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

A faulty furnace is a hassle to put up with. There are many reasons this may happen, but one of the most common is a problem with the burners or associated parts.

Newer furnaces don’t depend on pilot lights to keep the furnace lit. Instead, they use electronic ignition. If this ignition fails, the burners will not perform like they should.

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

    • The thermostat tells your furnace to turn on.
    • Your furnace’s draft inducer fan turns on to draw fresh air into your furnace.
    • The gas valve opens to direct gas into the pilot burner.
    • An electronic spark starts the pilot light.
    • The flame sensor informs your furnace that the pilot is burning.
    • The gas valve directs gas to the central burners, which are lit by the pilot light.
    • Your furnace then moves warm air into your residence via ductwork.

If something malfunctions during this procedure, your furnace will turn off for safety reasons. Or it might turn off a few minutes into heating because it’s getting too hot.

A number of of these malfunctions can be handled on their own, but others need professional help. When you need the top furnace repair in the U.S., reach out to our furnace Experts at . We work with all brands and our service is backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.*

Here are a number of the top reasons why your furnace isn’t staying lit and what to do moving forward.

1. Dirty Flame Sensor

Your furnace’s flame sensor is a safety system that informs your furnace when gas is ignited. If the sensor is dirty or faulty, it might work erratically or not at all. Even if the sensor is functioning as normal, misaligned positioning leaves it unable to recognize the flame to begin with. While you could attempt troubleshooting and cleaning this sensor by yourself, trusting a professional like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing will ensure the problem is taken care of quickly and correctly.

2. Overheated Furnace

Your furnace contains built-in safety functions that shut it off if it gets especially hot. One of the most common causes is a clogged filter. We recommend reviewing your air filter each month. If you can’t see light through it, change it.

3. Thermostat Malfunction

Your thermostat directs your furnace when it should heat your house. When it’s not running like it should, your furnace will require more energy to keep your residence warm. This can be a battery or electrical malfunction, depending on what model of thermostat you have. We recommend opening your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for useful troubleshooting details. If you still can’t get yours working, reach out to our Experts at . We’ll uncover the problem quickly and can replace your thermostat, if that is required.

Several of these issues, like a dirty flame sensor or an overheated furnace, are a result of a lack of routine furnace maintenance. It’s crucial to have this service done once a year, because it might help reduce breakdowns, boost your furnace’s energy efficiency and might even make it survive longer.

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

can’t work like it should in spite of attempts to repair or maintain it. When the time comes, reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing and our excellent furnace replacement in the U.S.. We partner with some of the top furnace brands, like Lennox®, to offer you affordable, energy-efficient heating options.

When you’re contemplating replacing your furnace, consider signing up for 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 low monthly fee. There’s no down payment or installation charges, and you get to pocket any valuable rebates.

What’s even better is that Advantage members don’t pay a penny for repairs** or maintenance. If you have a disaster, you’re guaranteed a fast response with 24/7 priority service. You’ll also enjoy discounts, no last-minute charges and lots of other benefits.

Don’t fret about interruptions to your comfort for a moment longer. Give Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing a call at to schedule an appointment now. 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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