3 Reasons Why Your Furnace Isn’t Staying Lit and How to Solve It

A damaged furnace is exhausting to deal with. There are many reasons this may happen, but one of the most frequent is something wrong with the burners or associated systems. 

Newer systems don’t use pilot lights to keep the furnace going. Instead, they utilize electronic ignition. If this ignition is damaged, the burners will not function like they should. 

When your gas furnace is running properly, here’s how it should run: 

  • The thermostat informs your furnace to run. 
  • Your furnace’s draft inducer fan turns on to draw fresh air toward your furnace. 
  • The gas valve opens to send gas into the pilot burner. 
  • An electronic spark lights the pilot light. 
  • The flame sensor tells your furnace that the pilot has been ignited. 
  • The gas valve moves gas to the primary burners, which are lit by the pilot light. 
  • Your furnace then transports warm air across your house via ductwork. 

If something fails during this sequence, your furnace will shut down for safety concerns. Or it might stop a few minutes into heating because it’s too warm. 

A number of of these problems can be resolved on their own, but others require professional servicing. When you need the top furnace repair in San Antonio, contact our heat Experts at 210-404-4233. We service all brands and our services are backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* 

Here are a few of the main reasons why your heater isn’t staying lit and what to do to fix it. 

1. Malfunctioning Flame Sensor 

Your furnace’s flame sensor is a safety component that informs your furnace when gas is ignited. If the sensor is dirty or damaged, it could work inconsistently or not at all. Even if the sensor is functioning as normal, incorrect positioning leaves it unable to recognize the flame entirely. While you may attempt troubleshooting and cleaning this sensor by yourself, hiring an expert like Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air will guarantee the problem is resolved quickly and correctly. 

2. Furnace is Too Hot 

Your furnace uses built-in safety functions that shut it off if it gets dangerously hot. One of the most frequent causes is a clogged filter. We suggest evaluating your air filter each month. If you can’t see light through it, change it. 

3. Thermostat is Malfunctioning 

Your thermostat directs your furnace when it is time to heat your house. When it’s not functioning like it should, your furnace will struggle to keep your house warm. This can be a battery or electrical issue, depending on what model of thermostat you own. We suggest checking your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for necessary troubleshooting information. If you still can’t get yours working, contact our Experts at 210-404-4233. We’ll identify 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 caused by a lack of routine furnace maintenance. It’s crucial to have this service completed yearly, because it might help minimize breakdowns, enhance your furnace’s energy efficiency and might even make it survive longer. 

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

With enough time, your furnace cannot work like it’s supposed to despite attempts to repair or maintain it. When the time comes, call Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air and our excellent furnace replacement in San Antonio. We partner with some of the number one furnace brands, like Lennox®, to offer you affordable, energy-efficient heating equipment. 

When you’re thinking about replacing your furnace, consider signing up for our Advantage Program™. Getting a new furnace can run thousands of dollars out of pocket. As an Advantage member, you’ll receive a new furnace for just one low monthly fee. There’s no down payment or installation costs, and you get to pocket 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 guaranteed a fast response 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 moment longer. Give Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air a call at 210-404-4233 to request an appointment now. Whether you need 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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