How to Troubleshoot a Furnace That Wont Stay Lit

A malfunctioning furnace is exhausting to deal with. There are several reasons this might happen, but one of the most likely is something wrong with the burners or associated parts.

Newer furnaces don’t rely on pilot lights to keep the furnace going. Instead, they use electronic ignition. If this ignition is damaged, the burners won’t work like they are supposed to.

When your gas furnace is running correctly, here’s how it should work:

  • The thermostat directs your furnace to run.
  • Your furnace’s draft inducer fan starts to pull fresh air toward your furnace.
  • The gas valve opens to move gas into the pilot burner.
  • An electronic spark lights the pilot light.
  • The flame sensor tells your furnace that the pilot has been ignited.
  • The gas valve sends gas to the principal burners, which are lit by the pilot light.
  • Your furnace then provides warm air throughout your house via ductwork.

If something fails during this sequence, your furnace will shut down for safety reasons. Or it might stop a few minutes into heating because it’s overheating.

Several of these problems can be fixed on their own, but others need professional assistance. When you want the finest furnace repair in Kitchener, reach out to our heat Experts at 519-804-1617. We repair all brands and our work is ensured by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.*

Here are a number of the top reasons why your furnace isn’t staying lit and what to do to fix it.

1. Malfunctioning Flame Sensor

Your furnace’s flame sensor is a safety component that informs your furnace when gas is ignited. If the sensor is dirty or faulty, it might work intermittently or not at all. Even if the sensor is running normally, poor positioning leaves it unable to recognize the flame at all. While you could start troubleshooting and cleaning this sensor right away, trusting a pro like Boehmers/Cronin Emery Home Services by Enercare will make sure the problem is handled quickly and correctly.

2. Furnace is Too Warm

Your furnace contains built-in safety functions that deactivates your furnace if it gets especially hot. One of the most typical causes is a filthy filter. We recommend checking your air filter monthly. If you can’t see light through it, replace it.

3. Thermostat Malfunction

Your thermostat informs your furnace when it is time to heat your house. When it’s not running as it’s supposed to, your furnace will struggle to keep your residence warm. This can be a battery or electrical issue, depending on what type of thermostat you own. We recommend opening your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for needed troubleshooting instructions. If you still can’t get yours working, call our Experts at 519-804-1617. We’ll find the problem right away and can replace your thermostat, if necessary.

A number of these issues, including a dirty flame sensor or an overheated furnace, are due to a lack of routine furnace maintenance. It’s crucial to have this service performed every year, because it may help stop breakdowns, improve your furnace’s energy efficiency and can even make it last longer.

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

Inevitably, your furnace cannot work like it should in spite of attempts to repair or maintain it. When the time comes, reach out to Boehmers/Cronin Emery Home Services by Enercare and our professional furnace replacement in Kitchener. We work with some of the number one furnace brands, like Lennox®, to offer you affordable, energy-efficient heating equipment.

When you’re contemplating replacing your furnace, consider signing up for our Advantage Program™. Buying a new furnace can be thousands of dollars out of pocket. As an Advantage member, you’ll be given a new furnace for just one low monthly fee. There’s no down payment or installation costs, and you get to hold on to any valuable rebates.

What’s even better is that Advantage members don’t pay a dime for repairs** or maintenance. If you have a disaster, you’re supported with 24/7 priority service. You’ll also enjoy discounts, no sneaky charges and several other benefits.

Don’t put up with interruptions to your comfort for a moment longer. Give Boehmers/Cronin Emery Home Services by Enercare a call at 519-804-1617 to request an appointment now. Whether you need 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.