Furnace Ignition Failure: 8 Top Causes in Ocala, FL

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Waking up to a broken or malfunctioning furnace can ruin your day. Even if it seems simple, furnace ignition failure can stem from one of many issues that each require troubleshooting. 

For instance, sometimes, a furnace won’t ignite because the system won’t light the burners responsible for producing heat. Ocala’s leading furnace service, Fast Air Repair, highlights several potential reasons for ignition failure in furnaces below. 

Here are the Ocala team’s eight “failed ignition” troubleshooting tips.

#1 Dirty Furnace Filter

Have you got a really dirty furnace filter? This component collects dust and other particles all the time. 

Your unit may lack proper airflow if dirt covers its surfaces or sensors, and without air, it can’t ignite the burners. It’s important to inspect and replace your furnace filter every few months to keep your unit in top shape. 

If the problems persist, though, call a furnace repair technician as soon as possible. 

#2 Thermostat Issues

You’re probably aware that you have to set your furnace to “heat” mode for it to ignite the burners. If you’ve checked the setting, another potential reason for furnace starting issues is a faulty connection or sensor.

If you experience persistent thermostat issues and switching it to heat mode doesn’t help, a local Ocala HVAC professional like Fast Air Repair will need to take a look.

#3 Tripped Circuit Breaker 

Modern furnaces rely on electricity rather than a pilot light to ignite. The electricity will either make a spark or heat a surface to a point where it allows the gas to ignite. If the power surges while the furnace is using electricity and trips your breaker, the furnace won’t ignite. 

Fortunately, you can solve this furnace issue by flipping the breaker back on. Once the furnace gets power again, it should resume normal operation. However, if your furnace trips the breaker repeatedly or soon after powering up, leave it in the “off” position and call an expert.

#4 Ocala Gas Line Issues 

Common natural gas line issues that may cause a furnace ignition failure include gas leaks, malfunctioning gas valves, or blocked gas lines. For example, an Ocala service provider may have forgotten to turn the gas line back on after closing it for a safety check or repair—you can simply turn it back on. If your furnace still won’t ignite after that, call a local HVAC professional in Ocala, like Fast Air Repair, to check for other potential issues.

Sometimes, the furnace may fail to ignite because of an imbalance in the ratio of natural gas to oxygen. An imbalanced gas-oxygen mixture can cause delayed ignition, so for safety reasons, never try DIY repairs on any gas lines or components. Hire a certified HVAC professional. 

Also, if you smell gas at any point: 

• Evacuate everyone from your home immediately. 
• Don’t use electrical appliances or start a vehicle (a spark could ignite the gas and cause a house fire).
• Once you’re a safe distance away, call your natural gas company.

#5 Defective Igniter or Pilot Light 

If your furnace has a standing pilot light that won’t stay lit or goes out completely, you’ll see furnace ignition issues. The same applies to a furnace with a dirty or burned electronic ignition system. 

Don’t hesitate to contact a seasoned HVAC technician for help with pilot lights or ignitor problems in heating systems. As a preventive measure, consider dusting more regularly. 

#6 Dirty Gas Burners

Over time, dirt may accumulate on your furnace’s burners. If so, they won’t burn evenly or reach high enough. In such cases, your furnace will overwork itself to reach the desired temperatures, and that’s never good if you’re trying to avoid premature ignition failure.

Getting a furnace repair expert in Ocala to inspect and clean the burners will ensure proper functionality. Consider a maintenance plan to keep this and other components in check.

#7 Broken Flame Sensor or Thermocouple 

Every furnace, old or new, sports a built-in safety feature. The design protects you and your family from dangerous gas buildup. 

• In an older furnace with a standing pilot light, the safety mechanism uses a thermocouple, which shuts off the gas supply when it can’t feel heat from the pilot light.
• Newer furnaces have a flame sensor or ignition sensor that cuts off the gas supply once it detects a faulty flame signal or that the burners have failed to ignite. 

If the flame sensor or thermocouple malfunctions, furnace ignition failure follows. For instance, if the thermocouple moves out of position, it won’t feel the pilot light’s heat. In that case, it will continuously shut off the unit’s gas supply. 

Dirty burners may also cause an ignition delay, triggering the ignition sensor to shut off the gas supply to the furnace. Whatever the problem, a professional will remedy a broken flame sensor. Clean the vents and then unplug the unit until your service technician can offer a solution.

#8 Strong Drafts

A draft or stronger winds could prevent your pilot light from lighting the same way you can’t light a birthday cake’s candles if there’s a breeze. If your furnace has a dead or malfunctioning draft motor or blower, the pilot light also won’t work.

The draft motor should prevent this, as it pulls air into and out of your vent or chimney. Nothing lasts forever, though, including draft motors.

Contact Fast Air Repair for Top Tier Heating and Cooling Services in Ocala, Florida 

Furnace ignition failure in your Ocala home is frustrating, but if it’s a gas line issue, it’s also dangerous. Get a local crew like Fast Air Repair on speed dial to start troubleshooting ignition failure issues, especially if you’d like to restore your comfort as soon as possible.

If you need professional heating and cooling help, trust us for:

• Competent technicians
• Factory-authorized parts
• Superior workmanship
• Red carpet service 

How can I handle furnace ignition failure? Do new furnaces have pilot lights? Find out from Fast Air Repair—call (352) 436-8124 today for professional HVAC service in Ocala, Florida, or nearby!