Repairing a Furnace That Wont Stay Lit

A damaged furnace is a hassle to handle. There are lots of reasons this can happen, but one of the most likely is a problem with the burners or related components.

Newer furnaces don’t rely on pilot lights to keep the furnace ignited. Instead, they work via electronic ignition. If this ignition malfunctions, the burners won’t function like they are supposed to.

When your gas furnace is performing normally, here’s how it should run:

  • The thermostat informs your furnace to turn on.
  • Your furnace’s draft inducer fan turns on to bring fresh air toward your furnace.
  • The gas valve opens to send gas into the pilot burner.
  • An electronic spark starts the pilot light.
  • The flame sensor directs your furnace that the pilot has been ignited.
  • The gas valve sends gas to the main burners, which are lit by the pilot light.
  • Your furnace then provides warm air into your home via ductwork.

If something breaks down during this process, your furnace will deactivate for safety purposes. Or it might shut down a few minutes into heating because it’s getting too hot.

Several of these issues can be fixed on their own, but others need professional servicing. When you need the top furnace repair in Livermore, call our heating Experts at 925-364-5427. We have experience with all brands and our work is supported by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.*

Here are some of the main reasons why your furnace isn’t staying lit and what to do moving forward.

1. Malfunctioning Flame Sensor

Your furnace’s flame sensor is a safety feature that notifies your furnace when gas is ignited. If the sensor is dirty or malfunctioning, it may work erratically or not at all. Even if the sensor is operating like it should, incorrect positioning leaves it unable to detect the flame to begin with. While you could attempt troubleshooting and cleaning this sensor on your own, calling a pro like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning will ensure the problem is fixed quickly and correctly.

2. Furnace is Too Warm

Your furnace utilizes built-in safety functions that shut it off if it gets dangerously hot. One of the most typical causes is a clogged filter. We recommend reviewing your air filter each month. If you can’t see light through it, swap it out.

3. Thermostat is Malfunctioning

Your thermostat directs your furnace when it is time to heat your home. When it’s not operating normally, your furnace will require more energy to keep your residence warm. This can be a battery or electrical malfunction, depending on what model of thermostat you own. We recommend opening your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for needed troubleshooting details. If you still can’t get yours working, get in touch with our Experts at 925-364-5427. We’ll discover the problem right away and can replace your thermostat, if that is required.

Several of these issues, including a dirty flame sensor or an overheated furnace, are due to a lack of routine furnace maintenance. It’s important to have this service performed once a year, because it could help prevent breakdowns, boost your furnace’s energy efficiency and might even make it last longer.

We Have You Protected When It’s Time for Furnace Replacement

Sooner or later, your furnace cannot work like it’s supposed to regardless of attempts to repair or maintain it. When the time comes, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning and our expert furnace replacement in Livermore. We offer some of the top furnace brands, such as Lennox®, to offer you affordable, energy-efficient heating equipment.

When you’re looking into replacing your furnace, consider taking advantage of our Advantage Program™. Getting a new furnace can cost you thousands of dollars out of pocket. As an Advantage member, you’ll receive a new furnace for just one small monthly fee. There’s no down payment or installation costs, and you get to keep any beneficial rebates.

What’s even better is that Advantage members don’t pay a cent for repairs** or maintenance. If disaster strikes, you’re protected with 24/7 priority service. You’ll also enjoy discounts, no last-minute charges and lots of other benefits.

Don’t worry about interruptions to your comfort for a minute longer. Give Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning a call at 925-364-5427 to request an appointment today. Whether you want repairs or if it’s time for a new furnace, we guarantee your satisfaction.


*Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions. **See your signed Advantage Agreement for details.

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