As a homeowner, you rely on your furnace to keep your home warm throughout the winter. Unfortunately, there are times when furnaces can fail and provide unreliable heating.
If you’re dealing with any furnace issues, contact a heating repair specialist to inspect your furnace. They can get to the root of the problem.
My Furnace Won’t Ignite: What Should I Do?
There are several reasons why a furnace won’t ignite. The good news is that that means that there are also several potential solutions. Some of the possible reasons include:
- Clogged air filters
- Faulty wiring
- Gas supply issues
- Malfunctioning thermostat
- Old pilot light
- Failing Igniter
- Wear and tear
Let’s examine these in more detail.
Clogged Air Filters
One of the most common reasons your furnace won’t light is that your air filters are clogged. Filters that are clogged with debris and dust restrict airflow, which can cause your furnace to overheat.
When furnaces overheat, a safety shut-off that stops the ignition gets triggered. Fortunately, this problem has a straightforward solution: changing your air filters every three months.
Faulty Wiring
Another possible reason your furnace is not igniting could be faulty or loose wiring. The wear and tear that happens to your electrical system over time can loosen your wires. This stops the ignition system from getting the power it needs to ignite.
If you suspect that faulty wiring is the issue, inspect your electrical system for obvious signs of wear or damage. If you notice any or prefer to have a professional take a look, call in the help of an HVAC pro. They can inspect your system and identify the root of the problem.
Gas Supply Issues
If the above issues aren’t the reason your furnace isn’t lighting, it could be due to a low or interrupted gas supply instead. Without gas, your furnace won’t ignite. Check to see that your gas valve is open. If you have any other gas appliances, like a gas stove, you can check to see if they’re working.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
Another potential cause of your furnace not lighting is an issue with your thermostat. If your thermostat is malfunctioning, it can’t signal your furnace to ignite. If you have a battery-operated thermostat, try replacing the batteries. If it’s programmable, check the settings to make sure it’s not on an incorrect schedule.
If neither of those issues is the problem, ensure your thermostat is set to heat and select a temperature that is higher than the current room temperature. If the issue persists, contact an expert to inspect your thermostat and figure out why your furnace is not kicking on when the heat drops.
Old Pilot Light
If you have an older furnace, it’s possible that your pilot light has gone out, which means that your furnace will not ignite.
If your pilot light keeps going out, contact a professional to inspect your system. A faulty pilot light can signify a problem with the thermocouple, also known as the safety sensor.
Failing Igniter
If you have a newer furnace, your igniter or flame sensor may be failing. When these parts fail or get dirty, the furnace can’t stay lit. These are delicate components that require professional cleaning, as they must be handled with care.
Wear and Tear
Finally, your furnace may not ignite due to normal wear and tear on your system. If your furnace is older than fifteen years, the ignition may not work due to age and use. A professional can assess the problem and recommend which parts need to be replaced or fixed.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that when you’re dealing with furnace issues, it’s best to leave the repair up to the professionals. Heating your home is important in the wintertime, and the last thing you want to do is cause further damage. Leave furnace repairs up to a trained HVAC professional.
Why Does My Pilot Light Keep Going Out?
If your pilot light keeps going out, it could be due to a few issues, including:
- Faulty thermocouple
- Clogged pilot orifice
- Airflow issues
- Gas supply issues
Let’s go into detail a bit more.
Dirty or Faulty Thermocouple
A common reason your pilot light keeps going out is because of a dirty or faulty thermocouple. The thermocouple is a safety mechanism that prevents gas leaks from occurring. It can detect when the pilot light is on and shut it off automatically.
If the thermocouple is dirty or faulty, it can’t detect when the pilot light is on, and it may even shut off the pilot light when it’s lit. A weak pilot light flame can also indicate a malfunctioning thermocouple.
To resolve this issue, the thermocouple must be cleaned or replaced. However, this is a delicate device that can be easily damaged when handled. Leave this job up to a professional.
Clogged Pilot Orifice
Another potential reason your pilot light keeps going out is because of a clogged pilot orifice. This is the small opening through which gas flows to light the pilot light. If it’s clogged or dirty, the gas can’t keep the pilot light lit.
Luckily, this issue has an easy fix. An HVAC pro can clean the orifice for you and get your pilot light back on.
Draft or Airflow Issues
Draft or airflow issues near your furnace can also cause your pilot light to go out. For example, open windows near your furnace, cracks in the furnace cabinet or improper ventilation can cause gusts of wind that blow out your pilot light.
Gas Supply Issues
Finally, your furnace may have issues with its gas supply. If your pilot light isn’t getting a steady flow of gas, it cannot stay on.
If you suspect that any of these issues are the reason your pilot light won’t stay on, contact a professional to inspect your furnace and get to the bottom of it. They can get your furnace working properly again and identify potential signs that you need a new furnace.
Common Problems With Furnace
The most common problems that furnaces have include:
- Malfunctioning thermostats
- Dirty or clogged air filters
- Issues with the ignition system
Let’s dive into these a bit more.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
If your furnace runs erratically and doesn’t turn on when you want it to, you likely have a malfunctioning thermostat. Other signs of this include your furnace not responding to temperature changes or the room’s temperature not matching the thermostat’s setting.
A simple thermostat fix is to change the batteries or clear any dust from the system. However, if your thermostat still doesn’t work, it may need to be replaced.
Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
Dirty or clogged air filters restrict air flow, which forces your furnace to work harder than usual to heat your home. After a while, it can overheat and shut down. When this happens, you may notice that your furnace smells like it’s burning.
It’s important to change your air filters out regularly, generally every three months.
Ignition System Issues
Issues with your ignition and pilot light can cause your furnace to malfunction. These are common issues with older furnaces that have seen years of wear and tear.
Contact a professional HVAC technician to inspect your ignition system and identify the root cause of the problem.
Signs of a Broken Furnace
While repairing your furnace is typically the goal, you may eventually need to replace it with a new one. Warning signs of a broken furnace include inconsistent heating, your furnace making strange noises and a dramatic increase in your heating bills. Plus, if your furnace is more than 15 to 20 years old, it’s likely time to replace it.
There are several benefits to replacing your furnace, including improved energy efficiency, more reliable heating, fewer repairs and better indoor air quality. A new furnace can also increase the value of your home.
If you’re ready to replace your furnace, contact a local HVAC service.
Keep Your Home Warm All Winter Long With Professional Assistance
Families deserve reliable heat in the winter. While problems with your furnace can become frustrating, there’s always a solution. A heating and air conditioning professional can advise you on the next steps for your furnace, whether that’s a repair or a total replacement.
It’s important to remember that furnaces are complex and should not be handled without proper experience. An expert can diagnose your furnace issues without causing further problems. Contact an expert to ensure your home stays warm throughout the winter.
ABC Can Solve Your Heating And Cooling Woes
Furnaces are complex systems, and trying to work on them without special training and tools can create larger problems and can even lead to damage to your home. Instead of taking these risks, contact the professionals at ABC Home & Commercial Services. Our licensed specialists are available all day and all night to handle any HVAC repairs or issues you may be having.
