How to Fix a Furnace That Wont Stay Lit

A malfunctioning furnace is frustrating to put up with. There are several reasons this can happen, but one of the most likely is something wrong with the burners or associated systems.

Newer systems don’t use pilot lights to keep the furnace going. Instead, they use electronic ignition. If this ignition is damaged, the burners won’t work like they do normally.

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

  • The thermostat tells your furnace to activate.
  • Your furnace’s draft inducer fan starts to bring 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 informs 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 across your home via ductwork.

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

Some of these issues can be repaired on their own, but others require professional servicing. When you are looking for the fastest furnace repair in Gainesville, get in touch with our furnace Experts at 352-414-4006. We have experience with all brands and our work is backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.*

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

1. Faulty Flame Sensor

Your furnace’s flame sensor is a safety system that notifies your furnace when gas is ignited. If the sensor is dirty or damaged, it may work erratically or not at all. Even if the sensor is running as normal, misaligned positioning leaves it unable to identify the flame at all. While you may attempt troubleshooting and cleaning this sensor right away, contacting a pro like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning will make sure the problem is fixed quickly and correctly.

2. Furnace is Too Warm

Your furnace contains built-in safety procedures that deactivates your furnace if it gets dangerously hot. One of the most common causes is a filthy filter. We recommend inspecting your air filter monthly. If you can’t see light through it, change it.

3. Thermostat Malfunction

Your thermostat informs your furnace when it should heat your home. When it’s not working as it’s supposed to, your furnace will require more energy to keep your house warm. This can be a battery or electrical malfunction, depending on what model of thermostat you own. We encourage opening your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for useful troubleshooting information. If you still can’t get yours working, call our Experts at 352-414-4006. We’ll find the issue right away and can replace your thermostat, if needed.

Several of these issues, like a dirty flame sensor or an overheated furnace, are a result of a lack of consistent furnace maintenance. It’s important to have this service done once a year, because it could help stop breakdowns, boost your furnace’s energy efficiency and can even make it last longer.

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

Sooner or later, your furnace can’t work like it should regardless of attempts to repair or maintain it. When the time comes, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning and our top-notch furnace replacement in Gainesville. We offer some of the best furnace brands, including Lennox®, to offer you affordable, energy-efficient heating systems.

When you’re thinking about replacing your furnace, consider signing up for our Advantage Program™. Getting a new furnace can be 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 dime for repairs** or maintenance. If you have a disaster, you’re supported with 24/7 priority service. You’ll also receive discounts, no hidden charges and several other benefits.

Don’t worry about interruptions to your comfort for a minute longer. Give Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning a call at 352-414-4006 to request an appointment today. Whether you need 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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