My Furnace Isn’t Turning On! Top 5 Reasons It Won’t Ignite
November 14, 2024
Categories: Heating
When the temperature dips, few things feel as disappointing as a gas furnace that won’t ignite. Whether it’s a cold morning or a chilly night, waiting for heat that doesn’t come can be frustrating and dangerous. Fortunately, there’s help just a call away. At Martinov Home Solutions, we’ve seen and tackled furnace issues of all shapes and sizes and can easily get your problems under control.
As part of our mission to educate Akron, OH, homeowners, and property managers on their HVAC systems, we’re sharing insights into some of the most common reasons furnaces stop working. Being able to recognize what’s causing trouble and reaching out for help from our trained technicians can prevent further complications and the need for premature replacement.
Give us a call if you experience any of the following hiccups with your furnace. Our furnace repair experts will deliver long-lasting heating services so you can stay cozy all season long.
Thermostat Issues
If your furnace won’t ignite, a faulty or miscalibrated thermostat could be the culprit. This is because your furnace requires a signal from the thermostat to operate. Check if the thermostat is set to “heat” rather than “cool” mode; it’s a simple thing that often gets overlooked. Once in heat mode, set the temperature a few degrees higher than the current room temperature to help prompt the heating system to kick in if it’s just a little sluggish.
In some cases, your thermostat’s performance may be affected by low battery power. Simply replace the battery, and you should be good to go.
Still having problems? If you have a digital or programmable thermostat, a factory reset could clear up minor glitches. However, if your furnace still won’t ignite, it may be time to replace the thermostat entirely.
Dirty or Clogged Air Filter
A furnace filter can cause major headaches when it becomes clogged with dust and debris. Why is this? Well, a heating system relies on proper airflow to function safely and efficiently, and a dirty air filter restricts this critical airflow. Without proper ventilation, your gas furnace is forced to work harder while delivering less heat to your home’s air ducts.
Regular replacement of air filters prevents many common furnace problems. Most homeowners should swap out their filters every 1-3 months depending on factors like pets, allergies, and local air quality. Neglected filters not only affect performance but can also damage essential components like your blower motor over time.
Pilot Light or Ignition Problems
In older gas furnaces, a malfunctioning pilot light prevents proper ignition and heating. Common causes include drafts, gas line blockages, or issues with the thermocouple — a safety device that cuts off gas flow when it fails to detect a flame. The thermocouple may malfunction due to dirt buildup or normal wear.
Modern furnaces use either a standing pilot light or an electronic ignitor to start the heating process, but both systems can fail due to drafts, clogs, or component damage, leaving the furnace unable to ignite the gas supply. If you suspect your pilot light or electronic ignitor is at the heart of the problem, turn to our expert technicians for repairs. Never attempt to fix this problem on your own, as it can put you in a dangerous situation.
Faulty Limit Switch
The limit switch serves as a safeguard within your furnace, preventing the system from overheating. This component monitors the temperature inside the furnace and, if the heat becomes excessive, signals the system to shut down. A malfunctioning limit switch may falsely detect high temperatures, causing the furnace to turn off prematurely or refuse to ignite altogether.
Replacing a faulty limit switch can resolve these ignition issues, but identifying a defective limit switch requires professional knowledge and equipment. If you notice your furnace cycling on and off more frequently or staying off despite correct thermostat settings, the limit switch may need attention.
When to Call a Professional for Furnace Ignition Problems
While some furnace issues have simple solutions, others demand professional attention. Here are key situations that require expert help for safe and effective resolutions:
- Strange noises coming from your heating system
- The circuit breaker trips repeatedly when the furnace runs
- Yellow or flickering pilot light instead of a steady blue flame
- You smell gas around the furnace
- Signs of carbon monoxide (headaches, dizziness, nausea)
Situations like these demand immediate expert intervention because they could quickly spiral and have catastrophic consequences like fires or gas valve leaks. HVAC technicians have the necessary training to handle furnace components in the best manner and implement repairs without potential hazards.
Long-Lasting Repairs We Deliver For Your Furnace
Martinov Home Solutions specializes in tackling furnace ignition issues with a depth of expertise that covers everything from a broken flame sensor to a malfunctioning heat exchanger. Our technicians use a comprehensive diagnostic approach to identify the root cause of any malfunction, providing professional repairs, upgrades, and replacements that restore your furnace’s function and reliability. With responsive support and flexible scheduling, our team ensures your home heating needs are met with precision so you can enjoy warmth and comfort all season long.
Furnace Won’t Turn On? Call Our Heating Experts Today
A furnace that won’t ignite doesn’t have to ruin your winter. The team at Martinov Home Solutions stands ready to help you diagnose and repair any issues affecting your gas furnace. Reach out today to schedule a service call and experience the difference of working with a crew that truly cares about your comfort and well-being.