Troubleshooting Furnace Ignition Problems in your Cincinnati Home

by Greg Leisgang on February 27, 2014

Posted in: Furnaces

furnace ignitionOne of the most common calls an HVAC professional receives is that the furnace won’t ignite. If this is the case in your Cincinnati home, use this guide to see if you can identify the issue at hand and, try to get your heating online again so you may save a service call.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • First, make sure the thermostat is in heating mode. If you are using a new thermostat recently installed, there could be a compatibility or installation issue.
  • If the thermostat displays an error code, check the furnace and thermostat manuals to determine what it means, and if there is an easy fix.
  • While your furnace burns fuel to produce heat, it also uses electricity for the blower motor and electronics. Check the circuit box for a tripped breaker.
  • The dial located where the gas line enters the ignition should be in the “open” position.
  • If your system has a standing pilot light that won’t light, the issue may be with a safety interlock that is preventing ignition. Turn off the gas valve and call your HVAC pro.
  • Electronic ignition systems, such as a hot-surface igniter, are typically used on newer systems. Hot-surface igniters last between 3 to 5 years. This could be a do-it-yourself task, if you feel comfortable working around furnace components, so it’s a good idea to keep a spare hot-surface igniter on hand.
  • Furnaces with 90 AFUE or higher often use sidewall venting. Special measures are required to ensure free airflow to and from the intake and exhaust pipes. If airflow or gas venting is restricted, the system will automatically turn off. Check for blockages, such as snow, ice and debris, which may be blocking the pipes.
  • Check the exhaust pipe for sagging. If condensate accumulates inside the piping, it may also trigger a safety shut-off. Any obstruction to free air intake and exhaust must be remedied before the system will restart. 

If you have any questions regarding furnace issues, or other HVAC problems in your Cincinnati home, please contact us at JonLe Heating & Cooling for immediate and friendly assistance.

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