3 Reasons Why Your Furnace Isnt Staying Lit and How to Solve It

A broken furnace is a hassle to handle. There are several reasons this may happen, but one of the most common is something wrong with the burners or related systems.

Newer furnaces don’t require pilot lights to keep the furnace lit. Instead, they use electronic ignition. If this ignition malfunctions, the burners will not function like they should.

When your gas furnace is functioning normally, here’s how it should operate:

  • The thermostat tells your furnace to turn on.
  • Your furnace’s draft inducer fan starts to bring fresh air through your furnace.
  • The gas valve opens to direct gas into the pilot burner.
  • An electronic spark starts the pilot light.
  • The flame sensor directs your furnace that the pilot has been lit.
  • The gas valve sends gas to the primary burners, which are lit by the pilot light.
  • Your furnace then sends warm air throughout your residence via ductwork.

If something malfunctions during this sequence, your furnace will deactivate for safety reasons. Or it might shut down a few minutes into heating because it’s too warm.

Several of these malfunctions can be repaired on their own, but others are best handled by professional servicing. When you want the top furnace repair in Nashville, get in touch with our heat Experts at 615-953-9885. We service all brands and our service is supported by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.*

Here are some of the top reasons why your heater 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 notifies your furnace when gas is ignited. If the sensor is dirty or faulty, it might work erratically or not at all. Even if the sensor is operating as normal, poor positioning leaves it unable to recognize the flame to begin with. While you can attempt troubleshooting and cleaning this sensor right away, calling an expert like Donelson Air Service Experts will ensure the problem is resolved swiftly and correctly.

2. Overheated Furnace

Your furnace has built-in safety procedures that deactivates your furnace if it gets dangerously hot. One of the most typical causes is a clogged filter. We encourage evaluating your air filter each month. 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 like it should, your furnace will have trouble keeping your home warm. This can be a battery or electrical problem, depending on what kind of thermostat you use. We encourage referring to your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for necessary troubleshooting procedures. If you still can’t get yours working, call our Experts at 615-953-9885. We’ll identify the cause swiftly and can replace your thermostat, if needed.

Several of these issues, like a dirty flame sensor or an overheated furnace, are due to a lack of routine furnace maintenance. It’s highly beneficial to have this service performed annually, because it may help reduce breakdowns, improve your furnace’s energy efficiency and may even make it live longer.

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

Sooner or later, your furnace won’t work like it should despite attempts to repair or maintain it. When the time comes, reach out to Donelson Air Service Experts and our quality furnace replacement in Nashville. We partner with some of the top furnace brands, like Lennox®, to offer you affordable, energy-efficient heating equipment.

When you’re considering replacing your furnace, consider enrolling in our Advantage Program™. Replacing a furnace can run thousands of dollars out of pocket. As an Advantage member, you’ll get a new furnace for just one affordable monthly fee. There’s no down payment or installation costs, and you get to hold on to any helpful rebates.

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

Don’t fret about interruptions to your comfort for a moment longer. Give Donelson Air Service Experts a call at 615-953-9885 to schedule an appointment now. 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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