Why Isn’t My Furnace in Woodbridge, VA, Igniting?

One of the most chilling things that can happen to your in Woodbridge, VA, home in the middle of winter is a furnace that won’t ignite. Several reasons can prevent it from keeping you warm. We’ll help you determine what may have prevented your furnace from igniting and what you can do about it.

Dirty Filters and Burners

When a clogged filter prevents air from moving through your furnace, the system will shut down for safety reasons. Similarly, dirty burners cause incomplete combustion that produces carbon monoxide, which also causes the furnace to shut down. Change your air filters regularly and schedule preventive maintenance to avoid these issues.

The Gas Supply

A clogged gas line can prevent enough fuel from reaching your furnace. Tree branches or roots near where the line enters your home can bend the line, causing a clog. Try to have at least 6 inches of clearance around your gas line to prevent blockages.

Malfunctioning Thermostat

Check if the thermostat is set high enough for heating to begin. If you have a glitch, try moving the controls from Automatic to Heat and On. If problems continue to occur, you may need a new thermostat, so call our service technicians for a repair or replacement.

Broken Igniter

Over time, the furnace igniter will lose effectiveness and eventually fail to start. If your furnace makes a clicking noise and attempts to start, you likely have a faulty igniter. A qualified HVAC service technician must replace this component.

Tripped Circuit Breaker

Check your circuit breaker panel, and note whether the circuit controlling your furnace is in the On position. If not, flip it back to the On position and see if your furnace starts. If the circuit keeps tripping, you may have an underlying problem.

If you believe your furnace has problems igniting, call Brennan’s Heating & Air Conditioning for heating service. Our team will gladly schedule an appointment and fix your furnace effectively.

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