 10-13-2019, 05:48 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Roscommon48 View Post
Just don't turn it on...sorry, had to say that.
Why is is the correct answer, there should be a switch on the T-Stat Heat, cool Off, just never turn it on.

The the OP why do you hate heat so much??
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Old 10-13-2019, 07:35 AM   #18
Roscommon48
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so, just disconnect the wires at the furance, not a big deal.
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Old 10-13-2019, 07:35 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rhagfo View Post
Why is is the correct answer, there should be a switch on the T-Stat Heat, cool Off, just never turn it on.

The the OP why do you hate heat so much??
He clearly stated that he did not want it turned on by mistake, the tstat allows that.
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Old 10-13-2019, 09:32 AM   #20
Ken / Claudia
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My opinion, post #16 is the best answer, easy to do and the system can work when needed at some point.
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