A furnace problem is the last thing you want to experience in Washington in the dead of winter. If your gas furnace isn’t turning on, the igniter could be the problem. Igniter problems can be a minor issue or a major inconvenience, and a bad igniter can actually make your furnace dangerous.
Below, the team from DEAR Services discusses some of the major reasons for ignition failure on furnaces. Read on for professional insights, or contact us today for reliable heating services in Edmonds, WA.
Reasons Your Furnace Is Not Igniting
Below are some of the most common reasons why your furnace is not igniting properly.
Failing Electrical Igniter
The most obvious reason your furnace is not igniting is a broken electrical ignition device. Gas furnaces use a small electrical device to create a spark, which ignites the gas. If the electrical ignition device shorts out, the furnace won’t be able to produce heat.
Ignition control mechanisms can short out due to normal wear. Usually, you can detect a broken igniter by a constant clicking sound when your furnace tries to turn on.
Gas Line Issue
Another common reason for ignition failure on furnaces is a gas line leak or clog. When something obstructs the line, not enough gas can reach the burner for it to ignite.
Corrosion, tree roots, and impurities in natural gas can cause lines to clog over time or damage them to create leaks. You may be able to hear a hissing sound or feel slight pressure near the location of a leak in your gas line or a gas valve. Experts sometimes spray a bit of water mixed with dish soap onto the gas line to look for small bubbles as they pinpoint leakage points.
Defective Pilot Light
Older gas furnaces have a pilot light instead of an electrical ignition system. The pilot light stays lit so that the gas can ignite whenever someone turns up the heat. If the pilot light goes out, the furnace will just release gas without igniting it.
Your pilot light should have a bluish color. If it is orange or yellow, it means that the gas is not burning properly. Your furnace might even be producing carbon monoxide, so don’t wait to call for repairs!
Clogged Furnace Filter
Your furnace needs the right amount of airflow to ignite natural gas. Too little air flow means there won’t be enough oxygen to start the combustion reaction.
If your furnace filters are too clogged, your furnace might not be able to heat. Change your furnace filters once every six months to keep everything clear.
Malfunctioning Flame Sensor
Your furnace has a flame sensor or thermocouple that senses when the flame is on. If the flame goes out, the sensor is supposed to shut down the gas flow (as a safety mechanism).
If the flame sensor has malfunctioned, it may shut off the gas flow even if the flame is still lit. Your furnace may turn on but then shut off a few moments later. Short-cycling furnaces need prompt, professional attention to avoid carbon monoxide leaks.
Drafts Near Furnace
Drafts near the base of your furnace can also cause the pilot light to blow out. A malfunctioning blower motor will extinguish the flame and stop heating altogether.
Defective Thermostat
A final reason for ignition failure on furnaces could be a defective thermostat.
Thermostats sense temperature with special metal parts. If the parts are dirty or corroded, or the thermostat has faulty electrical connections, it may constantly shut down your furnace. Calibration helps with minor thermostat imbalances.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Furnace Ignition Problems in Edmonds?
The cost of furnace repair understandably makes people nervous when fixing furnace components. The good news is that broken electrical ignition devices are relatively cheap to repair. The typical furnace ignition system only costs about $100 to $300 to replace, according to Home Guide, and takes around an hour to replace.
Note that the cost of other repair issues can vary based on severity. You can contact our furnace repair expert in Edmonds to get an accurate estimate of your device’s repair costs.
Top-Rated Furnace Repair Services in Edmonds, WA
Ignition failure on furnaces can throw a wrench into keeping your home comfortable for the winter season. When you are experiencing a heating emergency, contact the professionals at DEAR Services, the Number One heating repair company in Edmonds, WA, and surrounding areas! Contact us online or call us today for an appointment!