3 Reasons Why Your Furnace Isnt Staying Lit and How to Solve It

A broken furnace is exhausting to put up with. There are several reasons this may happen, but one of the most common is something wrong with the burners or relevant systems.

Newer furnaces don’t require pilot lights to keep the furnace going. Instead, they work via electronic ignition. If this ignition fails, the burners will not work like they are supposed to.

When your gas furnace is performing correctly, here’s how it should work:

  • The thermostat directs your furnace to activate.
  • Your furnace’s draft inducer fan starts to bring fresh air through your furnace.
  • The gas valve opens to direct gas into the pilot burner.
  • An electronic spark lights the pilot light.
  • The flame sensor tells your furnace that the pilot has been ignited.
  • The gas valve directs gas to the primary burners, which are lit by the pilot light.
  • Your furnace then sends warm air throughout your home via ductwork.

If something breaks down during this sequence, your furnace will turn off for safety concerns. Or it might deactivate a few minutes into heating because it’s overheating.

Some of these problems can be resolved on their own, but others need professional servicing. When you are looking for the finest furnace repair in Gaithersburg, call our heating Experts at 301-476-4577. We have experience with all brands and our work is ensured by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.*

Here are some of the most common reasons why your furnace isn’t staying lit and what to do about it.

1. Malfunctioning Flame Sensor

Your furnace’s flame sensor is a safety component that tells your furnace when gas is ignited. If the sensor is dirty or faulty, it could work intermittently or not at all. Even if the sensor is running normally, incorrect positioning leaves it unable to recognize the flame to begin with. While you could attempt troubleshooting and cleaning this sensor on your own, trusting an expert like Parker Pearce Service Experts will ensure the problem is resolved promptly and correctly.

2. Furnace is Too Hot

Your furnace has built-in safety procedures that deactivates your furnace if it gets dangerously hot. One of the most typical causes is a clogged filter. We suggest checking your air filter monthly. If you can’t see light through it, replace it.

3. Thermostat Isn’t Working Right

Your thermostat directs your furnace when it needs to heat your home. When it’s not operating properly, your furnace will struggle to keep your house warm. This can be a battery or electrical problem, depending on what model of thermostat you use. We encourage referring to your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for needed troubleshooting details. If you still can’t get yours working, contact our Experts at 301-476-4577. We’ll pinpoint the cause quickly and can replace your thermostat, if needed.

Some of these issues, like a dirty flame sensor or an overheated furnace, are caused by a lack of proper furnace maintenance. It’s crucial to have this service completed yearly, because it might help minimize breakdowns, improve your furnace’s energy efficiency and may even make it last longer.

We Have You Protected When It’s Time for Furnace Replacement

Sooner or later, your furnace can’t work like it’s supposed to in spite of attempts to repair or maintain it. When the time comes, reach out to Parker Pearce Service Experts and our professional furnace replacement in Gaithersburg. We work with some of the top furnace brands, including Lennox®, to offer you affordable, energy-efficient heating systems.

When you’re contemplating replacing your furnace, consider signing up for our Advantage Program™. Getting a new furnace can be thousands of dollars out of pocket. As an Advantage member, you’ll receive a new furnace for just one small monthly fee. There’s no down payment or installation charges, and you get to keep any valuable rebates.

What’s even better is that Advantage members don’t pay a dime for repairs** or maintenance. If disaster hits, you’re protected with 24/7 priority service. You’ll also enjoy discounts, no last-minute charges and many other benefits.

Don’t worry about interruptions to your comfort for a minute longer. Give Parker Pearce Service Experts a call at 301-476-4577 to schedule an appointment today. Whether you want repairs or if it’s time for a new furnace, we guarantee your satisfaction.


*Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions. **See your signed Advantage Agreement for details.

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