3 Reasons Why Your Furnace Isn’t Staying Lit and How to Fix It

A faulty furnace is exhausting to handle. There are several reasons this can happen, but one of the most frequent is something wrong with the burners or associated parts.

Newer models don’t rely on pilot lights to keep the furnace lit. Instead, they utilize electronic ignition. If this ignition fails, the burners can’t function like they are supposed to.

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

    • The thermostat informs your furnace to run.
    • Your furnace’s draft inducer fan begins to spin in order to draw fresh air through your furnace.
    • The gas valve opens to send gas into the pilot burner.
    • An electronic spark lights the pilot light.
    • The flame sensor directs your furnace that the pilot has been lit.
    • The gas valve directs gas to the main burners, which are lit by the pilot light.
    • Your furnace then provides warm air across your residence via ductwork.

If something malfunctions during this process, your furnace will deactivate for safety reasons. Or it might turn off a few minutes into heating because it’s overheating.

Several of these malfunctions can be resolved on their own, but others require professional help. When you want the best furnace repair in the U.S., get in touch with our heat Experts at . We work with all brands and our services are ensured by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.*

Here are a few 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 feature that tells your furnace when gas is ignited. If the sensor is dirty or damaged, it may work intermittently or not at all. Even if the sensor is running as normal, misaligned positioning leaves it unable to recognize the flame entirely. While you could start troubleshooting and cleaning this sensor on your own, calling a professional like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing will make sure the problem is resolved quickly and correctly.

2. Furnace is Too Hot

Your furnace uses built-in safety procedures that shut it off if it gets dangerously hot. One of the most frequent causes is a clogged filter. We recommend reviewing your air filter each month. If you can’t see light through it, swap it out.

3. Thermostat Malfunction

Your thermostat tells your furnace when it needs to heat your home. When it’s not operating like it should, your furnace will have trouble keeping your home warm. This can be a battery or electrical problem, depending on what model of thermostat you have. We suggest referring to your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for needed troubleshooting details. If you still can’t get yours working, reach out to our Experts at . We’ll find the problem swiftly and can replace your thermostat, if that is required.

Several of these issues, like a dirty flame sensor or an overheated furnace, are due to a lack of routine furnace maintenance. It’s highly beneficial to have this service performed once a year, because it might help minimize breakdowns, enhance your furnace’s energy efficiency and can even make it survive longer.

We Have You In Good Hands When It’s Time for Furnace Replacement

Eventually]114], your furnace {cannot work like it used to despite attempts to repair or maintain it. When the time comes, reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing and our expert furnace replacement in the U.S.. We work with some of the number one furnace brands, like Lennox®, to offer you affordable, energy-efficient heating options.

When you’re considering replacing your furnace, consider enrolling in our Advantage Program™. Replacing a furnace can cost you thousands of dollars out of pocket. As an Advantage member, you’ll be given a new furnace for just one small monthly fee. There’s no down payment or installation expenses, and you get to hold on to 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 guaranteed a fast response with 24/7 priority service. You’ll also obtain discounts, no hidden charges and many other benefits.

Don’t struggle with interruptions to your comfort for a moment longer. Give Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing a call at to schedule an appointment right away. 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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© 2023 Service Experts, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and the Service Experts logo and design are registered trademarks of Service Experts LLC and used under license by SE Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. *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.