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

A broken furnace is frustrating to handle. There are many reasons this can happen, but one of the most common is something wrong with the burners or relevant components.

Newer models don’t use pilot lights to keep the furnace going. Instead, they use electronic ignition. If this ignition malfunctions, the burners won’t function like they are supposed to.

When your gas furnace is running properly, here’s how it should operate:

  • The thermostat directs your furnace to activate.
  • Your furnace’s draft inducer fan begins to spin in order to pull fresh air into your furnace.
  • The gas valve opens to move gas into the pilot burner.
  • An electronic spark ignites the pilot light.
  • The flame sensor tells your furnace that the pilot has been ignited.
  • The gas valve sends gas to the main burners, which are lit by the pilot light.
  • Your furnace then pushes warm air throughout your residence via ductwork.

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

Some of these malfunctions can be repaired on their own, but others require professional servicing. When you need the top furnace repair in Girard, call our furnace Experts at 330-269-7235. We work with all brands and our service is supported by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.*

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

1. Malfunctioning Flame Sensor

Your furnace’s flame sensor is a safety component that informs your furnace when gas is ignited. If the sensor is dirty or faulty, it may work erratically or not at all. Even if the sensor is operating normally, poor positioning leaves it unable to sense the flame at all. While you could try troubleshooting and cleaning this sensor on your own, calling an expert like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning will guarantee the problem is handled quickly and correctly.

2. Furnace is Too Warm

Your furnace utilizes built-in safety procedures that force a shutdown if it gets too hot. One of the most common causes is a filthy filter. We suggest reviewing your air filter each month. If you can’t see light through it, swap it out.

3. Thermostat Malfunction

Your thermostat commands your furnace when it should heat your home. When it’s not functioning normally, your furnace will require more energy to keep your home warm. This can be a battery or electrical malfunction, depending on what model of thermostat you use. We recommend reviewing your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for specific troubleshooting procedures. If you still can’t get yours working, reach out to our Experts at 330-269-7235. We’ll pinpoint the issue quickly and can replace your thermostat, if necessary.

Several of these issues, including a dirty flame sensor or an overheated furnace, are due to a lack of routine furnace maintenance. It’s vital to have this service done once a year, because it may help prevent breakdowns, improve your furnace’s energy efficiency and could even make it last longer.

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

Sooner or later, your furnace cannot work like it should regardless of attempts to repair or maintain it. When the time comes, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning and our excellent furnace replacement in Girard. We offer some of the top furnace brands, like Lennox®, to offer you affordable, energy-efficient heating equipment.

When you’re considering replacing your furnace, consider taking advantage of 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 affordable monthly fee. There’s no down payment or installation expenses, and you get to pocket any valuable rebates.

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

Don’t struggle with interruptions to your comfort for a minute longer. Give Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning a call at 330-269-7235 to arrange 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.