Fixing a Furnace That Wont Stay Lit

A faulty furnace is a hassle to handle. There are multiple reasons this may happen, but one of the most likely is an issue with the burners or relevant components.

Newer furnaces don’t use pilot lights to keep the furnace going. Instead, they work via electronic ignition. If this ignition fails, the burners won’t work like they should.

When your gas furnace is performing normally, here’s how it should operate:

  • The thermostat directs your furnace to turn on.
  • Your furnace’s draft inducer fan starts to bring 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 directs your furnace that the pilot has been ignited.
  • The gas valve moves gas to the central burners, which are lit by the pilot light.
  • Your furnace then sends warm air into your house via ductwork.

If something goes wrong during this procedure, your furnace will shut down for safety reasons. Or it might deactivate a few minutes into heating because it’s too warm.

A number of of these problems can be handled on their own, but others need professional assistance. When you are looking for the best furnace repair in Long Island, reach out to our heat Experts at 631-406-9220. We repair all brands and our work is backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.*

Here are a number of the typical reasons why your heating 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 malfunctioning, it could work erratically or not at all. Even if the sensor is functioning normally, poor positioning leaves it unable to sense the flame at all. While you can try troubleshooting and cleaning this sensor right away, trusting a professional like Matz-Rightway will guarantee the problem is fixed quickly and correctly.

2. Furnace is Too Warm

Your furnace has built-in safety procedures that force a shutdown if it gets dangerously hot. One of the most common causes is a clogged filter. We suggest checking your air filter monthly. If you can’t see light through it, change it.

3. Thermostat is Malfunctioning

Your thermostat informs your furnace when it should heat your residence. When it’s not functioning normally, your furnace will have trouble keeping your house warm. This can be a battery or electrical malfunction, depending on what kind of thermostat you own. We recommend opening your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for relevant troubleshooting info. If you still can’t get yours working, reach out to our Experts at 631-406-9220. We’ll identify the issue promptly and can replace your thermostat, if that is required.

Several of these issues, like a dirty flame sensor or an overheated furnace, are due to a lack of routine furnace maintenance. It’s crucial to have this service done annually, because it could help prevent breakdowns, increase your furnace’s energy efficiency and might even make it last longer.

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

With enough time, your furnace can’t work like it used to despite attempts to repair or maintain it. When the time comes, reach out to Matz-Rightway and our excellent furnace replacement in Long Island. We offer some of the number one furnace brands, like Lennox®, to offer you affordable, energy-efficient heating options.

When you’re looking into replacing your furnace, consider signing up for our Advantage Program™. Buying a new 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 beneficial rebates.

What’s even better is that Advantage members don’t pay a dime for repairs** or maintenance. If disaster strikes, you’re protected with 24/7 priority service. You’ll also receive discounts, no last-minute charges and lots of other benefits.

Don’t fret about interruptions to your comfort for a minute longer. Give Matz-Rightway a call at 631-406-9220 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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