8 Tips on Troubleshooting Gas Furnace With Electronic Ignition

Need help troubleshooting your broken furnace? Call Gladiator Services at (201) 903-9784.

The last problem anyone wants to deal with during the wintertime is a broken gas furnace. With a bit of know-how from furnace experts, troubleshooting a gas furnace with electronic ignition is doable.

The expert team at Gladiator Services is here to break furnace issues down and provide a wide range of practical solutions. After trying these eight troubleshooting tips, call Gladiator Services for professional furnace maintenance in Hillsdale, NJ.

Determining the Issue

There are many reasons why your gas furnace may not be heating your home effectively. Some common issues include:

• The ignitor is not sparking
• The draft motor failed
• The pressure switch isn't closing
• The blower wheel is faulty

Once you understand why your gas furnace isn't working, you can take steps to troubleshoot it and hopefully fix it before your home gets too uncomfortably cold.

8 Tips to Troubleshoot a Gas Furnace

Here are some easy ways to go about troubleshooting your gas furnace with electronic ignition:

1. Change the Filter

If your gas furnace's filter is dusty, it won't function properly. Therefore, it's vital to change the dirty filter up to four times a year. Switching out the filter is easy and can significantly improve how well your gas furnace operates. Additionally, keeping up with routine maintenance can prevent problems from arising in the future.

2. Replace the Ignition System or Pilot Lights

Is your gas furnace not igniting seemingly out of the blue? If so, your electronic ignition system may have failed, or the pilot lights have gone out. How do you determine which part is to blame?

If your furnace makes a clicking noise and then trips its circuit breaker, that's a sign the electronic ignition system needs replacing. If your furnace ignites but shuts off soon after, you most likely need a new pilot light.

If you have any questions, a qualified HVAC technician should be able to walk you through each part and replace them if necessary.

3. Replace the Safety Switch

The furnace safety switch is essential to preventing catastrophe, but sometimes it can trip. Limit switches are a type of safety switch in many gas furnaces. Various issues, like faulty pilot lights and dirty filters, can cause these switches to open. Either the part needs replacing or other problems need troubleshooting to prevent the safety switch from opening.

4. Check for Drafts and Blockages

A strong draft in your basement or attic can prevent your pilot light from igniting. A faulty draft motor can also wreak havoc on your gas furnace, as it also won't allow your furnace to ignite. If your draft motor is old, it may just need replacing. If you hear a muffled sound, there may be a blockage that you or a qualified technician can remove. 

5. Clean the Flame Sensor

Does the main burner of your gas furnace ignite but then extinguish itself soon after? This happens when there is a flame, but the flame sensor doesn't recognize it. You can lightly sand the flame sensor to remove buildup. If that doesn't work, call a furnace maintenance company to replace the flame sensor altogether. 

6. Tidy Up Grimy Gas Burners

Like with most appliances, dirt can accumulate on and in your furnace and cause significant damage over time. A dirty gas furnace won't burn evenly. Fortunately, this is an easy problem to troubleshoot.

Blow compressed air through each burner and wipe them down with a towel. To prevent this issue from arising again, dust your home regularly. Preventive maintenance is key to keeping your furnace functioning at its best.

7. Check Your Thermostat

Does your gas furnace turn on but won't produce any heat? This could be an issue with your thermostat. Check your thermostat's batteries, then call a certified technician to see if something is disrupting the airflow. The thermostat may need adjusting or replacing.

8. Review Your Gas Line

Unfortunately, gas line issues aren't uncommon and can negatively impact your gas furnace and any other gas appliances in your home. A blocked or undersized gas line means your furnace can't get the fuel it needs to operate. You can confirm this with a gas pressure gauge.

If this turns out to be the issue, working with a qualified HVAC technician is your best bet. They'll be able to inspect your home's gas line and help you find high-quality alternatives if necessary. 

Troubleshooting a gas furnace with electronic ignition may seem daunting, but you don't have to do it all yourself. Gladiator Services is here to help you find the best solutions for your specific needs.

Count on Gladiator Services for All Your Heating Needs

Gladiator Services proudly serves homeowners in Hillsdale and surrounding areas. As a local company, Gladiator Services understands how brutal New Jersey winters can be. That's why keeping your gas furnace in its best condition all year round is vital. The highly trained and experienced technicians at Gladiator Services can help you maintain your gas furnace throughout the seasons, giving you the tips and tricks you need to troubleshoot any issues along the way. 

If your gas furnace needs repairing, you can count on Gladiator Services to complete the job. The team at Gladiator Services can perform a full inspection and identify any areas of your system that need updating.

Contact Gladiator Services Today

If you want to learn more about troubleshooting a gas furnace with electronic ignition, turn to the HVAC experts at Gladiator Services. For additional peace of mind, Gladiator Services provides a five-year labor warranty for all equipment and installations. Plus, all technicians are highly trained and licensed. You have nothing to lose and only a warm, cozy home to gain when you work with the professional team at Gladiator Services.

If you need assistance buying a new furnace, Gladiator Services will be happy to help every step of the way, as high-quality customer service is always our top goal. 

When it comes to troubleshooting gas furnaces with electronic ignition, no one does it better than Gladiator Services. Call (201) 903-9784 to schedule service.