A furnace that refuses to start can be regarded as one of the most annoying HVAC problems, as at the time when people need reliable heating, it is one of the vital factors. When your furnace will not start, it is time to say that it cannot heat your house, and your place of residence becomes uncomfortable and even dangerous.
We will also detail why your furnace is not starting in this comprehensive guide by telling you why it is not starting and how to troubleshoot to get the furnace started, what you can safely do yourself and when it is time to call in the expert. Knowing how these problems can make you add heat fast and prevent expensive maintenance and even accidents.
What is the meaning of Furnace not igniting?
A furnace that fails to start up- this is when the burner does not light up when the thermostat traces heat. In modern furnaces, either a hot surface igniter (HSI) or spark ignition system takes the place of a standing pilot light. Failure of any of these ignition sequence results in the unavailability of heat in the furnace.
To avoid building up of gases or fire hazards, most furnaces are engineered with safety measures that will ensure that the system is turned off in case of ignition failure.
Normal Reasons Why a Furnace will not start.
The ignition process is interrupted by several problems. The most common causes that the homeowners face are listed below.
1. Faulty Igniter
One of the major causes of ignition failure is a broken or damaged hot surface igniter. Igniters are delicate and may malfunction through age or an electrical discharge.
2. Dirty or Clogged Burners
The burners may be covered by dust, rust or debris thus failing to ignite the gas or ignite after some delay.
3. Gas Supply Problems
Without gas supply or in case a gas valve is closed the furnace cannot ignite. Ignition failure can occur even with a partial problem of the gas flow.
4. Dirty Flame Sensor
A contaminated flame detector cannot sense a flame and the furnace will close soon after the ignition is made or ignition will not be made at all.
5. Thermostat Issues
The furnace may not get the signal to start because of misplaced thermostat settings, dead batteries or wiring issues.
6. Problems with Safety Switch or limit Switch.
Furnaces are fitted with safety switches which switch off ignition when unsafe conditions are detected like overheating or wrong airflow.
7. Electrical Problems
The ignition system may be interfered with by blown fuses, tripped circuit breakers, or by loose wiring.
👉👉👉Also read: Furnace Not Staying Lit
Indications Your Furnace Is Not Igniting but Is Attempting to Ignite.
Early symptoms can be identified to avoid the breakdown of the entire system.
- Furnace ignites, and blows away cold air.
- No ignition, clicking sounds.
- Cycles on and off very quickly.
- Fire not seen in the view of window.
- Flashing of error codes that show on the control board.
Troubleshooting a Furnace That Will Not Ignite.
You can comfortably carry out some basic checks before invoking the services of a technician.
Step 1: Check the Thermostat
Make sure that the thermostat will be programmed to heat and the temperature should be set higher than the current room temperature. Change batteries where required.
Step 2: Check Power Supply
Make sure that the furnace switch has been on and the circuit breaker has not tripped.
Step 3: Inspect the Air Filter
A dirty air filter has the potential to limit air flow and cause safety switches to stop ignition. Install new dirty filters as soon as possible.
Step 4: Check the Gas Valve
Ensure that the gas valve close to the furnace has the gas valve in the open position (along the gas line).
Step 5: Clean the Flame Sensor
When available, clean the flame sensor, but with a soft cloth or fine steel wool. This is a simple solution which works to restore ignition.
Safety Warning: Never turn on power and gas and inspect internal furnace parts.
When DIY Furnace Ignition Problems.
Whereas fixing some of them is easy, others need advanced skills. Do not attempt DIY repairs if:
- You smell gas
- The igniter is fractured or broken.
- Damage to electrical wiring occurs.
- After fundamental troubleshooting, the error codes still exist.
Gas furnaces have a combination of combustion and electrical system such that inappropriate repairs are quite dangerous.
👉👉👉Also read: Furnace Short Cycling
Repairs on a Furnace that fails to start.
Igniter Replacement
It is easy and safe to test and replace a failed igniter by a professional.
Burner Cleaning
Technicians clean and readjust burners so as to maintain the correct flow of gas and ignition.
Control Board Repair
The failure of the control board to transmit the ignition signals might require repair and replacement.
Repair or Replacement of Gas Valve.
Malfunctioning gas valves are hazardous and have to be addressed by certified experts.
Breaking a Furnace that Will not Ignite Cost.
The cost of repairing is dependent on the reason and type of furnace.
- Replacement/cleaning of flame sensor: $100- 300.
- Igniter replacement: $150 – $400
- Thermostat repair: $100 – $250
- Gas valve replacement: $300 – $800
- Control board replacement: $500 – $1,500
Several of these problems can be avoided through regular maintenance and minimization of the long-term costs.
Avoiding Ignition issues in Furnaces.
Book Furnace Maintenance.
Professional tune-ups identify old igniters, dirty burners and failed sensors earlier prior to failure.
Change Air Filters Frequently.
Change every 13 months to ensure correct airflow.
Keep the Furnace Area Clean
The dust and debris may get in the ignition parts.
Use a Surge Protector
Sensitive ignition systems can be destroyed by the power of electricity.
Furnace Failing to light up during cold weather.
Very low temperatures may exacerbate the problem. The frozen intake or exhaust pipes, the condensation accumulation, or the issues with the pressure switch are typical winter causes.
When your furnace will not start in cold snaps, get it checked as soon as possible, otherwise your pipes will freeze and additional damage will occur.
Furnace not Igniting vs. Pilot Light Problems
Still older furnaces can have a standing pilot light. When the pilot is not there, the furnace will not start. The usual reasons are drafting, thermocouple or supply of gas.
The new furnaces depend on electronic ignition that has reduced the cases of pilot lights, although they are still applicable in older systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does my furnace cheapen but not light?
This is an indication of a malfunction in the igniter, a dirty burner, gas supply, etc.
Will a foul air filter prevent my furnace?
Yes. Limited breath intake may activate safety switches and ignition is blocked.
Should I continue starting my furnace?
No. Repeated efforts may cause damages to parts and safety hazards.
What is the average life of a furnace igniter?
The average life of igniters is 3- 7 years under the condition of usage and electricity.
Conclusion
Failure of the furnace to light is a problem which should not be underestimated and ignored. Though some problems with the furnace might be easy and less costly to correct, others would have to be dealt with by professionals for safety and reliability considerations.
In this way, you can minimize the risk of an ignition failure by understanding the typical causes of the problem, identifying signs of an impending failure, and keeping your home warm by regularly maintaining your equipment.
If the problem persists with respect to ignition with a conventional system, the best course of action is to seek professional assistance from a licensed HVAC technician.
