Many homeowners throughout Middlesex County rely on natural gas furnaces to keep them warm and cozy throughout the chilly winter months. However, when your furnace won’t ignite, it can leave you panicking as freezing temperatures set in.
Understanding the most common causes behind your furnace not igniting can help you quickly identify the issue and take the right steps to restore heat to your Edison home. Explore the most common culprits, easy troubleshooting steps, and signs it’s time to call the experts at Sam’s Air Control for expert furnace repair.
How Does Your Furnace Ignite?
When the temperature inside your Edison home begins to fall, your thermostat signals your furnace to turn on. The electronic ignition system inside your unit, often a hot surface ignitor or an intermittent pilot light, then activates to ignite the burners and warm the air. A flame sensor confirms that the burners are safely lit and signals the blower to circulate the warm air throughout your home.
Why Is My Furnace Not Igniting?
Feel the temperature dropping in your NJ home, but your furnace won’t kick in? It’s not uncommon for ignition failures, dust buildup, or worn-out components to prevent your furnace from igniting, especially after months of disuse. Explore the most common culprits behind this issue to determine your next steps.
Thermostat or power issue
Your furnace relies on the thermostat to signal it to turn on and off. If wiring issues, dead batteries, or incorrect settings get in the way, your furnace won’t ignite, leaving you shivering through the winter chill.
Always check that your thermostat is powered on, set to “heat,” and at your desired temperature. If everything seems to be working correctly, there may be another issue preventing it from igniting.
Dirty flame sensor
The flame sensor is a small metal rod that detects whether your furnace burners are lit. If dust, soot, or debris accumulates on the sensor, it can prevent it from detecting a flame and trigger a precautionary safety shut-off.
Inspect the sensor for buildup and carefully clean it if necessary. If your furnace still won’t ignite, contact a licensed heating pro to schedule an inspection and repair.
Clogged air filter
Your furnace’s air filter traps dust, dirt, and debris before they enter the system to keep healthy air circulating throughout your home. Without routine replacement, these contaminants can build up and clog the filter, restricting airflow and preventing the burners from igniting.
Regularly replacing the air filter helps prevent clogs and keeps your furnace working without delay. With New Jersey’s long, cold winters, many homeowners find that the best replacement schedule is every one to three months.
Pilot light or igniter malfunction
The pilot light or electronic igniter is the key component that ignites the burners and starts the process of warming your home. If the igniter becomes faulty, the assembly wears out, or dust accumulates on the components, your furnace may fail to ignite, leaving you sitting in the cold.
Inspecting the pilot light and carefully reigniting it can get your furnace back up and running. For electric igniters, it’s best to contact a pro to diagnose and safely replace the faulty component.
Gas supply problems
Your furnace needs a steady flow of gas to ignite and produce heat. If a closed valve, tripped safety shut-off, or utility issue interrupts the supply, your furnace may fail to start. You’ll often hear clicking sounds as the unit begins to ignite, but no flame will appear.
Gas problems can be extremely hazardous, so it’s important to contact a reputable pro at the first sign of trouble. If you notice a gas-like smell around your unit, immediately evacuate and contact emergency services.
Faulty control board or limit switch
The control board and limit switch are key components of your furnace, coordinating all the components and preventing overheating. If electrical surges or wear cause either to fail, it can stop your furnace from igniting or shut it down unexpectedly.
Because of the complexity of these components, it’s best to leave troubleshooting to the pros. A licensed HVAC expert can safely diagnose the issue and recommend the best repair or replacement solution.
Furnace Pilot Light Troubleshooting Steps
If the winter chill is starting to creep into your Middlesex County home, a failing pilot light can pose a serious problem. Thankfully, a few simple troubleshooting steps can help you reignite the light or figure out what’s going on before calling a pro. Here’s what to do:
- Step one: Check the gas supply and ensure the valve is fully open.
- Step two: If the pilot light is unlit, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it.
- Step three: Turn off your furnace and gently wipe the assembly to remove dust, soot, and debris.
- Step four: Inspect the thermocouple or flame sensor for buildup and clean or replace them if necessary.
If the pilot light still won’t stay lit, or you begin to notice a gas smell, contact a licensed HVAC technician to safely diagnose and repair the problem. Tampering with gas lines or furnace components on your own can be extremely dangerous and put you and your home at risk of fire damage, carbon monoxide exposure, and other serious hazards.
Should You Replace Your Furnace If the Igniter Won’t Turn On?
Your furnace igniter not turning on doesn’t always mean you need a new furnace. The issue could be as simple as a dirty flame sensor or a wiring problem, which can be easily repaired by a licensed HVAC pro.
However, there are a few instances when replacing your unit can be a better option. If your furnace is over 10 years old, constantly breaking down, or repairs cost more than half the price of a new unit, replacement may be a more cost-effective solution. With New Jersey utility costs on the rise, upgrading to a new furnace can help lower your energy bills, improve efficiency, and provide long-term savings while keeping your home warm during the chilly winter months ahead.
When To Call for Edison Furnace Repair
If you work through all of the above troubleshooting steps and your furnace still won’t ignite, don’t hesitate to contact the reputable HVAC team at Sam’s Air Control. Licensed heating pros have the tools and expertise to safely diagnose and repair furnace issues, so you can get back to enjoying a warm, comfortable home without the hassle of DIY repairs.
We proudly serve homeowners throughout Edison and surrounding Middlesex County neighborhoods, including:
- Woodbridge
- South River
- Piscataway
- Metuchen
- And more
Contact Sam’s Air for Trusted Furnace Solutions in Edison
Gas furnace not turning on? Choose Sam’s Air Control for quick, hassle-free repairs throughout Edison. Our licensed heating experts have over a decade of experience providing top-quality heating repair, replacements, and maintenance services that keep your home cozy all winter long.
Call us or book online to schedule furnace repair today!
