Furnace Repair 101: Common Reasons for Furnace Ignition Failure in Baltimore, MD

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If you’ve noticed that your furnace has trouble starting up, you should reach out for furnace repairs right away. You could quickly find yourself with your furnace not working at all. Furnace ignition failure is a common issue with many potential causes. Here are some of the reasons why your heating system might not be operating properly.

 

Is the Furnace Flame Sensor Faulty?

The flame sensor plays a key role in controlling the furnace and won’t allow the gas valve to open unless a flame is present. If your furnace starts up and shuts off quickly, it could be the flame sensor.

Repairing this furnace issue could be as simple as cleaning the sensor or securing the wiring. However, you may need a replacement flame sensor to ensure proper furnace operation.

 

How Can You Tell if Your Furnace Has a Gas Supply?

Your furnace can only ignite if it has gas to burn. If you notice no flame at all during ignition or multiple failed starts, you may have a restricted gas supply or none at all. This could be due to closed valves, a faulty regulator, or gas line issues upstream.

If you see that there isn’t any flame and your gas valve is open, close the valve immediately. There could be a leak somewhere in your home. If you smell the distinct rotten-egg odor of a gas leak, reach out to emergency services.

 

Excess Buildup on Burners

Your furnace can’t operate without burners in good condition. Dust, rust, moisture, and debris can build up and block burners, affecting the mixture of gas and air. Uneven or discolored flames and ignition delay are both indicators of burner issues.

Seasonal heating tune-ups are a great way to prevent this kind of issue. Professional cleaning and inspection can avoid a wide range of furnace problems and keep your heating system running longer.

 

Malfunctioning Safety Switches

Furnace ignition failure can also be related to safety switches. Furnaces face stringent safety standards, including limit and rollout switches that prevent overheating and unsafe combustion conditions. These switches stop ignition when certain conditions are detected.

Frequent shutdowns and stopping right after starting can both point to safety switch issues. The switches could be tripping incorrectly and just need replacement. However, they could also point to legitimate problems that will require furnace repair.

 

Blower Motor Problems

When repairing a furnace, the blower is one of the most common components that experiences issues. It drives air through the heat exchanger, capturing heat and distributing it throughout your home.

When the blower doesn’t start, your furnace will quickly shut off to avoid overheating. Weak airflow, mechanical grinding noises, and the smell of overheating are all signs of potential issues that could require blower motor repairs or replacement.

 

Furnace Repairs for Any Situation

If you’re facing furnace issues, it could be any one of these problems or a different reason entirely. The quickest way to find out is to reach out to Complete Climate Services. We’ll troubleshoot the issue and provide reliable furnace repairs so that you can enjoy a comfortable home. Schedule service today to get started.

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