As the temperatures drop, the idea of no heat is a chilling thought. A simple furnace malfunction is one thing—a furnace not igniting burners is another. To help you maintain a safe living space throughout the cold months, we have created an outline of the most common reasons a furnace may stop igniting and ways to respond to the issue.
Top Causes of Furnace Ignition Issues
There are a variety of reasons as to why a furnace can exhibit ignition issues. Considering furnaces contain a series of internal components and are connected to other home systems, ignition issues can stem from numerous directions.
Before we go in-depth into each cause, it is important to call an emergency plumber if you smell gas in your house.
Now, here are the top causes of furnace ignition issues:
1. Gas Line Issues
Furnace not igniting burners? One of the most common reasons behind this issue is a blocked or clogged gas line. When the gas line is blocked or clogged, the furnace is unable to draw the natural gas needed to start and provide heating. The best solution for this problem is resorting to professional help. A certified heating expert can determine if any obstructions are causing the issue.
2. Defective Thermostat
Another potential culprit might not even be the furnace, but the thermostat. A faulty thermostat can have issues communicating with the furnace, leading to incorrect heating or no heat at all. Have a technician inspect the thermostat and, if it’s indeed defective, replace it to restore heating.
3. Clogged Furnace Filter
A dirty and clogged air filter can lead to several furnace problems, including ignition. Over time, the air filter becomes clogged due to the buildup of dirt and dust. The best method to prevent this is by changing the filter around every 90 days. This way, the furnace can work efficiently and supply sufficient heating.
4. Malfunctioning Igniter or Pilot Light
Has your furnace suddenly stopped igniting? It could be a failed igniter or the pilot light has gone out. You’ll need to determine which one isn’t working. If you hear a clicking noise but the furnace burners are not lighting, the problem most likely is related to the igniter. If the furnace runs for a couple of minutes and then shuts off, the pilot light may need replacement. Either way, this issue calls for professional assistance.
Read More: Top Reasons Your Furnace is Making Rattling Noises
5. Dirty Gas Burners
Gas burners collect dirt and debris over time, limiting even burning at the proper height. This causes the thermostat to adjust to a lower temperature, forcing the heating system to work harder and even create a higher amount of carbon monoxide in the system.
If your furnace is not igniting or is heating your house inefficiently, the good news is that dirty gas burners are relatively easy to clean by a professional. A professional can blow compressed air through each one and wipe the outside with a brush or rag. In addition, you can also increase the amount of dusting you do to better keep dirt out of the furnace.
6. Damaged Flame Sensor
A furnace having difficulty staying lit could be the result of a damaged flame sensor. The flame sensor is a key component that is responsible for detecting the presence of the flame. A faulty flame sensor can lead to overheating and burnt parts. You will need professional attention to fix this issue but you can start by cleaning the air vents for your furnace and unplugging the unit.
7. Draft
A strong draft in your basement or attic can also prevent the pilot light from lighting. If high winds are present, the draft can potentially become more problematic. The pilot may also fail to light if your furnace has a broken or malfunctioning draft motor. Draft motors rely on drawing air from a chimney or vent and if there is a blockage preventing incoming air, the igniter won’t light and you might hear a faint humming.
Enlist the help from a heating expert if your furnace is not igniting. A professional will be able to accurately diagnose the issue and provide you with the necessary solution.
8. Loose or Damaged Electrical Components
For operation, furnaces depend on multiple electrical connections and components. A furnace not igniting the burners could be related to loose or damaged electrical components and connections. A licensed technician can inspect your unit for any loose connections or signs of damage. If there is damage, a professional will safely tighten or fix the electrical connections.
9. Tripped Circuit Breaker
Your furnace will fail to start if there is no power being relayed to it, making a tripped circuit breaker another possibility. Locate your circuit breaker and see if it’s been tripped. If it has, reset it and see if the furnace starts again.
10. High-Limit Switch Activation
The furnace will fail to turn on if its high-limit switch is activated—the feature that will turn off the furnace if it overheats. The high-limit switch is commonly activated when there is restricted airflow. Check the vents and ductwork for obstructions.
Read More: Helpful Tips for Cleaning the Sump Pump in Your Basement
11. Control Board Problems
Another electrical-based issue that can prevent the furnace from igniting is the control board. This board controls various functions and when its components experience issues, ignition can fail to start. Since this is an electrical issue, turn to the help of a professional.
12. Clogged Exhaust Vents
Furnaces come with exhaust vents to expel harmful gases and when the vent is blocked, ignition can fail to start. A certified professional can inspect the vent for obstructions like birds nests, debris, or ice and clear them.
5-Star Furnace Repair and Replacement Services
If there are blinking lights on your furnace or it is not lighting, contact AccuTemp for furnace repair services in New Orleans and other surrounding areas. Our specialists provide 5-star heating services for local homeowners.
Finding your furnace not igniting its burners can cause quite the panic when temperatures are at their lowest. If this is a problem for your home in New Orleans or Baton Rouge, Louisiana, turn to the team of HVAC contractors at AccuTemp. Contact us today at (225) 244-8826 for furnace repair and replacement services you can rely on to provide the heating your home needs.
Does your home utilize a different type of system for heating? Fortunately, our team also provides reputable heat pump installation and geothermal HVAC system repair services for houses in your local area. The skilled team of experts at AccuTemp can help with the services you may need.
There are several noises homeowners hear when their furnace is in operation. A pop or click when turned on and a dull hum when turned off are completely normal. However, what happens when you hear more intense noises? If your furnace is making odd noises, there is a possibility something is wrong.
We understand the level of panic a noisy furnace can cause. These loud and unpleasant noises coming from your furnace could be the result of many factors or causes. Let’s break down the potential reasons for these furnace noises and what you can do about them. This will allow you to put these annoying noises behind you and enjoy an efficient furnace once again.
Common Causes of Strange Furnace Sounds
Hearing strange noises from your furnace is understandably frustrating. You’re also probably wondering why your furnace is making sounds in the first place. Let’s look over some of the common causes of a noisy furnace or heat pump.
1. Damaged Blower Motor
One of the likely causes behind a noisy furnace is a bad blower motor. The blower motor is responsible for pushing warm air out of the furnace and into the air ducts. Since the blower motor has several parts for operation, proper upkeep becomes even more important. A blower motor’s bearings can overheat, experience wear and tear, and simply age out.
What does a bad blower motor sound like? A damaged blower motor can emit several sounds like a high-pitched squeal, rattling, screeching, or even a whistling sound.
2. Dirty Gas Burners
If your furnace’s gas burners become too dirty, they can delay the system’s ignition for gas buildup within the combustion chamber. This occurrence leads to an alarming bang or explosion sound soon after ignition. The best way to prevent this from happening is to make scheduled inspections and cleanings a staple for your furnace.
3. Cracked Heat Exchanger
Another reason your furnace is making noise could be the result of a cracked heat exchanger. Heat exchangers are a thin metal shield between the blower and combustion chamber that prevents gas and combustion fumes from escaping.
While a loose component or panel in the furnace can lead to rattling noises, the persistence of this particular sound could be a sign of a cracked heat exchanger. A cracked heat exchanger should be addressed immediately to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
4. Loose Parts
A furnace system has a plethora of moving parts, components, and panels. Did your furnace start making strange noises when you turned it on at the beginning of the winter season? Loud ratting noises can be caused by loose parts in your heating system.
For a properly functioning furnace, all connections and parts must be tightened accordingly. Routine heating maintenance and system checkups allow technicians to tighten components and lubricate moving parts, preventing further issues.
5. Defective Ignition System
A furnace’s ignition system is responsible for creating the combustion needed for producing heat. When the ignition system becomes defective due to a broken sensor, faulty pilot light, or a malfunctioning ignition board, it’s common to hear a clicking sound if it fails to light.
If you notice this clicking sound, make sure to contact AccuTemp immediately so our technicians can fix the issue and get your furnace up and running again.
6. Loose Fan Belt
If your furnace has a belt-driven motor it’s possible that it can become loose and create squealing or screeching noises over time. When this happens, an HVAC technician will have to either adjust the belt or replace it with a new one.
Additionally, other components like shaft bearings can also produce the same noise. This is the result of loose components coming into contact with each other, which can also lead to bigger issues if left unaddressed. Whether it’s a thrown-off fan belt or loose shaft bearing, reach out to an HVAC expert to resolve the issue with precision.
Read More: Top Reasons Your Furnace is Not Igniting Correctly
7. Malfunctioning Blower Wheel
Even as a contributing component of the blower motor, an issue with the blower wheel creates a much different sound. If a blower wheel were to come loose, it would cast a large clanking sound as it comes into contact with the blower house casing. If you hear this noise, turn off the furnace to prevent future damages and contact an HVAC official to determine if repairs or heating replacement is the necessary route.
8. Electrical Issues
Maybe you’ve noticed a buzzing or humming noise. A dull hum from your furnace is normal, but if these sounds are especially loud, there could be an electrical issue within the furnace.
Various electrical issues within a furnace that could lead to these noises include:
- Old blower motor
- Faulty inducer motor
- Malfunctioning transformer
- Failing blower motor capacitor
Different Types of Furnace Noises and Issues
Let’s look at the different types of furnace noises and issues and directly pair them with each other. This will give you a better understanding of which type of noise is probably linked with a certain issue.
Scraping Noises
The presence of scraping noises most likely is related to the blower wheel. When the blower wheel is broken it can emit this sound, or when it’s loose it can grind up against the furnace’s other components.
Squealing Noises
Squealing noises are either the cause of issues with the blower motor bearings or the furnace’s belt. This type of noise can most likely be fixed with the tightening and lubrication of the blower motor bearings and an adjustment or replacement of the belt.
Whistling Noises
Whistling noises are also related to the blower motor. A high-pitched whistling sound can develop due to airflow issues with the blower motor and can be fixed by cleaning or replacing the air filter.
Banging Sounds
Banging sounds can be the result of:
- Ductwork issues
- Dirty gas burners
- Delayed ignition
- Cracked heat exchanger
Rattling Noises
If you’re hearing rattling noises, it’s commonly related to a loose panel. Panels, doors, and parts can all become loose over time and can be addressed properly with routine maintenance.
Read More: How to Clean a Sump Pump Correctly to Prevent Water Damage
Buzzing Sounds
Buzzing or humming sounds within the furnace are commonly associated with electrical issues. Electrical issues with the fan or motor in your furnace are known to emit these noises and should be addressed by a professional.
Clicking Noises
In the event of clicking noises, the furnace is probably failing to complete its ignition process. Ignition issues can be linked to dirty gas burners, a damaged flame sensor, or a faulty ignition board or valve.
Professional Furnace Repair and Replacement Services
If your furnace is experiencing any of these noises, it’s important to reach out to local HVAC professionals as soon as possible. Our team offers exceptional furnace repair services in New Orleans, Louisiana and will work with you to keep your house warm throughout the cold months.
We also offer a variety of other types of 5-star heating services such as geothermal system installation, heat pump repair, zone control system maintenance, gas line repair, and ductless system maintenance. Give our technicians a call at (225) 244-8826 to receive support with a malfunctioning furnace in your home.
