Furnace Not Igniting? Troubleshooting Tips for Lakewood Ranch Homes

When you need heat during a Lakewood Ranch cold spell, a furnace not igniting is a major inconvenience. While some ignition problems require professional furnace repair, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take yourself before calling for service.

If your furnace won't start or fails to light, Reliable Air Conditioning and Heating suggests checking these common culprits:

1. Thermostat Settings: Ensure the thermostat is set to "Heat" and the temperature is set above the current room temperature. Check the batteries if it's a battery-powered model.
2. Power Supply: Check the circuit breaker for the furnace. Has it tripped? Reset it once. If it trips again, call a professional. Also, ensure the furnace power switch (often located near the unit) is turned on.
3. Gas Supply (Gas Furnaces): Verify that the gas valve supplying the furnace is open. Check if other gas appliances in your home are working; if not, there might be an issue with your gas supply line or meter – contact your gas company.
4. Pilot Light (Older Furnaces): If you have an older furnace with a standing pilot light, check if it's lit. If not, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to relight it. If it won't stay lit, there might be an issue with the thermocouple.
5. Ignition System (Modern Furnaces): Newer furnaces use electronic ignition (hot surface ignitor or intermittent pilot). Listen for the ignitor trying to light or watch for its glow through the furnace viewport (if applicable). If the furnace clicks but won't ignite, the ignitor or flame sensor might be faulty.
6. Air Filter: A severely clogged air filter can restrict airflow and trigger safety switches that prevent ignition. Check and replace the filter if it's dirty.
7. Drainage Issues (High-Efficiency Furnaces): Condensing furnaces produce water that needs to drain. A clogged drain line can cause the furnace to shut down as a safety measure.

When to Call Reliable Air:

If troubleshooting doesn't solve the problem, or if you're uncomfortable performing these checks, it's time to call the honest and expert technicians at Reliable Air Conditioning and Heating. Issues with ignitors, flame sensors, gas valves, or control boards require professional diagnosis and repair. We provide reliable furnace service throughout Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and Sarasota, committed to uncompromised quality.

Furnace ignition problems? Contact Reliable Air Conditioning and Heating for safe and effective solutions.