How to Solve Common Furnace Ignition Problems in Dickson, TN

Many Tennessee homeowners encounter issues when trying to turn on their furnaces for the first time after summer. In most cases, dust buildup or other malfunctions prevent the pilot light from staying lit. As the problem worsens, you may not be able to ignite the pilot light at all. 

If you’re dealing with furnace ignition problems in Dickson, TN, try these troubleshooting tips and schedule an inspection with David Brown Heating & Cooling, LLC.

Check Your Thermostat

There’s often a simple solution to furnace ignition issues. Start by making a visual inspection of your thermostat. Make sure it’s set to “heat” and the switch is in the “auto” position. If these settings are correct, you may need a David Brown Heating & Cooling technician to check the connections and sensors.

Open the Gas Valve

If your pilot light won’t ignite at all, inspect the gas valve that controls the flow of fuel to the furnace. In spring, a frequent safety practice is to turn the valve to the off position. It’s not uncommon to forget to turn the gas valve back on in the fall when preparing the furnace for its first use.

Inspect the Thermocouple

Every furnace uses a thermocouple to control the flow of gas to the furnace. When the unit senses heat, it opens the flow of gas. If there isn’t a heat source (pilot light), the thermocouple stops the flow of gas to prevent leaks. Your technician can determine whether the thermocouple is malfunctioning.

Preventing Common Ignition Issues

You can take certain steps to prevent these common ignition problems as the colder months approach. For instance, before using your furnace for the first time, adjust the thermostat setting by a few degrees to force a heating cycle to start. If the cycle doesn’t start right away, you may need a technician to recalibrate your thermostat.

Additionally, throughout the spring and summer, visually inspect your furnace. Listen for hissing sounds or pay attention to a rotten egg odor. If you notice any of these conditions, report a suspected gas leak to your technician.

It’s also a good idea to dust off the sensor on the thermocouple every six months. This should be sufficient to prevent dust from blocking the sensor.

Solve Your Furnace Ignition Problems in Dickson, TN, Today

David Brown Heating & Cooling, LLC provides a full range of furnace maintenance and repairs. We can help when you’re having trouble keeping your furnace working or experiencing any heating issues at all. Let us fix your furnace malfunction before it worsens — contact us to schedule repairs today.