Restoring a Furnace That Wont Stay Lit

A broken furnace is a hassle to deal with. There are many reasons this might happen, but one of the most common is a problem with the burners or related components.

Newer systems don’t rely on pilot lights to keep the furnace lit. Instead, they utilize electronic ignition. If this ignition is damaged, the burners can’t function like they are supposed to.

When your gas furnace is performing properly, here’s how it should work:

  • The thermostat informs your furnace to activate.
  • Your furnace’s draft inducer fan begins to spin in order 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 transports gas to the central burners, which are lit by the pilot light.
  • Your furnace then pushes warm air into your residence via ductwork.

If something goes wrong during this sequence, your furnace will turn off for safety purposes. Or it might shut down a few minutes into heating because it’s overheating.

Several of these problems can be fixed on their own, but others require professional help. When you are looking for the finest furnace repair in Birmingham, call our heating Experts at 205-267-0023. We have experience with all brands and our work is ensured by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.*

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

1. Dirty Flame Sensor

Your furnace’s flame sensor is a safety feature that informs your furnace when gas is ignited. If the sensor is dirty or damaged, it could work erratically or not at all. Even if the sensor is running as normal, poor positioning leaves it unable to recognize the flame at all. While you can try troubleshooting and cleaning this sensor by yourself, hiring a professional like Norrell Service Experts will ensure the problem is taken care of quickly and correctly.

2. Furnace is Too Hot

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

3. Thermostat Isn’t Working Right

Your thermostat commands your furnace when it is time to heat your house. When it’s not working normally, your furnace will require more energy to keep your residence warm. This can be a battery or electrical problem, depending on what model of thermostat you use. We recommend referring to your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for required troubleshooting instructions. If you still can’t get yours working, get in touch with our Experts at 205-267-0023. We’ll uncover the issue 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 done every year, because it can help reduce breakdowns, increase your furnace’s energy efficiency and can even make it survive longer.

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

Inevitably, your furnace cannot work like it should regardless of attempts to repair or maintain it. When the time comes, consider Norrell Service Experts and our top-notch furnace replacement in Birmingham. We partner with some of the top furnace brands, such as Lennox®, to offer you affordable, energy-efficient heating equipment.

When you’re contemplating replacing your furnace, consider enrolling in our Advantage Program™. Getting a new furnace can cost you 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 beneficial 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 receive discounts, no last-minute charges and several other benefits.

Don’t worry about interruptions to your comfort for a minute longer. Give Norrell Service Experts a call at 205-267-0023 to schedule 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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