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5 Reasons Your Furnace Won’t Ignite

A thermostat displays the temperature in a home and relays heating instructions to the furnace.

5 Reasons Your Furnace Won’t Ignite

As the colder months approach, the last thing you want is for your furnace to fail on you. But what do you do when your furnace doesn’t ignite? There could be several reasons for this common issue, such as a faulty ignition system or a clogged filter. Ignoring the problem can lead to discomfort or even more significant issues. If you need a new furnace or your heating system is in need of work, our professionals can help with furnace repair and furnace installation in Calgary. Keep reading to explore some of the reasons your furnace won’t ignite.

Thermostat Problems

Home thermostat problems are one of the most common issues affecting furnaces. A faulty thermostat can cause your furnace to behave erratically or not ignite at all. One issue that can cause problems with your thermostat is a malfunctioning sensor. The sensor is responsible for detecting the temperature in your home and signaling the furnace to turn on and off accordingly. If the sensor is damaged, dirty, or misaligned, it may not send the correct signal to your furnace.

Another common issue with thermostats is a problem with the wiring. If the wires connecting your thermostat to your furnace are frayed or damaged, it can result in a faulty connection that prevents your furnace from igniting. Additionally, if your thermostat is not properly calibrated, it can give incorrect readings and send faulty signals to your furnace.

A thermostat displays the temperature in a home and relays heating instructions to the furnace.

Dirty Gas Burners

Dirty gas burners could be one of the reasons why your furnace is not igniting. To create heat, your furnace relies on a gas burner to light up and create a flame. However, if the burner isn’t clean, it may not light up properly or at all. Over time, dirt, debris, and dust can accumulate on the gas burner, preventing it from igniting.

To fix this issue, it’s important to clean the gas burner properly. This can be done by turning off the gas supply and using a vacuum cleaner to remove any debris on and around the burner. It’s also recommended to use sandpaper to sand any buildup on the gas burner gently. Professional maintenance from our repair and furnace installation in Calgary team can ensure your furnace is functioning properly.

Gas Line Issues

Gas line issues can often be the cause of a furnace failing to ignite. The gas line is responsible for delivering fuel to the furnace, so if there’s a problem with it, the furnace won’t be able to get the fuel it needs to light. One possibility is a lack of gas flow due to a closed valve or a leak in the line. Another possible cause is a clog in the line, which can happen if debris or sediment accumulates. This can interfere with the fuel flow, making it difficult for the furnace to ignite. In addition, a faulty gas regulator can also cause issues with gas flow, as it may not be properly regulating the pressure of the gas. It’s critical to address gas line issues promptly, as they can pose a serious safety risk.

A gas meter displays the amount of gas being used by a home heating system following furnace installation in Calgary.

Dirty Furnace Filter

If you’re experiencing problems with your furnace not igniting, one potential culprit may be a dirty furnace filter. Over time, filters can become clogged with dirt, dust, and other debris. This can restrict airflow and cause your furnace to malfunction or even shut off altogether.

Dirty furnace filters can be particularly problematic during the winter months when your furnace is working overtime to keep your home warm. If you’ve noticed that your furnace isn’t igniting as quickly as it should or that it’s not lighting at all, you may want to check and replace your furnace filter. This can also help improve the air quality of your home.

Broken Flame Sensor

If you’ve been having trouble with your furnace igniting, one of the possible culprits is a broken flame sensor. The flame sensor is a small metal rod that’s located near the burner assembly, and it’s responsible for detecting the presence of a flame. There are several reasons why a flame sensor may become faulty. One common cause is a buildup of dirt or debris on the sensor. Over time, this buildup can interfere with the sensor’s ability to detect the flame and cause the furnace to malfunction. Furthermore, a damaged or corroded sensor can also lead to ignition issues. If your furnace doesn’t ignite, contact us today to see how our furnace experts can help with your needs. Our technicians have years of experience and can provide you with furnace repair and furnace installation in Calgary.