Furnace pilot light. Your furnace uses a direct ignition or standing pilot light to ignite the gas. When there’s an issue with the ignition, your flame on the furnace keeps going out. Learn more about how your furnace works, why your furnace may not be staying lit, and how Superstition Cooling can help you keep your home warm in Apache Junction. Explore the benefits of working with a local HVAC expert when diagnosing a furnace problem. Serving areas near Lost Dutchman State Park.
How Does A Gas Furnace Work
It all starts with your thermostat. When it registers a temperature cooler than your set temperature, it sends a signal to your furnace. This causes the draft inducer fan to turn on. Furnaces, like automotive engines, use a mixture of air and fuel to ignite. While fresh air is being blown into the combustion chamber, a gas valve opens and delivers gas to the chamber.
This basic process is the same whether you have a natural gas or propane furnace. These efficient systems can easily heat your entire home, but if you have a furnace that isn’t working properly, it can be difficult to determine the problem’s cause.
There are two basic types of ignition at this point. The first is a standing pilot light. This is an older, less efficient type of heating system. The small pilot fire is always lit, so as soon as the gas is introduced, it begins burning.
The other, a more efficient style, is an electronic spark ignition. This system uses an electronic starter that emits a spark when your furnace is ready to light the pilot light. Once the pilot light is successfully lit, a flame sensor sends a signal to open the main burner or burners’ gas valve. There are many slight variations to your furnace’s operation, so it’s best to work with a professional to determine the damaged component, improper sensor location, or other issues that prevent it from working properly.
Common Reasons Your Flame on Furnace Keeps Going Out
A common issue with this process is a flame that keeps going out in Apache Junction. If your furnace doesn’t start at all or is not staying lit, there may be an electrical issue or a problem with your electric pilot light starter.
Here are some common causes of a furnace that lights the pilot light, then stops without warning:
- Defective flame sensor
- Ignition board issue
- Low gas pressure
- Improper flame sensor positioning
- Airflow blockage
All of these situations require professional assistance. Repairing your furnace requires you to work with pressurized gas lines, electric wires, and combustion chambers. Failure to use proper caution when repairing your furnace could lead to a number of safety issues.
How Superstition Cooling Can Help
Turn to a local leader in a furnace and air conditioner repair. At Superstition Cooling, we understand the importance of keeping your home warm in Arizona. When you work with a qualified technician at Superstition Cooling, you’ll enjoy prompt services, thorough inspections, and effective repairs. We work hard to identify the source of the issue in your furnace quickly. If you have a standing pilot light furnace, we can also recommend an energy-efficient upgrade that can save you on your monthly heating bills.
Request an estimate today to find out why my furnace won’t stay on. Ask about emergency repair services if your furnace isn’t working after hours. Consider having your furnace inspected before winter to prepare to stay warm with an efficient furnace.
Image Credit: Shutterstock/ Brian McEntire