Blog Furnace 5 Reasons Why Your Furnace Won’t Ignite Key Takeaways Addressing furnace ignition issues promptly is crucial for maintaining comfort and safety in your home However, due to the technical nature and safety concerns involved, it’s best to seek the expertise of a professional HVAC service provider like Comfort Union. 2024-05-12 // 7 min Read Asif Engineer-in-Training & Apprentice If you want to be warm and cozy while it’s freezing outside, you need a furnace that works properly. Nevertheless, many homes experience the common and unpleasant problem of a furnace that refuses to light. In cold weather, this issue can quickly escalate from a small inconvenience to a major crisis.In this article, we’re looking at the top 5 reasons why your furnace won’t ignite and how you can deal with those issues. 1. Faulty Ignition System Furnace ignition system problems are among the most typical causes of ineffective ignition. Electronic ignition methods are more dependable and efficient than traditional pilot lights and are mostly found in contemporary gas furnaces. But these systems can go down, just like any other part, and cause the gas furnace ignitor to not work well.Two modes of operation are available for the ignition system: a hot surface ignitor that glows red hot to light the gas, and an intermittent pilot light that employs a spark to start before the main burners ignite. Both kinds may have problems usually as a result of the system’s electrical components wearing down or failing.When the furnace’s electronic ignition system stops working, the blower can turn on as the furnace tries to start, but you won’t hear the familiar clicking sound of the ignitor. If you don’t hear a clicking sound, it’s likely because the ignition system isn’t getting power or isn’t working properly. Dealing with a faulty electronic ignition system in your gas furnace Expertise from a licensed HVAC technician is usually necessary when diagnosing and fixing ignition systems due to their complexity. To make sure the ignitor is getting power, the technician will inspect the ignition system for any indications of wear and tear and check the electrical connections.In addition, they might look for obvious indications of wear and damage in the heating system, test resistance, and voltage, and verify that no connections are loose. A new ignitor will be required if the old one has given out. It is also possible that other parts of the furnace, such as the control board that supplies power to the ignitor, are malfunctioning and need repair or replacement. 2. Clogged or Dirty Furnace Filter The proper functioning of a furnace depends on effective airflow. The return ducts allow the furnace to draw in cool air, which it then uses to heat and distribute throughout the house. The air filter plays an important role in this process because it captures dust, pollen, and other airborne particles.This keeps them out of the furnace and out of your home. Nevertheless, as time passes, you can be faced with the issue of a dirty air filter which has the potential to accumulate debris and severely limit the airflow. Several issues can arise when airflow is limited: There may not be adequate air circulation in the system, leading to the furnace overheating and turning off too soon.Overheating and possible furnace damage can occur when the heat exchanger is unable to dissipate heat as intended due to restricted airflow.Worst of all, even if the burners do light up with little airflow, they may not burn the gas all the way through, which might cause a deadly buildup of carbon monoxide.During the frigid winter months, when furnace consumption is at its highest, homeowners should inspect the filters more frequently. Depending on the filter type and how often you use your HVAC system, most experts advise changing the disposable filter every one to three months. You might have to change the filters more often if your home has pets or a lot of dust. 3. Gas Supply Issues For a gas furnace to work properly, a steady flow of natural gas is required. The furnace will not light if the gas line is not working properly. Problems with the gas supply often include: The gas valve on the furnace itself can be mistakenly switched off from time to time, especially during installation or maintenance. Make sure this valve is completely open at all times.There are a number of potential causes of interruptions to your home’s gas supply, including construction-related line damage and utility outages. It could be a sign of a larger supply problem if other gas appliances in your house are also not functioning.Failed Regulators: You may adjust the gas pressure and flow into your furnace with the gas pressure regulator. In the event of its failure, the gas supply can be either completely cut off or reduced to an ignition-inhibiting level.It is important to have experts handle gas supply concerns due to the potential dangers involved. It is critical to promptly vacate the area and contact emergency services and your gas company if you detect the smell of sulfur or rotten eggs, which could indicate a gas leak.A licensed HVAC specialist can diagnose gas supply problems by checking the pressure and making sure all the fittings and valves are in good working order. Check out Comfort Union for precision installation Efficiency meets expertise! 💪✨ Our team at Co Choosing the perfect tankless water heater isn't j Annual water heater flushing isn’t just a mainte Load More Follow on Instagram 4. Broken Flame Sensor When the gas valve is open, the flame sensor checks to see if a flame is present; otherwise, the gas could build up unburned and pose a danger. Soot and filth can prevent the flame sensor from detecting flames, which means the furnace will turn off soon after starting as a safety measure.Taking the flame sensor apart and giving it a careful cleaning with steel wool or a fine abrasive pad is a delicate task. Without harming the sensor, this eliminates the accumulation. But you’ll have to get a new one if the sensor breaks or cracks. Despite its low price tag, this part is vital to the furnace’s safety and must work as intended. 5. Blocked or Leaky Gas Line The gas lines carry the gas to the furnace, but they can get clogged or even burst at times. Debris that gets into the line during installation or maintenance, or a crack or squeeze that limits gas flow, are common reasons for blockages. Damage to the line, corrosion, or a lack of a secure connection can all lead to a leak.Since working with gas is inherently dangerous, only a trained HVAC expert should be tasked with locating and fixing gas line obstructions or leaks. To find leaks, measure gas flow, and verifying the integrity of all connections, technicians will employ specialist equipment. Gas can travel through pipes and appear long after a leak has occurred, making it important to look for gas elsewhere in the house if you suspect a gas leak. Conclusion If you are facing the issue of a malfunctioning furnace where it fails to ignite, addressing these issues promptly is often necessary and must not be avoided. However, due to the technical and safety concerns involved, especially with gas furnaces and electrical components, it is advisable to seek the expertise of a professional HVAC service provider like Comfort Union.Our skilled technicians can provide thorough diagnostics, effective furnace repairs, and regular maintenance to ensure your furnace ignites correctly, maintaining the comfort and safety of your home. Remember, timely intervention by experts like Comfort Union can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. Share this: In this Article Share this: Related Posts How to Fix a furnace not blowing hot air? 8 Easy Fixes (2024) Average Duct Cleaning Cost in Calgary – Get Informed Now! Everything that needs to be in your Annual Furnace Maintenance Checklist Step-by-step guide on how to reset furnace in your home How to set Humidifier in winter for your Canadian home? LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CONTRIBUTOR Asif Engineer-in-Training & Apprentice Asif is the driving force behind Comfort Union. Growing up, he learned the ropes of engineering and trades from his dad, sparking his entrepreneurial spirit. With a master's in Software Engineering from the University of Calgary and degrees in both Commerce (Accounting) and Chemical Engineering, Asif is a rare mix… Related Posts How to Fix a furnace not blowing hot air? 8 Easy Fixes (2024) When winters start and the winds start getting colder, the last thing we all want is a furnace that doesn't work like it should and keeps your home warm and comfortable. Several issues might be causing this problem, ranging from simple fixes to more serious repairs and we're talking about them all. By Asif in Furnace on May 6, 2024 Average Duct Cleaning Cost in Calgary – Get Informed Now! If you’re looking for a way to improve the air quality in your home, duct cleaning may be the solution you need. Over time, dust, dirt, and other contaminants can build up in your ducts, reducing the efficiency of your HVAC system and potentially causing health problems for you and your family. At Comfort Union, we offer affordable duct cleaning services in Calgary to help you breathe easier and enjoy a healthier home environment. By Asif in Air Quality, Cooling, Duct Cleaning, Furnace, Heating, Indoor Air Quality on February 10, 2024 Everything that needs to be in your Annual Furnace Maintenance Checklist As winter draws near, it is essential to make sure that your furnace is in excellent working order. Not only does routine maintenance keep everything running smoothly, but it also keeps unforeseen breakdowns and high energy costs away. By Asif in Furnace on May 15, 2024 Step-by-step guide on how to reset furnace in your home Whether it's a chilly winter day or a cool night in early spring, your furnace is crucial for comfort. But what do you do when your furnace stops working properly? Often, a simple reset can be the solution. This guide will walk you through the steps to safely reset your furnace, whether it's an electric, gas, or oil unit, ensuring your home returns to its cozy state. By Asif in Furnace on May 12, 2024 How to set Humidifier in winter for your Canadian home? Cold, dry air is a common complaint for people who live in Canada and constantly have to deal with harsh outdoor temperatures, and it may have a major effect on your comfort and health. If you want to keep your home air healthy during these months, you must use a humidifier and set it to the ideal settings to ensure the optimal humidity levels in your home. By Asif in Furnace on May 9, 2024 Table of content In the Article
If you want to be warm and cozy while it’s freezing outside, you need a furnace that works properly. Nevertheless, many homes experience the common and unpleasant problem of a furnace that refuses to light. In cold weather, this issue can quickly escalate from a small inconvenience to a major crisis.In this article, we’re looking at the top 5 reasons why your furnace won’t ignite and how you can deal with those issues. 1. Faulty Ignition System Furnace ignition system problems are among the most typical causes of ineffective ignition. Electronic ignition methods are more dependable and efficient than traditional pilot lights and are mostly found in contemporary gas furnaces. But these systems can go down, just like any other part, and cause the gas furnace ignitor to not work well.Two modes of operation are available for the ignition system: a hot surface ignitor that glows red hot to light the gas, and an intermittent pilot light that employs a spark to start before the main burners ignite. Both kinds may have problems usually as a result of the system’s electrical components wearing down or failing.When the furnace’s electronic ignition system stops working, the blower can turn on as the furnace tries to start, but you won’t hear the familiar clicking sound of the ignitor. If you don’t hear a clicking sound, it’s likely because the ignition system isn’t getting power or isn’t working properly. Dealing with a faulty electronic ignition system in your gas furnace Expertise from a licensed HVAC technician is usually necessary when diagnosing and fixing ignition systems due to their complexity. To make sure the ignitor is getting power, the technician will inspect the ignition system for any indications of wear and tear and check the electrical connections.In addition, they might look for obvious indications of wear and damage in the heating system, test resistance, and voltage, and verify that no connections are loose. A new ignitor will be required if the old one has given out. It is also possible that other parts of the furnace, such as the control board that supplies power to the ignitor, are malfunctioning and need repair or replacement. 2. Clogged or Dirty Furnace Filter The proper functioning of a furnace depends on effective airflow. The return ducts allow the furnace to draw in cool air, which it then uses to heat and distribute throughout the house. The air filter plays an important role in this process because it captures dust, pollen, and other airborne particles.This keeps them out of the furnace and out of your home. Nevertheless, as time passes, you can be faced with the issue of a dirty air filter which has the potential to accumulate debris and severely limit the airflow. Several issues can arise when airflow is limited: There may not be adequate air circulation in the system, leading to the furnace overheating and turning off too soon.Overheating and possible furnace damage can occur when the heat exchanger is unable to dissipate heat as intended due to restricted airflow.Worst of all, even if the burners do light up with little airflow, they may not burn the gas all the way through, which might cause a deadly buildup of carbon monoxide.During the frigid winter months, when furnace consumption is at its highest, homeowners should inspect the filters more frequently. Depending on the filter type and how often you use your HVAC system, most experts advise changing the disposable filter every one to three months. You might have to change the filters more often if your home has pets or a lot of dust. 3. Gas Supply Issues For a gas furnace to work properly, a steady flow of natural gas is required. The furnace will not light if the gas line is not working properly. Problems with the gas supply often include: The gas valve on the furnace itself can be mistakenly switched off from time to time, especially during installation or maintenance. Make sure this valve is completely open at all times.There are a number of potential causes of interruptions to your home’s gas supply, including construction-related line damage and utility outages. It could be a sign of a larger supply problem if other gas appliances in your house are also not functioning.Failed Regulators: You may adjust the gas pressure and flow into your furnace with the gas pressure regulator. In the event of its failure, the gas supply can be either completely cut off or reduced to an ignition-inhibiting level.It is important to have experts handle gas supply concerns due to the potential dangers involved. It is critical to promptly vacate the area and contact emergency services and your gas company if you detect the smell of sulfur or rotten eggs, which could indicate a gas leak.A licensed HVAC specialist can diagnose gas supply problems by checking the pressure and making sure all the fittings and valves are in good working order. Check out Comfort Union for precision installation Efficiency meets expertise! 💪✨ Our team at Co Choosing the perfect tankless water heater isn't j Annual water heater flushing isn’t just a mainte Load More Follow on Instagram 4. Broken Flame Sensor When the gas valve is open, the flame sensor checks to see if a flame is present; otherwise, the gas could build up unburned and pose a danger. Soot and filth can prevent the flame sensor from detecting flames, which means the furnace will turn off soon after starting as a safety measure.Taking the flame sensor apart and giving it a careful cleaning with steel wool or a fine abrasive pad is a delicate task. Without harming the sensor, this eliminates the accumulation. But you’ll have to get a new one if the sensor breaks or cracks. Despite its low price tag, this part is vital to the furnace’s safety and must work as intended. 5. Blocked or Leaky Gas Line The gas lines carry the gas to the furnace, but they can get clogged or even burst at times. Debris that gets into the line during installation or maintenance, or a crack or squeeze that limits gas flow, are common reasons for blockages. Damage to the line, corrosion, or a lack of a secure connection can all lead to a leak.Since working with gas is inherently dangerous, only a trained HVAC expert should be tasked with locating and fixing gas line obstructions or leaks. To find leaks, measure gas flow, and verifying the integrity of all connections, technicians will employ specialist equipment. Gas can travel through pipes and appear long after a leak has occurred, making it important to look for gas elsewhere in the house if you suspect a gas leak. Conclusion If you are facing the issue of a malfunctioning furnace where it fails to ignite, addressing these issues promptly is often necessary and must not be avoided. However, due to the technical and safety concerns involved, especially with gas furnaces and electrical components, it is advisable to seek the expertise of a professional HVAC service provider like Comfort Union.Our skilled technicians can provide thorough diagnostics, effective furnace repairs, and regular maintenance to ensure your furnace ignites correctly, maintaining the comfort and safety of your home. Remember, timely intervention by experts like Comfort Union can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. Share this:
