When your furnace suddenly stops working on a cold morning, it’s immediately clear how important that system is to your comfort. In Herriman, where temperatures can dip well below what most would consider comfortable, a properly functioning furnace isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Breakdown during the heating season can disrupt daily life, not to mention increase stress and lead to discomfort for your family.
A common reason this happens is trouble with the ignition system. If the furnace can’t light, it can’t heat. Ignition problems are often unexpected and can show up in several forms. Some are minor and easy to notice, while others may require a closer look to diagnose. Understanding the signs and causes can help you figure out the next step without wasting time or dealing with the frustration of a cold home longer than you have to.
Common Ignition Problems in Furnaces
Ignition problems can show themselves in more than one way, and it’s helpful to know what to look for. Whether your home uses an older system or a modern unit with electronic components, ignition failure tends to follow similar patterns. Below are the most common ignition issues that Herriman homeowners come across during the heating season:
– Pilot Light Problems: Older furnaces use a small, continuously burning flame called a pilot light to ignite the burners. If the flame goes out or won’t stay lit, the furnace won’t heat at all. Pilot lights can be blown out by air drafts or blocked by dirt buildup.
– Faulty Electric Ignition: Newer systems use an electric ignition, either a hot surface igniter or intermittent spark ignition. If the igniter is worn down, cracked, or not getting power, the system will fail to fire up properly.
– Dirty Ignition Components: Whether you’re dealing with a thermocouple, flame sensor, or igniter, dirt or corrosion can interrupt the ignition signal. Sensors can’t read the flame accurately if they’re coated with dust or grime, causing the system to shut down as a safety precaution.
For example, a homeowner in Herriman reached out after waking up to a cold house. Their furnace had power and the thermostat was set correctly, but no heat came through the vents. After checking, the technician found that a cracked hot surface igniter was preventing the furnace from lighting. A simple replacement solved the issue, and heat returned immediately.
These kinds of issues are more common than you might think, especially as furnaces age or go long periods without maintenance. Keep an eye out for warning signs like a clicking noise without ignition, frequent resets, or the furnace shutting off too soon.
Troubleshooting Ignition Problems
While some signs of ignition issues are clear, others might be harder to spot. When your furnace doesn’t start, begin with a basic troubleshooting checklist. Here’s what homeowners in Herriman can do before reaching out for help:
1. Check the Pilot Light (if applicable)
– Ensure the pilot flame is on. If it’s out, try relighting following the furnace’s instructions located on the panel.
– If it won’t stay lit, the thermocouple may be misaligned or faulty.
2. Inspect the Igniter
– On systems with electronic ignition, a clicking sound without ignition could mean the igniter isn’t working.
– Look for visible cracks on the surface igniter or discoloration that could indicate failure.
3. Clean Flame Sensors and Igniters
– Turn off power to the furnace before attempting any cleaning.
– Gently remove and clean the flame sensor or igniter using a fine grit sandpaper or a soft cloth to remove debris.
– If the part appears damaged in any way, don’t try to use it again. Have it replaced.
4. Double-check the Thermostat
– Sometimes, the issue lies in the settings or batteries rather than the hardware.
– Make sure the thermostat is set to heat and the temperature is above room level.
5. Reset the System
– Shut off power to the furnace and turn it back on after a couple of minutes.
– This allows the system to clear certain error messages and attempt a full restart.
While these steps can help pinpoint simple issues, they don’t fix everything. If your unit keeps failing to ignite after trying these suggestions, then it may be time for our professionals to take a closer look. Ongoing ignition failure often involves worn-out components, wiring problems, or control board issues. These all require proper tools and expertise.
When Professional Help Is Needed
Even if a furnace appears to be in decent shape, persistent ignition issues signal that something more serious could be going on under the surface. If the system repeatedly fails to start, cycles on and off too quickly, or doesn’t produce consistent heat, it’s time to involve a trained technician. Some problems can’t be fixed by cleaning or resetting. They need deeper inspection and part replacement.
A common example is when the control board stops sending the proper signal to the igniter. This isn’t something that can be identified without proper diagnostic tools. Trying to fix electrical components without the right experience could create more damage or create safety hazards in your Herriman home. The same applies to issues involving the gas valve or blower motor. Both connect to ignition function but affect different parts of the furnace.
Here are several signs that call for professional diagnosis and repair:
– You smell gas near or around the furnace area.
– The igniter clicks, but the furnace never fires up.
– The blower continues to run without enough warm air.
– The system restarts multiple times before staying on (short cycling).
– Diagnostic lights are flashing or producing error codes.
Calling our professionals helps eliminate the guesswork and ensures the problem is not only identified quickly but addressed safely. Over time, trying to deal with recurring issues without the right help may cost more than scheduling a qualified service visit.
Preventative Measures To Avoid Ignition Issues
Knowing what can go wrong is one part of the equation. The other part is doing what it takes to stop problems before they start. Regular maintenance is important throughout the year to help keep your furnace operating as it should.
Here are simple steps Herriman homeowners can take to reduce the risk of ignition failure:
– Schedule an annual furnace tune-up before fall begins.
– Replace filters regularly to avoid excess dust buildup near ignition parts.
– Keep the area around the furnace clean and unobstructed.
– Test your thermostat a few times during the off-season to make sure it reads correctly.
– Listen for abnormal noises like banging or scraping that might point to developing problems.
– Make sure the flame sensor and igniter aren’t ignored during regular maintenance checks.
These steps keep your furnace cleaner and better prepared to handle peak use during colder months. Systems that receive regular inspections also tend to have fewer breakdowns, especially ignition-related ones. If left unchecked, small issues like a dirty flame sensor can develop into bigger repairs that cost much more down the road. Investing in maintenance today helps ensure peace of mind tomorrow, especially when temperatures drop in Herriman.
Stay Comfortable And Safe Through Reliable Furnace Performance
Choosing to address furnace ignition problems early makes a big difference. Whether it’s a blinking error light on your thermostat or a blower that keeps running without producing heat, small signs often lead to larger issues. The sooner you notice these problems, the easier and more affordable they are to handle.
Staying warm in your Herriman home during cold seasons depends on more than just having a furnace. It depends on having one that starts up properly when you need it most. Taking steps to keep your system well maintained, responding to odd behavior, and trusting our technicians with the tough stuff helps prevent major disruptions. A reliable furnace begins with prompt attention and trusted care.
If you need a reliable fix to keep your home safe and warm during cold nights, First Choice Heating & Air is here to help. Homeowners in Herriman know that timely repairs can prevent bigger issues, and exploring a furnace installation in Herrimancould be the right move for long-term comfort and efficiency. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.
