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

A damaged furnace is exhausting to handle. There are many reasons this may happen, but one of the most common is a problem with the burners or relevant parts.

Newer furnaces don’t require pilot lights to keep the furnace ignited. Instead, they work via electronic ignition. If this ignition stops working correctly, the burners won’t work like they do normally.

When your gas furnace is functioning correctly, here’s how it should run:

  • The thermostat informs your furnace to turn on.
  • Your furnace’s draft inducer fan begins to spin in order to pull fresh air toward 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 is burning.
  • The gas valve moves gas to the central burners, which are lit by the pilot light.
  • Your furnace then moves warm air throughout your residence via ductwork.

If something fails during this sequence, your furnace will deactivate for safety purposes. Or it might shut down a few minutes into heating because it’s getting too hot.

Several of these issues can be fixed on their own, but others need professional servicing. When you want the top furnace repair in Roanoke, reach out to our furnace Experts at 540-302-8645. We work with all brands and our service is ensured by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.*

Here are several of the main reasons why your heater isn’t staying lit and what to do to fix it.

1. Dirty Flame Sensor

Your furnace’s flame sensor is a safety feature that informs your furnace when gas is ignited. If the sensor is dirty or faulty, it could work erratically or not at all. Even if the sensor is functioning normally, incorrect positioning leaves it unable to detect the flame to begin with. While you could try troubleshooting and cleaning this sensor right away, trusting a professional like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning will ensure the problem is fixed swiftly and correctly.

2. Overheated Furnace

Your furnace utilizes built-in safety functions that shut it off if it gets dangerously hot. One of the most frequent causes is a dirty filter. We recommend evaluating your air filter each month. If you can’t see light through it, replace it.

3. Thermostat is Malfunctioning

Your thermostat directs your furnace when it is time to heat your house. When it’s not working properly, your furnace will struggle to keep your home warm. This can be a battery or electrical problem, depending on what model of thermostat you have. We suggest reviewing your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for necessary troubleshooting instructions. If you still can’t get yours working, contact our Experts at 540-302-8645. We’ll discover the problem promptly and can replace your thermostat, if needed.

Several of these issues, such as a dirty flame sensor or an overheated furnace, are due to a lack of proper furnace maintenance. It’s extremely helpful to have this service completed every year, because it might help minimize breakdowns, improve your furnace’s energy efficiency and can even make it live longer.

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

Eventually, your furnace can’t work like it’s supposed to in spite of attempts to repair or maintain it. When the time comes, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning and our expert furnace replacement in Roanoke. We partner with some of the number one furnace brands, like Lennox®, to offer you affordable, energy-efficient heating options.

When you’re considering replacing your furnace, consider taking advantage of our Advantage Program™. Getting a new 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 costs, and you get to hold on to any valuable rebates.

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

Don’t put up with interruptions to your comfort for a moment longer. Give Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning a call at 540-302-8645 to request an appointment today. Whether you are looking for 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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