Fixing a Furnace That Wont Stay Lit

A faulty furnace is a hassle to deal with. There are lots of reasons this can happen, but one of the most likely is a problem with the burners or related components.

Newer furnaces don’t require pilot lights to keep the furnace lit. Instead, they utilize electronic ignition. If this ignition stops working correctly, the burners will not perform like they are supposed to.

When your gas furnace is running correctly, here’s how it should work:

  • The thermostat directs your furnace to run.
  • Your furnace’s draft inducer fan turns on to pull fresh air into your furnace.
  • The gas valve opens to direct gas into the pilot burner.
  • An electronic spark lights the pilot light.
  • The flame sensor tells your furnace that the pilot is burning.
  • The gas valve directs gas to the primary burners, which are lit by the pilot light.
  • Your furnace then distributes warm air across your home via ductwork.

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

Several of these problems can be repaired on their own, but others need professional servicing. When you want the top furnace repair in Kansas City, call our furnace Experts at 816-787-0500. We work with all brands and our work is ensured by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.*

Here are several of the main reasons why your heating isn’t staying lit and what to do about it.

1. Faulty 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 malfunctioning, it may work intermittently or not at all. Even if the sensor is operating like it should, poor positioning leaves it unable to sense the flame entirely. While you could attempt troubleshooting and cleaning this sensor by yourself, hiring a professional like Neal Harris Service Experts will ensure the problem is resolved promptly and correctly.

2. Furnace is Too Hot

Your furnace contains built-in safety features that force a shutdown if it gets dangerously hot. One of the most frequent causes is a dirty filter. We encourage checking your air filter every month. If you can’t see light through it, change it.

3. Thermostat Isn’t Working Right

Your thermostat commands your furnace when it is time to heat your home. When it’s not functioning as it’s supposed to, your furnace will struggle to keep your residence warm. This can be a battery or electrical issue, depending on what kind of thermostat you own. We suggest referring to your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for required troubleshooting instructions. If you still can’t get yours working, reach out to our Experts at 816-787-0500. We’ll identify the cause right away and can replace your thermostat, if needed.

Some of these issues, like a dirty flame sensor or an overheated furnace, are due to a lack of consistent furnace maintenance. It’s extremely helpful to have this service performed yearly, because it might help minimize breakdowns, boost your furnace’s energy efficiency and could even make it survive longer.

We Have You In Good Hands When It’s Time for Furnace Replacement

Sooner or later, your furnace won’t work like it used to despite attempts to repair or maintain it. When the time comes, call Neal Harris Service Experts and our professional furnace replacement in Kansas City. We partner with some of the top furnace brands, such as Lennox®, to offer you affordable, energy-efficient heating options.

When you’re looking into replacing your furnace, consider enrolling in our Advantage Program™. Replacing a furnace can be thousands of dollars out of pocket. As an Advantage member, you’ll receive a new furnace for just one small monthly fee. There’s no down payment or installation charges, and you get to keep any valuable 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 second longer. Give Neal Harris Service Experts a call at 816-787-0500 to arrange an appointment right away. Whether you are looking for 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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