4 Reasons Your Furnace Won’t Ignite in Elk Grove, CA

When your furnace refuses to ignite, you can end up in a home that’s cold and uncomfortable. The next course of action is to discover the cause of the problem and fix it. Let's review four common factors that can keep your furnace in Elk Grove, CA, from igniting.

Problem With the Pilot Light

Older gas furnaces often used pilot lights to function. A pilot light is a small flame that burns blue and ignites the burners. If the pilot light goes out or never starts, the furnace won’t work.

A draft, a dirty pilot orifice or a faulty thermocouple can cause the pilot light to stay off. If you’re having a problem with the pilot light, it’s best to get help from an HVAC service technician. The furnace might need cleaning or potentially a new thermocouple.

Burners Are Dirty or Have a Clog

Dust and debris can accumulate on the furnace burners, preventing them from igniting properly. It’s usually because this buildup blocks the gas flow or interferes with the electronic ignition device. If the furnace is beyond repair, it's possible that a new heating installation is in order.

Ignition System is Malfunctioning

Newer furnaces will likely have an electronic ignition system, like a hot surface igniter or an intermittent pilot system. If either of these ignition systems fails, the furnace won’t ignite. A cracked igniter or loose wiring can cause the problem.

Thermostat is Faulty

The fault may lie with the thermostat, not the furnace. If the thermostat is incorrectly set or isn’t working at all, it can’t send a signal to the furnace to ignite.

A furnace that doesn’t ignite needs immediate attention before colder weather arrives. Contact Jaguar Heating & Air to get the furnace repair you need in Elk Grove, CA.

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