Fixing a Furnace That Wont Stay Lit

A broken furnace is frustrating to handle. There are lots of reasons this might happen, but one of the most likely is an issue with the burners or related parts.

Newer systems don’t require pilot lights to keep the furnace ignited. Instead, they use electronic ignition. If this ignition malfunctions, the burners won’t perform like they are supposed to.

When your gas furnace is functioning properly, here’s how it should operate:

  • The thermostat informs your furnace to run.
  • Your furnace’s draft inducer fan starts to pull fresh air toward your furnace.
  • The gas valve opens to move gas into the pilot burner.
  • An electronic spark ignites the pilot light.
  • The flame sensor informs your furnace that the pilot has been lit.
  • The gas valve moves gas to the main burners, which are lit by the pilot light.
  • Your furnace then provides warm air throughout your residence via ductwork.

If something breaks down during this process, your furnace will deactivate for safety concerns. Or it might turn off a few minutes into heating because it’s too warm.

Some of these problems can be repaired on their own, but others are best handled by professional assistance. When you need the finest furnace repair in San Antonio, reach out to our furnace Experts at 210-404-4233. We service all brands and our work is ensured by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.*

Here are some of the most common reasons why your heating isn’t staying lit and what to do moving forward.

1. Dirty Flame Sensor

Your furnace’s flame sensor is a safety system that notifies 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 running normally, incorrect positioning leaves it unable to recognize the flame to begin with. While you may try troubleshooting and cleaning this sensor by yourself, trusting a professional like Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air will make sure the problem is taken care of quickly and correctly.

2. Furnace is Too Hot

Your furnace contains built-in safety procedures that deactivates your furnace if it gets too hot. One of the most frequent causes is a filthy filter. We encourage inspecting your air filter every month. If you can’t see light through it, change it.

3. Thermostat Malfunction

Your thermostat informs your furnace when it is time to heat your home. When it’s not working as it’s supposed to, your furnace will have trouble keeping your residence warm. This can be a battery or electrical issue, depending on what model of thermostat you have. We recommend reviewing your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for useful troubleshooting information. If you still can’t get yours working, call our Experts at 210-404-4233. We’ll uncover the cause swiftly and can replace your thermostat, if that is required.

Several of these issues, including a dirty flame sensor or an overheated furnace, are a result of a lack of consistent furnace maintenance. It’s crucial to have this service performed once a year, because it could help minimize breakdowns, improve your furnace’s energy efficiency and can even make it live longer.

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

With enough time, your furnace can’t work like it’s supposed to regardless of attempts to repair or maintain it. When the time comes, trust Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air and our top-notch furnace replacement in San Antonio. We work with some of the best furnace brands, such as Lennox®, to offer you affordable, energy-efficient heating options.

When you’re thinking about 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 get a new furnace for just one small monthly fee. There’s no down payment or installation expenses, 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 disaster hits, you’re protected with 24/7 priority service. You’ll also obtain discounts, no last-minute charges and lots of other benefits.

Don’t put up with interruptions to your comfort for a moment longer. Give Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air a call at 210-404-4233 to request an appointment right away. 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.