How to Repair a Furnace That Wont Stay Lit

A faulty furnace is a hassle to put up with. There are several reasons this might happen, but one of the most frequent is an issue with the burners or related parts.

Newer models don’t require pilot lights to keep the furnace going. Instead, they utilize electronic ignition. If this ignition stops working correctly, the burners won’t perform like they should.

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

  • The thermostat directs your furnace to activate.
  • Your furnace’s draft inducer fan turns on to draw fresh air through your furnace.
  • The gas valve opens to move gas into the pilot burner.
  • An electronic spark starts the pilot light.
  • The flame sensor tells your furnace that the pilot is burning.
  • The gas valve sends gas to the principal burners, which are lit by the pilot light.
  • Your furnace then moves warm air throughout your home via ductwork.

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

Some of these malfunctions can be fixed on their own, but others are best handled by professional assistance. When you want the fastest furnace repair in Memphis, reach out to our heating Experts at 901-235-1196. We work with all brands and our services are supported 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 moving forward.

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 faulty, 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 at all. While you can start troubleshooting and cleaning this sensor right away, hiring a pro like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning will guarantee the problem is resolved swiftly and correctly.

2. Overheated Furnace

Your furnace utilizes built-in safety functions that force a shutdown if it gets especially hot. One of the most frequent causes is a dirty filter. We suggest inspecting your air filter every month. If you can’t see light through it, change it.

3. Thermostat is Malfunctioning

Your thermostat commands your furnace when it should heat your residence. When it’s not operating correctly, your furnace will require more energy to keep your house warm. This can be a battery or electrical problem, depending on what model of thermostat you have. We encourage reviewing your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for needed troubleshooting information. If you still can’t get yours working, contact our Experts at 901-235-1196. We’ll identify the problem promptly and can replace your thermostat, if needed.

Several of these issues, such as a dirty flame sensor or an overheated furnace, are caused by a lack of proper furnace maintenance. It’s important to have this service done once a year, because it might help stop breakdowns, enhance your furnace’s energy efficiency and may even make it survive longer.

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

Sooner or later, your furnace can’t work like it’s supposed to in spite of attempts to repair or maintain it. When the time comes, consider Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning and our professional furnace replacement in Memphis. We offer some of the number one furnace brands, like Lennox®, to offer you affordable, energy-efficient heating systems.

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 be given a new furnace for just one low monthly fee. There’s no down payment or installation expenses, and you get to hold on to any valuable 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 sneaky charges and many other benefits.

Don’t struggle with interruptions to your comfort for a second longer. Give Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning a call at 901-235-1196 to schedule an appointment now. 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.

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