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Why Your Furnace Won’t Stay Lit
heating
10/19/2021
Erin Smith

Why Your Furnace Won’t Stay Lit

Is your furnace shutting down before it reaches the temperature you’ve set? One of the most common issues homeowners face is burners that won’t stay lit. This problem causes the furnace to ignite, produce heat briefly, and then switch off—leaving your home chilly.

Nothing is more frustrating on a cold winter day than a furnace that won’t keep running. Since several issues could be the cause, and because gas systems can be dangerous to repair on your own, it’s always best to call for professional furnace service in Layton, UT.

Reasons for a Furnace Malfunction

Here are some common reasons your furnace may not stay lit, along with what can be done about them.

Thermostat not working

If your thermostat is out of calibration, it may signal the furnace to shut down too early, thinking the home has already reached the desired temperature. One way to troubleshoot is by temporarily replacing the thermostat with a basic model. If the furnace runs normally, the thermostat was the culprit. If not, it’s time to keep troubleshooting or schedule a furnace tune-up in North Salt Lake.

Thermocouple failure

The thermocouple is a small heat sensor next to the pilot light that closes the gas valve if the flame goes out. If it malfunctions, it may shut off the gas even when the pilot is lit, causing the furnace to stop. If your pilot light won’t stay lit, a faulty thermocouple may be to blame. Replacing this part usually requires the help of an HVAC technician.

Full humidification pan

Condensing furnaces produce water that drains into a condensate pan. If the drain line clogs, the pan can overflow, triggering a safety sensor that shuts down the furnace. Check the condensate pan for standing water and clear the drain line with a stiff wire. Flushing with a bleach solution or algaecide can help prevent future blockages.

Air compressor not running

When your furnace is on, place your hand over a supply vent. If no warm air is coming out, the blower motor may not be running. This could be caused by a faulty relay, a worn belt, or a motor issue. To protect the heat exchanger, the furnace will automatically shut down until the problem is fixed.

As you can see, there are multiple reasons why your furnace may not stay lit. Identifying the exact cause often requires a professional diagnosis. For dependable furnace replacement in Farmington, UT, or expert tune-ups, trust Blue Best Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Generators.

Call us today at (801) 851-5518 or email info@bluebest.com to schedule service and keep your home warm all winter long.

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